A History Of Snowboarding

More than the tactics of snowboarding, people have been struggling to know about the history of this adventure sport. Be it the question related to the person who first indulged in this activity or be it the place where it was first initiated. Various questions regarding the history of snowboarding have puzzled people for years, and we have tried to answer them here in a chronological manner.

1929 – The First Beginning

Though many believe that snowboarding was first done in 1960s, the truth is that it was first done in 1929. It was M.J. Jack Burchett who first used clothesline in order to secure his feet to a large and lengthy piece of plywood. He was the first one to use an innovative way for snowboarding like tying the horse reins to the plywood for achieving a steering control to glide over the white snow.

1963 – Resurrects after 30 years

After about 30 years from its first attempt, snowboarding was against attempted in 1963. After such a long gap, Tom Sims, who was an eighth-grade student made a “ski board” for shop class. Made up of plywood, this sky board proved to be a major breakthrough for this adventure sport.

1965 – The Baby Footsteps

Just two years after the invention of ski board, Sherman Poppen invented “the snurfer” in 1965. This equipment was designed for snowboarding and consisted of two skis bolted together. The fact is that Poppen made this instrument as a toy for his kids but later he organized competitions with the snurfer.

1970s – Gains Momentum

If there is one decade that truly changes the whole scenario of snowboarding then it is none other than the 1970s. It was in 1970, when an east coast surger, Dimitrije Milovich came up with an idea to develop snowboards and wished to surf using the mechanics of skiing. In 1975, Milovich along with his snowboard named “Winterstick” featured in a Newsweek magazine.

1980s – Reaches the Popular Perception

In 1980, skiing got a new dimension, when Burton and Winterstick snowboard manufacturers came up with an idea of using a P-Tex base for skiing. Later in 1982, the first ever international snowboarding race was held in Vermont at the Suicide Six. Snowboarding faced many difficulties in mid-1980s when only 39 out of the 600 ski resorts were allows snow surfers.

1997 – Mainstream Acceptance

1997 marked a new era in the history of snowboarding. Time changed and so does the attitude of people for snowboarding. Skiing resorts no more banned snow surfers. In fact, this sport was accepted happily in resorts worldwide by the end of 20th century. By the sport has left the league of daredevil athletes and have become a hobby with average individuals.

Present

In recent times the popularity of snowboarding has shown a drastic increase. In the U.S. alone, the number of snowboarders has increased by 77% over the last decade. Observing such a rapid growth, it is now considered as the fastest growing winter sport. Expectations are that by 2015 snowboarding will be even more popular than now.