Jackson Hole Hometown Hero Travis Rice

Takes First in the Inaugural Quiksilver Natural Selection: All-Mountain Invitational

Jackson Hole, WY – February 7, 2008 – Bluebird skies, pillows of powder and massive airs over natural obstacles mark a historic day in snowboarding as Travis Rice is named the winner of the first-annual Quiksilver Natural Selection: All-Mountain Freestyle Invitational.

The Quiksilver Natural Selection took place over a seven-day holding period with two full days of competition in two areas: Dick's Ditch and Casper Bowl. Travis Rice shred his way to first place in the first day of competition in Dick’s Ditch by pulling out a variation of tricks including 360s, 540s and 720s all in whiteout, knee-deep powder conditions. The final round of competition, staged at Jackson Hole’s legendary Casper Bowl was held in sunny bluebird skies and pristine powder as hundreds of spectators cheered on the riders as they dropped from the top of the mountain into a field of soft, untracked snow and launched impossible airs over boulders and trees. Second place at Casper Bowl was awarded to WMG athlete Nicolas Müller who built a small jump at the top of the bowl and launched huge tricks including a frontside 180, a smooth backside 360 melon, and a giant, super stylish method. "Travis's home turf was on fire," said Müller. "Some of the best snowboarders got to really ride the mountain that brought up one of the greatest snowboarders of all time, Travis Rice!" Müller placed a solid fourth in the overall competition.

Rice was ecstatic after being announced the winner. He earned a check for $18k but more importantly the respect of his peers. Travis will be donating a portion of his prize money to the Jackson Hole Search and Rescue as well as other non-profit organizations in the community. “Snowboarding is self expression,” said Rice. “For me the true reward was seeing everyone walk away with smiles of optimism. After talking with the riders it seems as though we have only scratched the surface of a new era. It’s nature that provides us with the most limitless canvas to challenge the way we ride.” The event, which was actually the brainchild of Rice, a Jackson Hole local, has been the talk of the snowboarding community because of the refreshing new format, the ideal setting vibe, and the incredible array of talent from every athlete who accepted the invitation to ride.

“I just think we had a kick ass team - an all around brainfarm from Wink Inc. to Quiksilver to Curt Morgan," said Circe Wallace, Co-Creator and Executive Producer of the Quiksilver Natural Selection. "We really did what we wanted in creating a cutting-edge concept that showcases what's so wonderful about snowboarding and its characters."

The Quiksilver Natural Selection was made possible by a network of partners: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, SoBe, Hotel Terra and HEYA from Toyota.

About Wasserman Media Group: Wasserman Media Group (WMG) is a worldwide leader in sports management, marketing and content. WMG is also the holding company for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League. More information about WMG and its businesses is available at www.wmgllc.com.