Red Bull has pulled a classic snowboarding event from the archives and is resurrecting it for a new generation of riders. Last held in 2003, Red Bull Heavy Metal is a single day snowboard contest that features a variety of unique obstacles and lines, compiled in one tight space for the ultimate exhibition of elite street riding.
Helmed by Red Bull snowboarder and Minnesota native Benny Milam, Red Bull Heavy Metal is set to deliver one of the biggest moments for street snowboarding – showcasing the unique style of rail riding while elevating and celebrating the heroes of the sport.
Minnesota native and street snowboarding legend Joe Sexton has been brought on as Competition Director for the event. Regarding what the return of Red Bull Heavy Metal means to the snowboarding community Sexton said, “Heavy Metal brings riders who were not traditionally contest riders to the event.” Street snowboarders don’t necessarily enter competitions, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t producing some of the heaviest snowboarding parts. “In the original Red Bull Heavy Metal competitions, it was really cool to see the people that were in my favorite videos riding in a contest.”
Sexton added, “Red Bull Heavy Metal showcases a different side of snowboarding. These riders are the best in the world at what they do, and I think spectators are going to see some really cool stuff.” A roster composed of the top men and women riders from around the globe will battle it out for the right to name themselves among the world’s best street snowboarders.
While the full list of confirmed riders will be announced in the coming weeks, the following men and women have already locked in their spots: Benny Milam (1st Place at 2019 Rock-a-Rail and 2020 Dew Tour Men’s Streetstyle Best Trick), Zeb Powell (2020 X Games Gold Medal), Miles Fallon (1st Place at 2020 Dew Tour Men’s Streetstyle), Ryan Paul (X Games Silver Medal), Zak Hale (X Games Silver Medal), Savannah Shinske, Blake Lamb, and Danyale Patterson.
Staying true to the original, Red Bull Heavy Metal will use the natural rails, drops, gaps, and banks of Cascade Park in Duluth Minnesota. Transforming the iconic street spot into the perfect course to showcase and celebrate the progression of street riding. “Cascade Park is a figurehead for street snowboarding, even outside of Duluth. Everyone knows how big that spot is, but only a select few [riders] have stepped to the rail and handled it. I think it makes one of the best spots for the return of Red Bull Heavy Metal.” Sexton said.
Milam added, “Definitely a lot of history in street snowboarding that came from up here. It’s been twenty years since Red Bull held this event, but it’s back and better than ever. And on the gnarliest kink possible.”
The single day contest will take place on Sunday January 16, 2022, at Cascade Park in Duluth, MN. Viewing is free and open to all spectators. Red Bull will also be releasing video content to recap and support the event for those who cannot be in attendance.
