A Brief Story about Snowboarding's History

Snowboarding is a winter sport that was initially called “Snurfing” as it has roots in skiing, surfing and skateboarding, where the main activity is to ride down any snow-covered slopes. However, unlike skiing, snowboarders do not have poles to use; their feet are positioned almost perpendicular to the board.

The sport rapidly developed in the mid-1960s and grew in popularity in the 1980s, becoming an Olympic sport in the 1990s.

Back in the 1980s, many ski resorts in North America were not welcoming snowboarders due to concerns about insurance liability and the behaviour of some riders. A lot of skiers showed their frustration with snowboarders, describing them as uncooperative and endangering the public. However, across the countries in Europe, particularly in France, people expressed a more accepting attitude toward snowboarding.

The 1990s marked a turning point when nearly every North American resort began to allow snowboarding. The introduction of the Pipe Dragon, a machine designed to cut halfpipes through the snow, opened up new possibilities for snowboarder lovers. When snowboarding made its debut at the 1998 Winter Olympics, the halfpipe event became one of the sport's biggest attractions. Interestingly, a skiing halfpipe didn't emerge until 16 years later, underscoring the profound influence of this upstart sport on the traditional skiing world.

Although some of the early pioneers of snowboarding are no longer with us, the essence of what Jake Carpenter, one of its founding figures who was also the founder of Burton, tapped into remains relevant. Jake's wife, Donna, recently pointed out that snowboarding really reminds people that even as adults, we have an innate need to play and embrace new experiences. Snowboarding's journey from outsider sport to Olympic sensation is a testament to its enduring appeal.

The evolution of snowboarding from a counterculture movement to a widely accepted and celebrated sport has been a remarkable journey. Its influence on skiing and the broader winter sports community is undeniable. As we continue to see the growth and evolution of snowboarding, we're reminded that embracing change and having fun, regardless of age, is a fundamental part of the human spirit.