Since its foundation in 2002, the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour has
laid out a clear path for riders to rise up the ranks and establish
themselves. Contests, style and amplitude continue to grow in size and
spectacle and it is now a reality for any kid to achieve his dream of
being a pro shred. So how then does an organisation like TTR provide
the platforms for young riders to come up and realize their dreams?
TTR chased down snowboard legends, Brian Iguchi and Jamie Lynn to get
their views on the topic of ' How TTR lends a hand to the next
generation of shred-talent' .

Pioneers of snowboarding are many,
but two names who have been at the forefront of the sport' (TM)s development
are Jamie Lynn and Brian Iguchi. These two U.S. riders are synonymous
with snowboarding' (TM)s progression and blazed ahead from their
contemporaries, forging styles of their own which inspired young riders
to push the realms of what was possible on a snowboard. Both Iguchi and
Lynn are still involved in the industry, filming, judging and guiding
snowboarding from behind the scenes.

The TTR Tour sets out a
clear rookie to pro structure. Rookies start at the World Snowboard
Federation (WSF) sanctioned 1 -3Star events, where they aim to start
stepping it up, which in turn sets the wheels in motion. As Iguchi
Puts it, ' They start at a grass roots level but in sanction with events
of great magnitude. It shows there is a way to get a foot in the door
and work for something where they can achieve greatness ' " It' (TM)s
definitely the opportunity kids need' . The WSF operates in partnership
with the TTR and by maintaining close ties, the two organizations
ensure that rookies can make a smooth transition to the big leagues and
that development is fostered.

Take this season' (TM)s star on the
rise, Sebastien Toutant (CAN), who impressed in 07/08, took out the
3Star Billabong Snowstock in the Southern Hemisphere and, thus, earned
himself a ticket to the 6Star Nissan X-Trail Jam in Japan. Also pay
attention when Steve Krijbolder (NED) drops at the upcoming 6Star
Billabong Air & Style, to which he earned himself a spot after
coming from nowhere to claim 3rd on the Quarterpipe at the 6Star
O' (TM)Neill Evolution. ' TTR is the vehicle for the young kids that come up
as wildcards and get spots as the top seeds. It allows kids that
chance and opportunity and that' (TM)s just one of the positive benefits of
TTR' , says, Jamie Lynn.

Media exposure is fundamental to any
rider' (TM)s career. Whether they are a park rat, pipe jock or backcountry
soul shredder, if they are not getting noticed, then they' (TM)re not
getting paid. This is especially true for young riders starting out in
the industry and one of the areas where TTR is most vital. Lynn
remarks, ' Snowboarding now allows kids the opportunity to follow their
heart in something that they love to do, to be successful and make a
living. Once they come up through the ranks they get the media
coverage. Then they get attention from sponsors and they' (TM)re set.' This
could not be further than the truth for newcomers Janne Korpi (FIN) and
Seb Toots, two riders who found themselves with long term O' (TM)Neill
contracts as soon as they started scoring podium finishes at all the
TTR events they entered. As O' (TM)Neill snow team manager Franck Corbery
points out, ' The TTR' (TM)s growth year-on-year demands the presence of
riders with a proven track record on the TTR tour itself' .

By
providing opportunities for young riders to go head to head against
established pros, a media spectacle ensues, riders blow up and sponsors
come knocking. A world ranking list also provides riders with a chance
to compare themselves against the competition inspiring them to take it
to the next level, thus, pushing progression as a whole. In essence
the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour has rider' (TM)s best interests at heart
and as snowboarding keeps growing, TTR will keep steering it in the
right direction.