SNOWBOARDING is sometimes seen as a more modern-day version of skiing, and snowboarding holidays are often associated with a younger, slightly edgier crowd.
However, the sport is actually much older than many first realise; records and anecdotal evidence suggest that the first snowboarders were actually around in the 1920s! People would allegedly tie planks of wood together to form one board, before attaching their feet using rope, horse reins or even clothing line. Those that were brave enough would then attempt to slide down the mountain or hill, although how successful they were is up for debate.
While rudimentary snowboards have been around for nearly a century, the first recorded prototype was put together by Sherman Poppen in 1965. Poppen wanted to make something for his daughter Wendy to use on the ski slopes, and came up with the 'Snurfer': two skis tied together, with some rope attached to the front to help steer. So called because it enabled Wendy to 'surf' the snow, Poppen soon became something of a celebrity as his invention grew in popularity. Soon, he had sold half a million Snurfers and was even organising competitions between fans of the new contraption.
While Snurfers were initially extremely popular, like many crazes, interest in them began to wane. Luckily, there were enough dedicated snurfers out there who enjoyed the sport and wanted to see it taken to the next level. Among them were Jake Burton and Dimitrije Milovich, both of whom began making their own prototypes in an effort to improve on the original design; others soon joined in, experimenting with different materials, techniques and board shapes. Here the history of the snowboard becomes a little vague, as snurfers began to set up their own companies and compete to create the best board. It's difficult to say who designed the first modern snowboard, but we know that by the late 1970s boarding was increasingly talked-about, with many of the younger generations eager to try this exciting new sport.
But while snowboarders were causing a stir in the ski chalets, not everyone was excited by the new invention. Some of the more old-fashioned ski fans didn't like the new craze, viewing snowboarders as vulgar and less refined than themselves. Many resorts even went so far as to ban snowboarding altogether, and as late as 1985 only 7 per cent of American ski resorts allowed boarders to run alongside skiers.
All this was about to change, however, as snowboarding competitions began to grow in popularity and the sport began to be taken seriously. In 1979 the first ever World Snurfing Championship was held, followed closely by the first nationally-recognized Halfpipe Championships in 1983. But it wasn't until the late 90s that snowboarding really began to be seen as a serious competition. The 1998 Winter Olympics in Japan were the first to recognise snowboarding as an official category, a move which increased respect for the sport and also led to more stringent judging criteria. While the original Olympic snowboarding competitions only had two events, nowadays there are six separate categories, including the super giant slalom and snowboard cross.
While snowboarding is undoubtedly one of the most popular winter sports out there, a surprising number of people are yet to give it a go. If you're one of them, why not make this the year you try something new? If you rent your equipment you'll still be able to ski during your break, and you may come back with a new-found appreciation of the sport. Search for late ski deals to get the best bargains, and check that your chosen resort offers snowboarding lessons to beginners to help you get your bearings. And of course, with all your new knowledge of the history of boarding, you'll still be able to impress your instructor if you find your heel-turns aren't quite what they should be...
