A look at the intriguing history of snowboarding
To say who actually invented the sport of snowboarding would be impossible, because people have always loved to slide down a snowy hill. Soaring through the snow on some kind of seat or board is nothing new. There are many ways to enjoy the snow, and people have come up with ways to turn trash can lids and cardboard into “snowboards” to enjoy an afternoon of outdoor fun. Different ways to slide through snow became more sophisticated and evolved to using polished boards or skis in much the same way a surfer would ride 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 tied together and a rope was placed at the front end to provide control and stability. Over 500,000 “Snurfers” were sold in 1966, but they were never seen as more than a children’s toy, although organized competitions began to be held. The year 1969 brought a slightly more advanced snowboard based on ski principles combined with a surf style.
The “Flying Yellow Banana” was developed in 1977. It was nothing more than a plastic shell covered with a skateboard-like top, but at the time it was considered a major advance in the little-known sport of snowboarding. The first national snowboard competition was held in the area outside of Woodstock and was known as the “Suicide Six.” The race consisted of a steep descent called The Face, where the main objective was probably just survival.
Snowboarding continued to grow in popularity over the next few years. In 1985, the first magazine dedicated specifically to snowboarding hit the stands with huge success and contributed to the popularity of this exciting sport. Crowds of fans started organizing regional events and pretty soon snowboarding events were held in all parts of the world. In 1994, snowboarding was finally announced as an Olympic event, much to the delight of fans. The not-so-new sport of snowboarding was finally recognized and it meant a huge win for serious snowboarders around the world.
A collection of snowboarding 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 accounted for almost 50% of all winter activity . Today, almost all ski resorts accept snowboarders. There are still a few who hold on to the past, but this is unlikely to continue as the number of snowboarders continues to increase.
From the first rough-hewn snowboards to the advanced and specialized models available today, snowboarders carry the bad boy image. This rebellious reputation is still common today, despite the fact that snowboarding appeals to men, women and children of all nationalities and social groups. You can find snowboard equipment, information and lessons at most major ski resorts. The Olympic and World Snowboarding events are among the most popular winter sports and the competition to be the best is fierce.
Retailers across the country and around the world carry many types of snowboards, and the selection of custom-made snowboard gear is vast. Snowboarders have participated in the X Games and even charity events like Boarding for Breast Cancer. From its early, meager beginnings, snowboarding has become a fully recognized sport and large numbers of people are turning to snowboarding for adventure, fun and professional recognition.
#intriguing #history #snowboarding