Snowboarding is a sport, which has gained in immense popularity over the last ten years. It was officially proclaimed an Olympic sport in 1994 and the first Olympic event was held in 1998. Currently 97% of all U.S. ski resorts allow snowboarding, which initially had been banned.
In the Olympics three events are held: the halfpipe, the parallel giant slolem and the snowboard cross
It may not overtake skiing yet but the body of enthusiasts is growing. Snowboarders represent 30% of the people who attend resorts.
History
Although Jack Burchett experimented with something resembling a snowboard in the 1920’s made out of a plank, the beginning of modern snowboarding is credited to a chemical engineer, Sherman Poppen who in 1964 crudely slapped two kids' skis together with a rope in front to control it, in an effort to make a new ski toy for his daughter to use.
It became very popular with his daughter’s friends and the following year he licensed it for production. This toy turned out to be the famous Snurfer, which became a hot seller with over a million units sold in the next ten years before its popularity died out. The problem with the Snurfer was that it had no bindings and was hard to control. It was dismissed as a toy.
In 1969 Dimitri Milovich started making surfboards inspired by skiing down hills on cafeteria plates from his college cafeteria. He is considered a pioneer for his development. His company “Winterstick” is considered to be the first snowboard company. He used technology based on how skis work. His boards resembled today’s boards and he was written about in several national magazines.
In 1970, Jack Burton, a Snurfer enthusiast got into the business by making snowboards out of laminated hardwood and fiberglass with the first bindings which made controlling the board much better. He also used P-Tex in the construction of his snowboards. This is an extremely durable polyethylene material, which is easily repairable and accepts wax for better gliding. Modern snowboards are constructed of P-Tex. Burton also incorporated designs used today such as metal edges to make the board turn better and was the first to place graphics on the boards. His company is the largest manufacturer of snowboards today. Burton was also instrumental in promoting the sport in competitions to what it is today.
In 1977 Tom Sims, a skateboard champion got into the business and with the help of his employee Chuck Barfoot manufactured what was called the “Flying Yellow Banana” which was a skateboard glued onto a plastic shell. They went on to incorporate skateboard technology in the development of their products. Sims also began using P-Tex in the boards.
These are the some of the pioneers in the 1960’s and 1970’s who developed the designs and equipment for the modern snowboards, which have resulted in this popular sport today.
Why People Snowboard
It’s difficult to come to a conclusion as to why people snowboard. After all it is more dangerous than skiing according to injury figures. Perhaps that is part of the enticement however.
Another reason may be that the snowboard experience is more of a challenge that skiing and for those individuals who want to step up to the next challenge so to speak, snowboarding is the perfect sport for them.
Of course some are just curious as to why others would want to ride in an awkward position over snow, and don’t mind taking a risk to find out.
Finally, the snowboard rider can perform more tricks and jumps than can be performed on skis. This can be quite an exhilarating experience for those who seek thrills.
Board Basics
Snowboards are about the width of a human foot or wider and are assembled in layers.
The most important layer is the core, which is constructed of wood or fiberglass, although other materials such as foam and aluminum are used. The wood is laminated for strength and then shaped by milling and planing. Inserts are drilled for the bindings. Sidewalls usually made of plastic are also bonded to the core to help protect it.
The core is attached to a base made of a strong polyethylene material called P-Tex, which is porous and absorbs wax for a slippery base. The P-Tex base may be made with different processes and sometimes graphite is incorporated to help the base reduce friction. Edges are put on the base running the entire length to help with friction on ice and maneuverability. Fiberglass sheets are sandwiched in between the base and core for added strength.
A top sheet made of fiberglass or other materials is put on the core to further strengthen it and this sheet also contains the graphics.
The snowboard is assembled in layers and then put into a mold and then into a heated press. This allows all the binding materials to dry and the board to retain its shape.
Bindings are attached so that the rider stands transverse to the longitude of the board.
Styles
There are three basic styles, freeride, freestyle, and freecarve/race although there is overlap among the styles.
The freeride is the most popular. Riders go down any hilly terrain and may perform tricks. Many types of snow may be encountered such as deep powder or ice so a stiffer boot is required. This style is good for beginners
The freestyle is more advanced. In this style the rider performs tricks using objects such as jumps, rails and boxes. It may incorporate flips and spins. These objects may have slick tops so the snowboard will glide over them. A more flexible boot is required for the required maneuverability.
Free-carve style, known as alpine snowboarding takes place on groomed runs with packed snow and focuses on carving turns as in skiing. A stiffer boot with binding allowing for quick turns is required.
Snowboarding injuries are twice those of alpine skiing so caution is advised.
Conclusion
Snowboarding is a relatively new sport. Inspired by surfing, sledding, skiing and skateboarding, it has become a very popular snow sport after several pioneers perfected designs and helped develop it the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Various styles are used in snowboarding although there is overlapping.
In the U S snowboarding cultures have arisen in Alaska, Utah, California, New England, Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest and competitions are held worldwide.
