75 riders from 20 countries traveled to Woodward Park City, Utah, to compete in this year’s Uninvited Invitational. The all-female snowboard competition spanned over four days—two prequalifying days followed by a finals day and a community ride event. With a collective $60,000 worth of prize money, these ladies showed up, strapped in, and threw down on the street-style course.
Founded by Jess Kimura in 2017, the Uninvited has become one of the biggest female events in pro snowboarding. Kimura impressed the snowboard community with her opener in Think Thank’s 2010 “Right Brain Left Brain” movie. Afterward, Jess realized there needed to be a bigger platform for these female riders. Initially, by privately funding the first Uninvited event, the competition obtained multiple sponsors and amassed an enormous following. On the finals day, a host of sponsor tents showed their support for the event and its riders.
The air was electric with the stoke these riders brought to the course. Eight total features, including two barrier drops, two down-flat-down features, two down features, a jib feature, and a wall ride to link it all together. This is what the riders sessioned over the four-day event. The Uninvited hosted girls of all ages, some as young as 13 years old, from around the world. Prize money was divided among the riders for multiple categories, including awards for best trick, best slam, and upcoming rookies. Fans cheered from the sidelines as some of their favorite riders spun and slid down the rails with style and confidence.
The Uninvited continues to push the agenda for women’s roles in extreme sports. The women in this event showed what’s possible in snowboarding. The talent displayed in the event left spectators in awe as these girls would absolutely send over the features and demonstrate professional board maneuverability. Riders would battle a trick for hours, showcasing their dedication and perseverance to stomping some serious tricks. From large events like the X-Games and the Uninvited to personal projects, women riders are redefining and paving a new way in winter sports.
Judges based their results on a set of criteria. First and foremost: Progressive maneuvers—tricks that push the boundaries of the course. Second was course creativity—the ability to use the fullest extent of the course. Finally was the best overall progression—what rider showed the most competence over the course as a whole. Trick bag and technicality included. Five riders stood atop the podium at the end of the finals day. First to fifth-place riders were all awarded some cash prizes. 15-year-old Jess Perlmutter took first place, followed by Himari Takamori, Veda Hallen, Devi Gupta, and Annika Morgan. The full live stream of the final day can be found here.
