First Ever Slopestyle Kiteboarding Contest kicks in the Gorge

Drawing world-class competitors from around the world, the third annual Ro Sham Throwdown got underway today in Hood River.

Hood River, Oregon, USA — Tuesday, July 17: Yesterday marked the official kickoff of Ro Sham Throwdown, a major international pro-am kiteboarding competition — one of the most action-packed and highly anticipated showdowns in the industry. Running from July 16 to 21, this third annual event will showcase the mind-blowing talents of the world’s best kiteboarders, while giving up-and-comers a chance to prove their worth amongst the heavyweights.

Thirty-five men and eight women from Antigua, Australia, England, Scotland, the U.S., and Uruguay will battle it out throughout the week at the first-ever slopestyle kiteboarding competition.

Presented by The Slider Project, which created the event’s floating open-to-the-public terrain park, Ro Sham Throwdown will be staged at the world-renowned Sandbar (just off of I-84, exit 63) in Hood River — the birthplace of kiteboarding — where judges, spectators and the media will watch the captivating action up close.

Video of the day

http://www.vimeo.com/45884638



Video recap of 2011’s Ro Sham Throwdown

http://www.vimeo.com/33982819



SCHEDULE OF EVENTS*
Mon. July 16: 12 p.m. Warm Up / Freeriding
Tues. July 17: 10 a.m. Women’s Division
Weds. July 18: 10 a.m. Men’s Qualifiers / 12 p.m. Women’s Finals (if necessary)
Thurs. July 19: 10 a.m. Men’s Semifinals
Fri. July 20: 10 a.m. Men’s Finals
Sat. July 21: 11 a.m. Wakeskate / 12 p.m. Freeriding
* = schedule subject to change due to wind conditions

Presented by The Slider Project, the 2012 Ro Sham Throwdown is sponsored by Liquid Force / Second Wind Sports, North Kiteboarding, Slingshot, Best Kiteboarding, Smith Optics, and additional support from Andrew’s Pizza.

For more information, please visit www.SliderProject.com