Red Bull Ultra Natural, the world’s most progressive snowboarding contest, is a contest created by Travis Rice, one of the most accomplished and influential snowboarders of all time. Rice set out to make Ultra Natural an event that would showcase the true level of talent in snowboarding. This isn’t your typical snowboarding competition that you’re used to seeing on TV. This is a contest that brings to light the legendary individuals who continually push the limits in the backcountry and on massive freestyle features. Here’s a glimpse into what Travis Rice is about and what goes into the creation of this monster course, the Red Bull Ultra Natural.
Action Sports Examiner: How old were you when you started snowboarding?
Travis Rice: It depends on the mood I’m in….12 or 13.
Action Sports Examiner: You've done some incredibly amazing tricks/stunts. What is your absolute favorite one to do and why?
Travis Rice: A method, is so basic yet I don't think there is a better trick for showcasing one current style or mood. Everyone out there has a different method. Some days I can really throw it out there and other days my method is pathetic.
Action Sports Examiner: How do you mentally prepare for competitions and performing your jaw-dropping stunts?
Travis Rice: My preparation rituals involve making sure all of my equipment and gear is in order. I like to hydrate, stretch and eat well for the most part. There are the occasional times where I wake up and have a headache; for the most part I take it pretty serious. Beyond that just doing the homework and knowing what you're getting yourself into inside and out so that come the day of the event it falls on purely a do or do not formula
ASE: Ultra Natural is an extremely exciting and adrenaline pumping event. What was it that sparked the whole idea?
TR: This event was born out of necessity.
ASE: Do you collaborate with others to come up with the course and different ideas of what to build?
TR: Yes, I collaborate with others and take in as many opinions as possible.
ASE: How long does it usually take you to prepare the Ultra Natural course, and what do you consider the best part of creating it?
TR: The first event which was the Red Bull Supernatural had about three years of preparations. About a week after the first event we started working on this year’s Red Bull Ultra Natural Event.
ASE: What kind of training is involved to be able to mentally and physically prepare for Ultra Natural?
TR: Physically you have to be able to go berserk for two and a half minutes straight down a mile of incredible varying terrain. Mentally this event draws on a riders’ life time experience of trial and error decision making.
ASE: What do you say to someone who doesn't understand the risks involved with big mountain freestyle?
TR: Go HUCK yourself, down a 55-degree pitch and the answer to the question become pretty apparent.
ASE: What do you look for in a potential competitor for Ultra Natural?
TR: This event was set up to crown the best snowboarder in the world. We have competitors that come from many different backgrounds. When it comes down to it, it is the guys that have spent a large part of the careers pursuing creative expression through snowboarding.
ASE: What kind of plans do you have for the future of Ultra Natural?
TR: We have huge goals and aspirations for this event moving forward. This was never to be a one off event. We already have another venue in the works.
Red Bull Ultra Natural will be airing on NBC today, Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. ET. Tune into see the jaw-dropping, adrenaline-pumping tricks by some of the most talented backcountry big mountain freestyle snowboarders in the world.
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