The Natural Selection DUELS is a snowboard competition that sees some of the best riders in the world competing in pairs to take on the natural terrain in six locations around the world. Along with Japan, Switzerland and the US, one of these iconic locations is in Whistler’s backyard at evo’s Journeyman Lodge in the Callaghan Valley, Canada.
Founded by legendary, pro snowboarder, Travis Rice these competitions combine freestyle tricks with the unpredictability of natural mountain terrain. They are all about skill, endurance and heart-pumping action, and are a pure celebration of the ever-evolving world of snowboarding.
Unique to the duel at the Journeyman Lodge, the Natural Selection Tour has made it foot-powered. Yes, you read that right. Not only do these riders need to think about the downhill, but they’ve got to navigate the uphill too. The rules are simple, but the challenge is not. As mentioned, the competitors will access the terrain they’re riding on foot, and once they get to the top, the winner will be determined by what they do on the way down.
Whoever is victorious goes on to the YETI Natural Selection Revelstoke, which will air live for two days in the March 10 to 17 window on Red Bull TV.
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The DUEL being hosted at the Journeyman Lodge sees the USA’s Bjorn Leines battling the future face of British Columbia backcountry boarding, Brin Alexander. Although the DUELS began earlier this year, they won’t be aired until all are completed, so set an alarm for February 27 and catch the action on Red Bull TV.
Brin is the son of two Whistler Blackcomb ski patrollers, so he grew up playing in the mountains. Although Brin still loves a park lap, he is known for his incredible descents in hair-raising, backcountry terrain, which was the perfect fit for the Natural Selection DUELS. We caught up with him to see how he felt about competing in the world’s top backcountry snowboard comp.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to get to the DUELS? Why were you chosen?
I believe I was chosen for Natural Selection because I was tagged a million times in a post they made for who the public would like to see in the contest. Also my skill as a snowboarder.
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What does it mean to you to compete in an event like the Natural Selection DUELS?
Competing in an event such as Natural Selection is an extreme compliment. I’ve looked up to the riders involved in this contest my entire life, and now I can call myself a part of that fleet of talented individuals.
Is the terrain in the Callaghan familiar to you? Does it give you the home advantage? Have you done any specific training?
Although I am a Whistler-born and raised athlete, I’d never been to the Callaghan before this! I believe I have the upper hand because I have grown up riding the terrain here in British Columbia for the past 25 years. I also really enjoy riding pillows, which was similar to most of the terrain in the contest.
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Training-wise, snowboarding in general helps. Whether it be in the park or riding and hiking around in the backcountry. I had an injury to heal within the past month so treating my body well was my main priority.
What do you think about the setup of the Natural Selection DUELS competition, is anything particularly exciting or perhaps nerves-inducing?
Meeting and riding with Bjorn was epic. He is such a legend in the snowboarding world. I’ve been watching him shred his snowboard since I was a kid. He is an all-terrain boarder and a huge inspiration to myself and the snowboarding I do. He is always sending gnarly lines and pushing his limits; a true inspiration to myself and my riding.
If Bjorn wanted you to show him around Whistler, where would you take him?
I’d wanna go somewhere with good snow and rip it with him. Most likely a secret stash somewhere.
What do you need to do to win the Natural Selection DUELS?
To win this event you need to snowboard “better” (finger quotes) than the other rider. In the end, it comes down to the judges.
How did you celebrate?
I celebrated being in the event by watching the Super Bowl with a group of friends. Then I jumped through a ring of fire at the Fire & Ice Show in Whistler Village. Haha, Whistler style!
A huge shoutout to the natural selection team for getting it all done in cold temps for a week straight. Also thanks to the staff at the Journeyman Lodge for the amazing hospitality. As well as all my sponsors for supporting me in doing what I love to do. It would’ve been impossible without them all!
Watch the YETI Natural Selection DUELS on Red Bull TV starting February 27. Then tune into the YETI Natural Selection Revelstoke where Brin or Bjorn will compete with 23 other pro snowboarders from around the world for two days in the March 11 to 17 window.
Want to explore Whistler’s backcountry yourself? Book a stay at the Journeyman Lodge and speak to the guides there about finding Brin’s pillows, and we don’t mean the sleeping kind! If you’re looking for more inspiration read some of our backcountry blogs, which include first-hand experiences, 101 guides and safety info.
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