History was made yesterday here at High Cascade Snowboard Camp after the Rat Race went down. The guys from We Drink Water came up with the concept for this death defying race through berms, rollers and jumps to determine who the fastest racer was, AND it was for a good cause. Drink water is a movement that was started by Professional Snowboarders Austin Smith and Bryan Fox and since it’s implementation this movement has really started moving. Visit www.wedrinkwater.com to learn more about this group.
Showing up early to the course Austin Smith and Bryan Fox were running around putting the final touches on things.
At ten in the morning in the High Cascade Lap park, snowboarders of all ranks flocked to the starting tent to get their first runs and look at the course. Prestigious snowboarders such as Temple Cummins, Chad Otterstrom, Pat Moore, Andrew Hardingham, Bobby Meeks and many others showed up to be part of this literal rat race to the finish.
Finally, after the riders got a few sketchy runs through the course it was time to get the event underway. Adam Kisiel got everyone together to explain the rules and listed off the first couple riders. First on the list was Soloman Snowboards team manager and overall awesome dude Java Fernandez. As Java made his way to the starting gate, the gathering crowd started the classic chant to get the day started. “JAVA JAVA JAVA…” The confirmation was given from the finish line and Java was given the green light. As he started his run the participants of the contest went insane.
Even though Java’s run didn’t go exactly how he wanted, when he got up from his semi concussion the crowd cheered louder than any other part of the day. All fun with friends at the Rat Race.
After Java set the standard for the day with his first run, the contest was underway and looking to be one for the books right out of the gate. Here’s a look at the upper portion of the course. Pretty crazy right?
Take a look at a bunch of photo’s taken throughout the day!
Preston got a little sick before the contest
Andrew Aldridge winding up Photo: Owen Ringwall
Uncle Russ taking that smooth turn Photo: Owen Ringwall
Pat Moore’s first downhill race ever
Clocking people’s times
Volcom Rider Ruki taking a turn Photo: Greg Furey
Jake Kuzyk racing like a boss Photo: Greg Furey
After the race ended and people returned to Government camp, the masses of people flocked to Clear Lake for an insane BBQ and awards. Austin’s parents may have made the best burgers I have ever had in my entire life. Other honorable mentions were the corn and watermelon. Everything was insane, thank you Mr. and Mrs. Smith. At the end of the day it was Curtis Ciszek taking first, Jake Price in second, and Blake Paul in third. A few other people got awards created by Austin and Bryan.
The Rat Race was a huge success. This event was put on by We Drink Water, Dakine, Nike, Nitro, Arnette, Timberline, Smith Optics, High Cascade and Poler Stuff. Keep your eyes open for this contest next year and in the future because it’s one your not going to want to miss.
