arnette

The RIDE Shakedown Returns for Round 2 at The Summit at Snoqualmie
Pros and Ams alike prepare for the international snowboarding competition that will earn them $35,000 cash purse

Seattle, January 24, 2011 – This March, thousands will flock to the Summit at Snoqualmie, WA, to experience the second annual edition of the RIDE Shakedown, an international snowboarding competition now held in Canada, the U.S. and Germany. Keeping with its unique jump-to-rail jam contest format, both amateur and professional athletes will take to the course in an effort to win their share of the $35,000 purse.

Now a part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour at the 4star level, the jam-style event held in Canada, Germany and the USA is known for its impressive urban rail features and 50-foot jump only unveiled to the athletes the day of the competition. The RIDE Shakedown is the only major snowboarding event that features a big air jump followed by a rail set up, in addition to the popular “jam format” competition that allows riders to choose their judged run.

The RIDE Shakedown draws snowboard fans and athletes alike by way of entertainment and adrenaline. Currently celebrating its 10th season in Canada, the event has attracted upwards of 20,000 spectators annually. Patryck Bernier and Brendan O’Dowd, founders of DIZZLE Entertainment and organizers of the RIDE Shakedown, say it’s quite the show, “it combines the entertainment of a festival with the intensity of a core competition while keeping it laid-back for the athletes. It’s fun for everyone, the audience is involved every step of the way. There’s the sponsor village filled with activities, a pro autograph session, and of course a top-notch snowboarding show –all for free.”

This intensity stems from the opportunity for amateurs to prove themselves and compete against professionals. Sebastien Toutant got his start at the age of 13 by winning the RIDE Shakedown as an amateur. The world-renown rider and two-time winner of the RIDE Shakedown will be competing at the U.S. edition of the RIDE Shakedown alongside many fellow RIDE team riders. In fact, the roster already looks promising. Back for a second edition are international professionals Alex Cantin –hailing from Stoneham QC, and Waterville Valley, NH native Sam Hulbert. Not to be forgotten is Seattle local Austin Hironaka, 2010 RIDE Shakedown Rail Jam winner, returning to defend his title.

Interested amateurs can qualify either at the event or through the TransWorld SNOWboarding TransAm series, which serve as a qualification round for the RIDE Shakedown. The overall TransAm tour champion will earn an automatic qualification in the RIDE Shakedown finals at the Summit at Snoqualmie. For complete details, visit RIDE Shakedown.

EVENT SCHEDULE (free admission)

Friday, March 18th, 2011
10am to 12pm - Registration amateur qualifications
1pm to 3pm - Amateur qualification
3:330pm - Qualifying riders announced
4pm to 5pm - Rail Jam qualifications
5pm to 6:30pm - Course maintenance
6:30pm to 8:30 pm - Rail jam
8:45pm - Awards Ceremony
10pm - RIDE Shakedown After party at Snoqualmie Casino (21 years +, cover charge tbd)

Saturday, March 19th, 2011
11am to 1:30pm - RIDE Shakedown semi-finals
1:45pm to 2:30pm - Snowboarder Mag autograph session with pro riders
3:30pm to 5pm - RIDE Shakedown finals
5:30pm - Awards Ceremony
10pm - RIDE Shakedown After party at Snoqualmie Casino (21 years +, cover charge tbd)