The O'Neill Evolution 2012 will once again launch a New Year in euphoric fashion from January 2^nd until 7^th. They’ll be a live feed from the event at (www.oneill.com/evolution/live) 

O'Neill Evolution 2012 trailer from O'Neill on Vimeo.

The 6 Star Men and Women’s TTR World Snowboard event will see some of the most progressive riders from around the planet gather at the base of the Jacobshorn in Davos, Switzerland, to take to the skies on the revolutionary Big Air, and renowned Halfpipe.

“The O’Neill Evolution is by far one of my favourite events of the year,” said Seb Toots, last year’s Evolution Big Air winner.  “The Big Air last year was easily the most progressive and innovative we have  seen in ages and the final is one I am going to remember forever – for the standard and quality of tricks and the excitement of how close the competition was,” said Seb. 

“We were really pushing boundaries and pushing into new levels of the sport,” he said. “I am expecting the same again this year.”  Max Henault, alongside shapers Schneestern, will once again build this year’s Big Air as well as a creative rail set-up at the bottom, which will count highly towards the final run score. 

This innovative nature of the competition reflects the core spirit of O’Neill. Fitting then, that the O’Neill Evolution 2012 marks the start of the O’Neill 60^th anniversary year- celebrating 60 years of progression and innovation since founder Jack O’Neill invented the wetsuit in 1952.

“Last year we really worked with the riders to give them a safe but challenging platform where they could really push the limits,” said Max Henault. “The athletes had a lot of practice on the jump to make sure they were comfortable with the steep take off. This year we want to continue that and even step it up a level,” he said. “We are doing all we can to promote triple corks from the boys. It's going to be exciting.”

Canadian superstar Seb Toots, one of the few riders pulling out triple corks at the moment, is just one of the massive names in this sport who will make the trip out to the Swiss Alps searching for a piece of the $125,000 prize money as well as valuable TTR World Ranking points. 

Also competing in the 2012 O’Neill Evolution will be Swiss rider Nadja Purtschert who relishes the chance to compete on her home ground. 

“Evolution is always exciting for me to have the home crowd cheering me,” said Nadja. “It is a competition where we are always pushing ourselves and each other to take the riding to another level. And the crowds that gather at the bottom to watch always bring such a unique and exciting atmosphere. I can't wait for 2012.”

As characterises the O’Neill Evolution, the evening finals will be played out under the spotlight in front of the crowds gathered to watch some of the top names in their sport battle it out.  Watch the all the action live at www.oneill.com/evolution/live