FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Austin Hironaka & Isabelle Lalive Win Big
at RIDE Shakedown Rail Jam

Inaugural RIDE Shakedown U.S.A. Dazzles Crowds and Competitors Alike

Seattle, March 12, 2010 – After a healthy dose of fresh powder at the Snoqualmie Pass last night, the inaugural RIDE Shakedown U.S.A. got underway today at the Summit at Snoqualmie, just 45 minutes from Seattle.  Spectators and boarders alike were ready for a premier international snowboarding competition – and that’s exactly what they got!  On the menu today were amateur men duking it out for a place among the pro's for Saturday's big event, and the race to be the Rail Jam king and queen. 

A total of 24 snowboarders from around the globe took part in the unique competition, where amateurs earn the chance to ‘board against the pros in tomorrow’s semi-final main event - the RIDE Shakedown. In the end, only three riders will have that privilege, and today it was Santiago, Chile’s Manuel Diaz who won top honours, followed by Tanner Davidson (Calgary, Canada), and Colin Clarke (Truckee, U.S.A.).   

Diaz, 27 years old, impressed the judges with his smooth, stylish run, featuring a back side 7 Japan on the jump, and a Frontside 3 nose bonk on the totem pole (rail) - earning him top spot.  Almost ten years Diaz’s junior, Alberta Canada’s Tanner Davidson performed a back side 7 on the jump, 50/50 Frontside 360 out on the down rail for second place.  California’s Colin Clarke grabbed the last available spot, with a cab 1080 tail grab on the jump and 50/50 on the close out rail - scoring him the last spot to glide beside the pros. 

Local ‘Boarder Gets Rail Jam King Crown

The Rail Jam competition this year was packed with skilled ‘boarders; in the initial qualification rounds, 3 guys and 1 gal (amateurs) qualified for the pro rail jam. For the men, it was Stefan Krumm 18 years old (Woodinville, WA), Erik Van Assche 25 years old (Denver, CO) Robbie Walsh, aged 27, (Welches, OR) and the lone gal was Raelynd Tarnove, 20 (Maple Valley, WA). 
             
Yet there can only be one Rail Jam king and queen; this year it was local rider Austin Hironaka of University Place, WA who took the win with an original combination of a 360 Miller flip tailgrab transfer on the totem pole.  The 23 year old’s ride was stylish and had a lot of air, all while being technically superb.  When asked about his big win today, Hironaka said “Today was amazing! It was just a big jam with a bunch of friends. Nothing but big smiles and good boarding and I had a really good time.  I’m on cloud nine right now and I just haven’t gotten off,” he commented.  “I’m stoked that RIDE Shakedown came to the U.S.A. dude!  I’m $5000 richer! I couldn’t be any more stoked!” he enthused.

Isabelle Lalive, age 26 of Breckenridge, Colorado won the women’s competition with an impressive Frontside 50/50 frontside 180 out on the down rail.  Judges were impressed with her ride - for her efforts she get the women’s purse of $3,000.

Can't make it to the Summit?  No problem – FUEL.tv is looking after you with a live webcast of the RIDE Shakedown from Summit at Snoqualmie on FUEL.tv. March 13, 2010 - starting at 2 p.m til 9:30 p.m.. (PST)  http://www.fuel.tv/rideshakedown.

Starting Saturday March 13, at 12 noon til 1:00 p.m, catch some face time with your favourite pro snowboarders at the Snowboarder Mag autograph session; then cheer them on as they begin the battle of RIDE Shakedown - semi-finals start at 2:00p.m and end at 5:00p.m.  The half-time show features pro skateboarders riding the rail from 6:00 to 6:45p.m.  See what the pros have in store as they warm up from 7:30-8:00p.m., then witness who will become champion of the first-ever RIDE Shakedown U.S.A., as the finals heat up the Summit at Snoqualmie, beginning at 8:00p.m. - winners will be declared at 9:30p.m! 

Still have energy?  Come out to the official SKDW MFG presents RIDE Shakedown after-party at Hard Rock Cafe Seattle (licensed event - 21 years and older) doors are at 9:00p.m. - performances by Million $ Mano & DJ Sean Cee; tickets are $15 at the door.

About RIDE Snowboards
For passionate snowboard enthusiasts of all ages, Ride represents an uncompromised, fun-at-all-costs approach to life. Founded in Redmond, Washington, in late 1992, Ride hit the market with a vision - to create a snowboard company for the people, built upon technical innovation, superior quality and living the dream. Today, based in Seattle, Ride continues to stay true to its original goals. For Ride, it’s not about being the biggest; it’s about being the best at what they do. For the latest on the 2009/10 Collection, visit www.RideSnowboards.com.

DIZZLE Entertainment, architects of the RIDE Shakedown
The two founders and partners of DIZZLE Entertainment, Brendan O’Dowd and Patryck Bernier, have been providing event-oriented design, marketing and management services since 2004. Over time, they have added to these. They now provide services as athletes’ agents and consultants on the design and creation of snowboard parks. For additional information, go to: www.dizzleinc.com and www.rideshakedown.com

Media representatives are invited to contact Hayter Communications in Seattle at 360-602-0004 or Ms. Betit at 514-831-0276 for interviews, information, press accreditation and additional material.

Material: Photos and videos available on the Website (Press room section, username: user, password: shaking) at www.shakedown.ca/files or upon request.

Source:       DIZZLE Productions Inc., www.rideshakedown.com

For information:     

Ryan Hayter, Hayter Communications
360-602-0004, ryan@hayterpr.com

RIDE Shakedown (Canada):  Josiane Bétit, PR Director
514-831-0276, josiane@shakedown.ca