SMJ 2002 was the hottest 'Jam' we've seen yet. With temperatures just under 100 degrees the shady Xwest canopies were a popular place to hang out during the break between the competition categories.

Sand Master Jam is held each year on the second weekend in April, purposely to avoid the blazing desert heat of Southern California's Mojave Desert. Although the heat found us at Dumont Dunes this year it didn't slow the action one bit. This years competition was hotter in more ways than one, however. With 27 participants the Jam was active with many new and veteran sandboard pilots . Last years champions, Josh Tenge, Jeremy Tutarow and Jennifer Burns were on hand to show a record crowd why they own a Sand Master Jam title. And while Tutarow and Burns claimed their second SMJ title in a row Josh Tenge fell just short of his 4th SMJ title with a very close loss to 2000 NSL Pro Champion, Alex King.

2002 saw the return of Tyler Kent who shook up the circuit in '99 and 2000. While Kent was on the mark the level of competition had raised another notch making the category titles, as well as the championship, just a little harder to reach. Still, Kent is a relentless competitor who's side line antics make the events even more fun.

Payaso SLO town's, Tim Oates, was also competing this year running fast and flying big as usual. Oates is always a crowd pleaser with his unique and aggressive style. Melinda Burns is another favorite gracefully gliding over the hot sand with smooth turns and style. We just can't get enough of them!

Venomous team pilot, Alex King, grabbed his first Sand Master Jam championship title taking a first place in the 'Duel Slalom' with a fast 12.79 second run, first place in 'Big Air' with an 8.0 360 grab and a second place in 'Drags' with a 7.41 second run. Alex is consistently improving his skills and most insiders expect him to claim yet another NSL champion title for 2002. King's 'Soul Mate' Cassie Butcher, SMJ Women's Champ 2001, finished this competition with a respectable second place and a smile on her face.

SMJ 2002 saw some hot new talent as well. California's, Brach Smith, Sam McKenna, Maupin brothers Nick, Ryan and Travis plus an incredible, John Thorpe, came out and really put their heart into the competition. It was truly a thrill to see so many new pilots carving and jumping with the pros.

Junior Champion, Jeremy Tutarow, shared his second SMJ title with Travis Maupin taking a first place in slalom and big air. This was the best we've seen Tutarow jumping. His method grab was high and long enough to earn him his 5.7 point win. Competition in the Juniors category was close with Maupin tying Tutarow for the overall championship with a second place in slalom, first in drags and second in big air. Smith and McKenna were hot on their heels!

Competitors were glad to see sponsors, Xwest, Sandboard Magazine, Venomous Sandboards and Denali's attending this years event. Sand Sports Magazine, Panoptix, Zardoz and Buff also sponsored and supplied the pilots with plenty of goodies to enhance the sandboarding experience. We are sincerely thankful for all their support as well as the much needed help from all those who lent their time and effort to make this Jam 'Hot'!

All in all, the Sand Master Jam 2002 was a big success and now a piece of sandboard history. All of us who were there saw it, felt it, lived it and are now a part of that history as well. You are invited to join us the second weekend of April each year to see the best of the best in sandboarding.

The Dumont Dunes are located on hwy. 127 to Death Valley. Take interstate 15 to Las Vegas and exit at Baker. The dunes are approximately 30 miles to the north. There is no admission charge for spectators. A $15 entry fees for competitors will get you into all 4 events as well as provide your chair lift to the top. Dumont is a great location to bring your family and friends as all off road vehicles and camping are allowed.