Ultimate Rush is a 2011/2012 documentary television series produced by the Red Bull Media House in association with Matchstick Productions. It is also marketed as a combination of stupendous action sports endeavour, coupled with a cinematic-approach to storytelling. Through its wide distribution in the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Denmark, Austria and other territories, the series is evidence of the acceptance of extreme sports into mainstream television, and one of the most complete accounts thereof. The series focuses on the outrageous exploits of some of the best athletes in the world, and how they explore the fine line between extreme sports, philosophy and art. Most of the filming was conducted in the rugged backcountry of British Columbia, Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, the French Alps, the Himalayas and the Andes, but not at official events or secured sites.
The 20 episodes of Season 1, Ultimate Rush were directed by Murray Wais and Steve Winter. The narration was provided by the well-known veteran Hollywood actor, and three-time Academy Award-nominee, Nick Nolte. The series documented the exploits of several high-profile extreme sports stars including Chris Davenport, Hervé Cerutti, Steve Fisher - and the late, Antoine Montant and Shane McConkey.
Following the success of Season 1, Seasons 2-5 of Ultimate Rush featured narration by talented voice over actor, Sean Phillips,[1] known also for his TV commercial and movie promo work, as well as several video game characters. With these subsequent seasons, Ultimate Rush went to even greater lengths to show audiences the thrills, dangers and colorful personalities of the extreme sports world.[2]
Broadcast
Ultimate Rush premiered in December 2011 in German-speaking territories on Servus TV. The English-language version premiered in the United States on August 23, 2012 on Halogen TV, and was subsequently released on iTunes.
Episodes
1. "Speed Riding"
Antoine Montant, Francois Bon, and Hervé Cerutti aspire to integrate climbing, flying, and skiing in the sport of Speed Riding. The athletes challenge the mountains of the French Alps near Chamonix. Antoine, named the fastest speed rider, encounters an avalanche. The three athletes attempt to conquer one of the most famous and dangerous walls in the Alps. Antoine then takes on a riskier line and tempts his fate.
Episode Cast: Antoine Montant, Francois Bon, and Hervé Cerutti
2. "Scoping the Line"
In this episode, athletes seek extreme landscapes in search of a 'Perfect Line'. Skiers scope out steep mountain faces while kayakers see monumental waterfalls, bikers dense forests and base jumpers an abundant stretch of sky.
Episode Cast: Kaj Zackrisson, Wade Simmons, Steve Fisher, Espin Fadnes, Cody Townsend, Mark Abma,
3. "Epic Pow"
Professional skiers James Heim, Mark Abma, and Eric 'Hoji' Hjorleifson go ski touring in search of big mountain backcountry powder they call 'Epic Pow.' With bare necessities the athletes survive in huts of the British Columbia mountains. They ski a variety of terrain including pillow features and spine zones.
Episode Cast: James Heim, Mark Abma, Eric Hjorleifson
4. "Eric's Ski Quest"
Professional freeskiers Eric Hjorleifson, James Heim, and Ingrid Backstrom seek a vast isolated landscape just northwest of Whistler, British Columbia. The Meager Group offers insane possibilities with amazing spine lines. The team sets up a base camp near the hot springs. They wait out the weather hoping for a perfect day. Eric experiences the extremes of glory and pain in the line of his life.
Episode Cast: Eric Hjorleifson, James Heim, Ingrid Backstrom,
5. "The Red Line"
Extreme skiing is defined with bigger lines, bigger mountains, and steeper faces. They say, "You fall, you die." Professional skiers Chris Davenport and Stian Hagen sit down with the pioneer of extreme skiing Sylvain Saudan. The athletes share the truth they gain by using big mountains to peer into the depths of themselves. Chris and Stian ski the remote peaks of Alaska getting too close to 'the red line.'
Episode Cast: Chris Davenport, Stian Hagen, Sylvain Saudan
6. "Haines"
Haines, Alaska for professional skiers is considered The Dream Trip. Big mountain skiers Daron Rahlves and Henrik Windstedt challenge their skills when they decide to run a line together. Ingrid Backstrom, JT Holmes, and Shane McConkey face dangerous weather when they arrive in Haines. Mark Abma and Eric Hjorleifson lead the young talent of Sean Petit on a first time heli trip.
Episode Cast: Daron Rahlves, Henrik Windstedt, Ingrid Backstrom, JT Holmes, Shane McConkey, Mark Abma, Eric Hjorleifson, Sean Pettit
7. "History of Ski Base"
JT Holmes and Shane McConkey share the dream of combining skiing and base-jumping. They find themselves in Bella Coola, BC where the primary objective is to go where no one has ever considered by skiing the 'closeout line'. They then take on Europe's most iconic peak, the Eiger. In the mountains of western Norway they ready themselves for a stunt that had never been attempted before, a wingsuit ski base.
Episode Cast: J.T. Holmes, Shane McConkey
8. "Kayak the World"
Steve Fisher leads an all-star team of kayakers as they venture into unfamiliar territory. They first travel to remote Iceland and then to exotic Zambia. The team faces challenging rapids and falls between two of the most dangerous sites on earth.
Episode Cast: Steve Fisher, Ben Brown, Jared Meehan, Sam Drevo, Dale Jardine
9. "MTB Stunts"
Three teams of world-class riders demonstrate new extremes of mountain biking. Industrious mountain bikers build obstacles through dense forests of British Columbia. Pro dirt jumps challenge the riders to new heights in New Zealand. Urban free riding brings on a new style when the riders find street lines in Amsterdam and Germany.
Episode Cast: Wade Simmons, Robbie Bourdon, Cameron Zink, Dave Watson, Aaron Chase, John Cowan
10. "MTB the Middle East"
Professional mountain bikers take a road trip through the diverse landscapes of Israel. Fabien Barel gets a rush of adrenaline on a steep line through unexpected terrain. Cedric Gracia finds an ultimate road gap on Mount Sodom.
Episode Cast: Ben Boyko, Fabien Barel, Brian Lopes, Wayne Goss, Aaron Chase, Robbie Bourdon, Cedric Garcia
11. "Steve Fisher"
South African Steve Fisher, world's best all-around kayaker and his right-hand man, Ben Brown, travel to Sogndal, Norway then to Thailand where they add a new member to the team, Eric Southwick. They soon find that the waters of Thailand prove more treacherous than they could have anticipated.
Episode Cast: Ben Brown, Steve Fisher, Shane Raw, Eric Southwick
12. "Magic Days"
A search for the perfect day can become a waiting game when elements do not align, but when they do, the best professional skiers can make miracles happen - magic days, or perfect disasters. Bobby Brown pushes his luck when he travels to the Alps, then Cody Townsend takes advantage of the perfect day in Terrace, British Columbia.
Episode Cast: Bobby Brown, Henrik Winstedt, Cody Townsend, Russ Henshaw, Gus Kenworthy, Kaj Kackrisson
13. "Progression of Freestyle"
In the incredibly exciting world of freestyle skiing, progression raises the bar for this extreme sport. The foursome that calls itself The New Canadian Airforce, full of some of the most daring athletes, breaks away from traditional skiing to showcase what is possible on a pair of skis. A look inside the creative world of riding rails and innovating rotations some of the best athletes bring the progression of freestyle to a whole new level.
Episode Cast: Alex Kufman, Bobby Brown, Colby West, Gus Kenworthy, Jon Olsson, Bear Bryand, Mike Rogge, Jay Scambio, Richard Permin
14. "Bralorne"
Rory Bushfield, James Heim, Eric Hjorleifson, Mark Abma, and Sean Pettit; some of the world's best skiers travel to Bralorne, British Columbia where they find an abundance of lofty peaks full of zones to study and ski. The weather gets in a sulky mood, but after the skies open up, it's showtime. Eric finds a line that epitomizes the discovery of the funny little mining town, Bralorne.
Episode Cast: Rory Bushfield, James Heim, Eric Hjorleifson, Mark Abma, Sean Pettit
15. "Cedric Gracia"
Cedric Gracia explodes into the professional world of mountain biking. Excelling in free riding, downhill, and four-cross; he blends the styles together in pursuit of a new vision for mountain biking. With high energy and a fun attitude, Cedric races against his good friend, Steve Peat, in the World Cup. He then takes a team to Bolivia where extreme elements put them to the test. Cedric risks his life on a massive line that starts at the top of the world.
Episode Cast: Cedric Gracia, Steve Peat, Dave Watson, Robbie Bourdon, Carlin Dunn,
16. "Teacher and Apprentice"
For mountain bikers to reach new levels, knowledge is continually passed along from one great rider to the next. Legendary rider, John Cowan travels to Ilha Bela, a small island in Brazil, to mentor a skilled new member of his professional team, Paul Basagoitia. Robbie Bourdon, a big-air veteran, also develops a mentoring relationship as the team of talented riders travel to Argentina. The team pushes into their unknown ability when the students begin to rival the masters.
Episode Cast: John Cowan, Paul Basagoitia, Robbie Bourdon, Grant Fielder, Carlin Dunn, Andreo Lacondeguy, Dave Watson, Fabien Barel, Luise Lacondeguy
17. "Wingsuit"
The sport of BASE jumping progresses when jumpers become more and more audacious turning skydiving into a world-class sport. Laws in the United States do not stop enthusiasts, Shane McConky, JT Holmes, and Miles Daisher from risking their lives as they travel to Norway to learn from the best and push their limits in the Isterdalen Valley.
Episode Cast: Shane McConkey, J.T. Holmes, Miles Daisher, Espen Fadnes, Andreas Barkhall, Hans Holmefjord, Tom Erik Heimen
18. "MTB US"
With some of the most challenging terrain on Earth being in the United States, two crews of world-class mountain bikers are sent out to create their own. The first crew travels from the Black Hills of South Dakota to Lake Alcova, Wyoming exploring exotic dirt terrain. Meanwhile, crew number two tours Northern New England on motorcycles to find challenging dirt jumps near Laconia, New Hampshire. Both crews learn that if you search hard enough, what's born in the USA is the Ultimate Rush.
Episode Cast: Kurtis Sorge, Robbie Bourdon, Cameron Zink, Wayne Goss, Paul Basagoitia, Dave Smutak, Aaron Chase, Adam Hauck, Chris Van Dine
19. "Ends of the Earth"
Some of the world's best skiers are followed to some of the world's best kept secrets- Kashmir, India and Hokkaido, Japan. Mark Abma and Mike Wilson spend time at India's tiny resort of Gulmarg where they explore the grandest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas. Meanwhile, Sean Pettit, Jacob Wester, and Henrik Windstedt experience Japan's never-ending powder and magnificent tree skiing where they claim some of their best days.
Episode Cast: Mark Abma, Mike Wilson, Sean Pettit, Jacob Wester, Henrik Windstedt, Mike Douglas
20. "Wakeboard"
Two of the greatest wakeboarders, Adam Errington and Parks Bonifay, take a road trip together, showcasing and filming their wakeboarding skills in some of the most spectacular locations in America. First, it's off to Washington's Radar Lake - a wakeboarding Mecca, then to Lake Powell with pro wakeboarder, Danny Harf. They create astonishing moments on the most beautiful bodies of water in America as new settings raise athletes to greater heights.
Episode Cast: Adam Errington, Parks Bonifay, Danny Harf, Tony Smith
Related Research Articles
Action sports, adventure sports or extreme sports are activities perceived as involving a high degree of risk of injury or death. These activities often involve speed, height, a high level of physical exertion and highly specialized gear. Extreme tourism overlaps with extreme sport. The two share the same main attraction, "adrenaline rush" caused by an element of risk, and differ mostly in the degree of engagement and professionalism.
Freeride is a discipline of mountain biking closely related to downhill biking, dirt jumping, freestyle motocross, and freestyle BMX. When riding a freerider one focuses on tricks, style, and technical trail features. Freeride is now recognized as one of the most popular disciplines within mountain biking.
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Matchstick Productions, also known as MSP Films, is a film production company based in Crested Butte, Colorado that specializes in content creation and expert cinematography. Steve Winter and Murray Wais founded the company in 1992. According to MSP’s website, “Matchstick aims to create entertaining films that not only are stunning visually but on the cutting edge of action sports.”
Shaun Palmer is an American professional snowboarder, skier, mountain biker, and motocross rider. Nicknamed "Napalm" and "Palm Daddy", he is known as one of the forefathers of extreme sports. He won the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year in 2000.
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Shane McConkey was a professional skier and BASE jumper. He was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and eventually based himself in Olympic Valley, California. Due to an itinerant childhood, he never identified with a single place, but he was said to have come from Boulder, Colorado. It was from here that he started his professional skiing career. He did so after dropping out of the University of Colorado Boulder to pursue his dreams.
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KidsWorld Sports is a 26-episode television series for young teens. Each episode features two children from around the globe, who strive for greatness in their chosen sport. The show profiles kids who have the potential to become tomorrow's sport heroes. The show was produced by Breakthrough Films and Television in Toronto, Canada. It aired on August 8, 2004.
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Sean Martin Pettit is a Canadian freeskier born in Ottawa, Ontario. He grew up in Chelsea, Quebec until the age of 7. He now resides in Pemberton, British Columbia.
Dane Tudor is an Australian / American freeskier born in Sydney, Australia. He spent his time growing up between Palmer, Alaska and Rossland, British Columbia. Tudor still resides in both British Columbia and Alaska.
McConkey is a 2013 documentary film about extreme skier Shane McConkey. The film follows Shane from growing up as the son of skier Jim McConkey to his days as a professional freeskier. The film also focuses on Shane's 2009 death during a ski base jump and his continued influence over the sport of skiing. The film features interviews from notable athletes and friends of Shane such as JT Holmes, Tony Hawk and Travis Pastrana.
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Ski-BASE jumping is the recreational sport of skiing at a high speed off of a cliff or mountain and free-falling through the air, using a parachute to descend to the ground, therefore combining the two sports of skiing and BASE jumping. Participants often perform tricks or manoeuvres during the freefall and remove their skis mid-air in order to safely deploy the parachute and land.
"At Halogen, which reaches viewers via cable with a message of positive change, Red Bull inked a multi-year deal for Thursday night programming. From the action sports roundup Ultimate Rush to street sports shows", James O'Brien writes for The Content Strategist
„There is brand synergy in our ideology about content," says Marshall Nord (senior vice president of programming at Halogen)
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