Saying who really invented the sport of snowboarding would be impossible because people have always loved to slide down a snow-covered hill. Flying through the snow on some kind of seat or board is nothing new. The ways to enjoy the snow are numerous, and people have come up with ways to turn trash can lids and cardboard into “snowboards” for an afternoon of outdoor fun. The various ways of gliding down snow have become more sophisticated and have evolved to the use of polished boards or skis in the same way a surfer rides a wave.
There have been many attempts to develop a modern snowboard. In 1965, the “Snurfer” (a pun on “snow” and “surfer”) was developed as a children’s toy. Two skis were attached and a rope was attached to the front to provide control and stability. More than 500,000 “Snurfers” were sold in 1966, but they were never considered more than a children’s toy, although contests began to be organized. The year 1969 brought a slightly more sophisticated snowboard based on the principles of skiing combined with the style of surfboards.
The “Flying Yellow Banana” was developed in 1977. It was nothing more than a plastic shell covered with a top surface like that of a skateboard, but at the time it was considered a breakthrough in the little-known sport of snowboarding. The first national snowboard race was held outside of Woodstock and became known as “The Suicide Six”. The race consisted of a steep downhill race called The Face in which the main objective was probably mere survival.
Snowboarding continued to increase in popularity over the next several years. In 1985, the first magazine dedicated specifically to snowboarding hit the newsstands with great success and increased the popularity of this exciting sport. Crowds of fans began organizing regional events and soon snowboarding events were taking place in all parts of the world. In the year 1994, snowboarding was finally declared an Olympic event, much to the delight of fans. The not-so-new sport of snowboarding was finally recognized and it was a big win for serious snowboarders all over the world.
A collection of snowboard tricks and stunts was released on video in 1996. Filmed in Alaska, the breathtaking beauty and captivating snowboarding techniques presented in the video exposed snowboarding to a new generation, and by 1998 snowboarding made up almost 50% of all the winter activity. Nowadays, almost all ski resorts accept snowboarders. There are still some who cling to the past, but this is unlikely to continue as the number of snowboarders is continually increasing.
From the first crudely built snowboards to the advanced and specialized models available today, snowboarders have had a “bad boy” image. This rebellious reputation remains common today even though snowboarding appeals to men, women and children of all nationalities and social groups. At most major ski resorts, you can find snowboard equipment, information, and lessons. Olympic and world snowboarding events are among the most popular winter sports and the competition to be the best is fierce.
Many types of snowboards are sold by retailers across the country and around the world, and the choice of specially manufactured snowboard equipment is vast. Snowboarders have participated in the X Games and even charity events like Boarding for Breast Cancer. From its meager beginnings, snowboarding has progressed to become a fully recognized sport, with scores of people turning to snowboarding for adventure, fun, and professional recognition.
