The annual RND event, a pivotal gathering for the women’s snowboarding community, recently wrapped up, leaving an indelible mark of camaraderie, progressive athleticism, and significant cultural contributions. Held amidst the pristine backcountry of the Kootenay region, the event seamlessly blended high-stakes competition with a deep-seated commitment to fostering community, culminating in a series of unforgettable moments from athlete seeding to the celebratory awards ceremony. This year’s iteration underscored RND’s growing influence as a crucible for talent and a vibrant platform for showcasing the breadth and depth of women’s snowboarding.
RND’s Enduring Legacy: A Beacon for Women’s Snowboarding
Founded by professional snowboarder Robin Van Gyn, RND has evolved into more than just a contest; it’s a movement. Conceived from a desire to create a dedicated space for women in freeride snowboarding, the event addresses a historical gap in opportunities and recognition. RND aims to provide a professional platform where female athletes can push their limits in challenging natural terrain, gain exposure, and connect with peers and mentors. Over the years, it has become renowned for its unique format, which often incorporates filming segments into judging, thereby rewarding not just raw performance but also creativity, style, and the ability to produce compelling content – crucial elements for a professional snowboarding career in the modern era. The event’s consistent success has solidified its reputation as a vital stepping stone for aspiring athletes aiming for circuits like the Natural Selection Tour (NST), providing invaluable experience and direct qualification pathways. Its focus on collective growth alongside individual achievement distinguishes RND in the competitive landscape, fostering an environment where support often outweighs rivalry.
A Week of Preparation: From Logistics to Laughter
The RND 2024 journey began with intricate logistical planning, crucial for an event staged in remote, challenging terrain. Despite arriving midway through the optimal weather window, the timing proved fortuitous, aligning perfectly with the athlete seeding ahead of the main contest weekend. A week of intense filming had already laid the groundwork, with riders meticulously scouting lines, familiarizing themselves with the snowpack, and capturing initial footage that would later contribute to their overall scores. This pre-contest phase is critical, allowing athletes to adapt to the conditions and the specific features of the venue. The air on seeding night, however, was charged with a palpable "opening-night energy," a mix of anticipation and excitement. Riders gathered to determine their drop order, a decision that can significantly impact performance, especially in variable conditions.
The traditional method for determining seeding at RND is uniquely light-hearted yet competitive: a ceremonial toss of "verts." This playful tradition, involving a small, weighted object, adds a touch of levity to the proceedings. The longest throw earned the coveted first pick, a strategic advantage for many. This year, Ellie Weiler emerged victorious, seizing the opportunity to choose her drop position. Demonstrating a fearless approach and an unwavering confidence, Weiler, never one to shy away from pressure, opted to drop first. This decision set a tone of bold ambition for the entire competition, signaling a readiness to attack the course with conviction from the outset.
Cultural Resonance: Spotlighting Narratives and History
The evening of seeding also doubled as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting a dual premiere of films that resonated deeply with the snowboarding community. The first was Facing Giants, a compelling documentary chronicling Ellery Manning’s journey from RND 2024 to the prestigious Natural Selection Tour 2025. The film offered an intimate look into Manning’s dedication, not just highlighting her exceptional riding prowess but also delving into her profound drive and unique perspective on snowboarding as both an art form and a demanding sport. Beyond the physical feats, Facing Giants beautifully captured the human element, particularly showcasing Manning’s heartwarming and closely-knit friendship with fellow competitor Estelle Pensiero, illustrating the deep bonds forged within this tight-knit community. The raw emotion and personal narrative embedded in Facing Giants provided an inspiring preamble to the competitive days ahead, reminding everyone of the passion that fuels these athletes.
Following this personal narrative, the audience was treated to WAYWARD from TOMBOY Media, a full-length documentary poised to become a landmark film in snowboarding history. WAYWARD meticulously explores the multifaceted ways women have shaped and continue to shape the sport of snowboarding. Richly detailed with archival footage, interviews, and stunning contemporary cinematography, the film traces the evolution of women’s involvement, celebrating pioneers and contemporary figures alike. Its release at RND was particularly poignant, given the event’s own mission to empower female riders. The film’s profound historical context and its powerful portrayal of resilience and innovation garnered widespread acclaim, with organizers strongly recommending attendance at its remaining premiere dates or marking its public release on the calendar. The premiere circuit for WAYWARD continues, with confirmed dates in major snowboarding hubs globally, including Whistler (April 12th), Denver (April 19th), and Chamonix (April 26th), aiming to bring its crucial narrative to the broadest possible audience. The packed house at the RND premiere, as captured by Patrick Nichols’ photography, was a testament to the film’s anticipation and relevance.
Fostering Community: The Natural Freedom Ride Day
While the professional athletes were engaged in intense filming and preparation, the spirit of snowboarding inclusivity was celebrated through a community ride day. Natural Freedom, an organization dedicated to making outdoor sports accessible and inclusive, teamed up with industry giant Burton Snowboards to host an open ride day at Whitewater. This initiative served as a powerful reminder of RND’s dual commitment: to elite competition and grassroots engagement.
Led by local legend Zach Aller, more than 50 riders converged on the slopes, representing a diverse cross-section of the snowboarding world. The day was characterized by spontaneous side hits, friendly informal races, and engaging chairlift conversations. The atmosphere was notably "ego-free," a refreshing departure from the sometimes-intense environment of competitive snowboarding. Industry veterans shared runs and wisdom with weekend warriors, beginners learned from experienced enthusiasts, and the shared love for the mountain transcended skill levels. Beers in the sun rounded out the perfect day, symbolizing the relaxed and communal vibe. This gathering was hailed as a rare and vital instance of a large group of snowboarders riding together with no agenda beyond pure enjoyment of the mountain, serving as a powerful reflection of the enduring strength and inclusive spirit of the broader snowboarding community. The collaboration between Natural Freedom and Burton underscored a shared vision for expanding access and fostering a welcoming environment for all riders, regardless of experience or background.
The Main Event: A Contest Defined by Community
With the preparatory stages complete and a positive weather forecast in hand, contest day dawned under clear skies, promising optimal conditions. A deep, supportive snowpack provided the perfect canvas for the athletes to showcase their skills, a welcome contrast to the challenging visibility battles that had plagued the previous year’s event. This year, the mountain offered a pristine arena, allowing riders to execute their lines with confidence and precision.
What unfolded throughout the day was a compelling demonstration of competitive excellence intertwined with an extraordinary display of community spirit. While individual performance was paramount, the prevailing atmosphere was one of mutual support. Riders celebrated each other’s successful runs with genuine enthusiasm, offering encouragement and constructive feedback after falls, and providing a calming presence to help steady nerves before drops. This unique blend of competition and camaraderie is a hallmark of RND, distinguishing it from other high-stakes events.
Highlights from the contest included a breathtaking double backflip attempt by Egan Wint, a maneuver requiring immense courage and technical skill, which captivated the audience and fellow competitors alike. Eva Van Vugt, a local favorite, repeatedly stepped up to tackle some of the biggest lines and cliff features on the mountain, demonstrating fearless commitment and impeccable control. Katie Kennedy consistently "spread the butter" – a term used to describe smooth, stylish turns and transitions – showcasing a fluidity and grace that belied the challenging terrain. These individual moments of brilliance were met with cheers and applause from the entire group, reinforcing the event’s ethos of collective celebration. The conditions allowed for a wide variety of approaches, from aggressive, big-mountain riding to technical, freestyle-influenced lines, ensuring a diverse and exciting spectacle for all involved.
Celebrating Excellence: The RND Awards Ceremony
The culmination of RND 2024 arrived the following day with the awards ceremony, held during the Arc’teryx afterparty at The Royal in Nelson. Unlike many contests where results are immediate, RND’s unique judging format incorporates video footage captured throughout the week, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of each rider’s performance, creativity, and overall impact. This meticulous review process ensures that the awards truly reflect the breadth of talent and effort invested by the athletes. The atmosphere at The Royal was electric, a blend of relief, excitement, and continued camaraderie as the community gathered to celebrate their collective achievements.
The awards recognized not only top competitive placements but also unique contributions to the spirit of RND and the sport itself:
- Tomahawk Award: This award, designated for the most spectacular "slam" or fall, went, unsurprisingly, to Ellie Weiler. Her "opening elevator ride through the course’s cliff band" was a testament to her aggressive approach and willingness to push boundaries. While a fall, it highlighted her commitment to tackling the most challenging features from her first drop, embodying the fearless spirit of RND.
- Mountain Monkey: Awarded to the rider who displayed exceptional agility and creativity in linking together lines across the mountain, much like Tarzan navigating the jungle. Marissa Krawczak’s fluid and dynamic riding style earned her this distinctive honor, recognizing her ability to find and connect innovative routes.
- Jeff Keenan Approved (Most Proper): This award carries significant weight within the snowboarding community. Jeff Keenan was a revered figure in backcountry snowboarding, known for his deep knowledge, meticulous approach, and relentless drive to ensure everything was done "properly." His untimely passing in March of the previous year made the renaming of this award in his honor a deeply moving tribute. It celebrates the rider who exemplifies Keenan’s commitment to precision, style, and respect for the mountain. This prestigious award was rightfully bestowed upon Stefi Luxton, widely recognized as the "queen of the poked grab," whose impeccable style and technical execution consistently set a high benchmark.
- Seal Team Sender: As its name suggests, this award recognizes exceptional bravery and skill in tackling large features. Local legend Eva Van Vugt earned this honor for hitting the biggest cliffs of the day—not once, but twice—solidifying her reputation for fearless and calculated riding in high-consequence terrain.
- Clinic Award: Subtly named for the rider who put on an "absolute clinic" in the backcountry every day, demonstrating consistent excellence and teaching by example. Katie Kennedy’s unwavering work ethic, grinding it out from the first to the last chairlift each day, earned her this recognition. Her dedication was rewarded with a well-deserved spa trip, a much-needed respite for her undoubtedly weary legs.
The Podium: A Pathway to the Natural Selection Tour
The ultimate competitive recognition came with the announcement of the podium finishers, whose performances not only earned them significant prize money but also critical invitations and alternate spots for the prestigious Natural Selection Tour.
- 3rd Place: Katie Kennedy ($4,000 + NST alternate). Kennedy’s consistent "clinic" on the mountain translated into a well-deserved podium finish, positioning her as a strong contender for future NST events.
- 2nd Place: Yuka Fujimori ($6,000 + NST invite). Fujimori’s exceptional performance secured her second place and a direct invitation to the Natural Selection Tour, marking a significant advancement in her competitive career.
- 1st Place: Billy Pelchat ($10,000 + NST invite). Billy Pelchat stood atop the podium, claiming first place, a substantial cash prize, and a coveted invitation to the Natural Selection Tour. Pelchat’s dominant performance throughout the contest weekend underscored her status as a rising force in freeride snowboarding.
The awards ceremony, capped by the Arc’teryx afterparty, was a vibrant celebration of success, camaraderie, and the shared passion that defines the RND community. The "smiling, vibing, and thriving" squad, as captured in Patrick Nichols’ photo, reflected the overarching positive spirit of the event.
Broader Impact and Future Implications
RND 2024 stands as another testament to the vision and tireless efforts of Robin Van Gyn and her dedicated team. By continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in women’s snowboarding, RND not only provides a high-level competitive platform but also fosters a supportive and inspiring community. The event’s unique format, which integrates content creation and storytelling alongside athletic performance, aligns perfectly with the evolving demands of professional snowboarding.
The direct qualification pathways to the Natural Selection Tour for Yuka Fujimori and Billy Pelchat highlight RND’s crucial role as a talent incubator, bridging the gap between emerging talent and the sport’s highest echelons. Their performances at RND will undoubtedly generate significant anticipation for their appearances on the NST, bringing broader attention to the depth of talent within women’s freeride.
As rider footage from RND 2024 begins to saturate social media feeds in the coming weeks, it will serve as a powerful showcase of the athletes’ incredible skill, determination, and the breathtaking beauty of the Kootenay backcountry. The success of RND 2024 reinforces its position as an indispensable event in the global snowboarding calendar, driving forward the progression and visibility of women’s snowboarding for years to come. The community eagerly awaits the next chapter for these athletes and the continued evolution of an event that truly embodies the spirit of the sport.
