The adventure sports world is bracing for a seismic shift as the Natural Selection Tour (NST) expands its reach. Originally a snowboarding competition, NST is now branching out to host skiing, surfing, and biking events. This evolution not only promises to disrupt the competitive landscape but also seeks to enhance the authenticity and athlete-driven nature of these sporting events.
On October 22, Travis Rice's NST announced a game-changing expansion beyond snowboarding. The tour, which first made its mark in the snowboarding world three years ago, has now collaborated with Proving Grounds, a prominent mountain bike event. The alliance will infuse a fresh approach to mountain biking events, and the addition of skiing and surfing events slated for 2025 marks the new era of NST.
Despite NST's relative infancy, its impact on snowboarding has been monumental. The tour's success, as indicated by NST CE Carter Westfall, is largely due to its athlete-led approach. The same principle will be applied to the new events. "We feel Natural Selection has an opportunity to do something very authentic, something very athlete-driven in these other sports" Westfall said in an interview with GearJunkie.
The NST is not only renowned for its high-profile competitions but also for its innovative approach to scoring. It encourages athletes to exhibit their creativity rather than rely solely on conventional techniques. This approach has revolutionized the way freeride snowboarders participate in competitions and promises to bring a similar wave of change to skiing, surfing, and biking.
Athletes play a significant role in shaping the future of the NST. Advisory councils, made up of professionals from each sport, are integral to the tour's expansion. Each council includes top athletes from their respective sports, providing a vital perspective to the event planning and execution process. The athletes not only lead the charge but also ensure that the essence of each sport is preserved.
Despite the expansion, NST remains committed to its roots. Each sport will have a dedicated team, ensuring that the originality and creativity of each event are upheld. The aim is not to dilute the snowboarding competition but rather to build a stronger and more sustainable platform across parallel sports. As Westfall puts it, a coalition is stronger than a handful of disjointed events.
With this expansion, NST is not only bridging the gap between various adventure sports but also fostering a sense of shared thrill and excitement. As freestyle skier Sammy Carlson aptly puts it, whether you're on a surfboard, bike, snowboard, or skis, everyone can relate to the exhilaration of a well-executed move or a thrilling ride.