Snowboard Wax
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A Look at The Intriguing History of Snowboarding
ARTICLE BY: Keith Kingston
To say who actually invented the sport of snowboarding would be impossible because people have always loved to slide down a snow-covered hill. Soaring through the snow on some kind of seat or board is nothing new. The ways to enjoy the snow are numerous, and people have devised ways to turn garbage can lids and cardboard into ?snow boards? to enjoy an afternoon frolic outdoors. The various ways to glide through snow have become more sophisticated and have evolved into using polished boards or skis in much the same manner as a surfboarder would ride a wave.
There have been many attempts at developing a modern snowboard. In 1965, the ?Snurfer? (a word play on ?snow? and ?surfer?) was developed as a child?s toy. Two skis were bound together and a rope was placed at the front end to afford control and stability. Over 500,000 ?Snurfers? were sold in 1966 but they were never seen as more than a child's plaything even though organized competitions began to take place. The year 1969 brought a slightly more sophisticated snowboard based on the principles of skiing combined with surfboard styling.
The ?Flying Yellow Banana? was developed in 1977. This 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 major advance in the little known sport of snowboarding. The first national snowboard race was held in the area outside Woodstock and was known as ?The Suicide Six.? The race consisted of a steep downhill run called The Face in which the main goal 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 news stands with huge success and furthered the popularity of this exciting sport. Hoards of fans began to organize regional events and pretty soon snowboarding events were held 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 meant a huge victory for serious snowboarders across the globe.
A collection of snowboarding tricks and stunts was released on video in 1996. Filmed in Alaska, the breathtaking beauty and captivating snowboarding techniques featured in the video exposed snowboarding to a new generation, and by 1998 snowboarding constituted almost 50% of all winter activity. Today, nearly all ski resorts accept snowboarders. There are still a few holding on to the past but this is unlikely to continue as the number of snowboarders continually increases.
From the first crudely built snowboards to the advanced and specialized models available today, snowboarders have carried a ?bad boy? image. This rebel reputation is still common today in spite of the fact that snowboarding appeals to men, women, and children of all nationalities and social groups. At most major ski resorts you can find snowboarding gear, information, and lessons. Olympic and world wide snowboarding events are among the most popular of winter sports and the competition to be the best is fierce.
Retailers nation wide and around the world carry many types of snowboards, and the choice in specially made snowboarding gear is immense. Snowboarders have participated in the X Games and even charity events such as Boarding for Breast Cancer. From its early meager beginnings snowboarding has progressed into a fully recognized sport, and large numbers of people are turning to snowboarding for adventure, fun, and professional recognition.
There have been many attempts at developing a modern snowboard. In 1965, the ?Snurfer? (a word play on ?snow? and ?surfer?) was developed as a child?s toy. Two skis were bound together and a rope was placed at the front end to afford control and stability. Over 500,000 ?Snurfers? were sold in 1966 but they were never seen as more than a child's plaything even though organized competitions began to take place. The year 1969 brought a slightly more sophisticated snowboard based on the principles of skiing combined with surfboard styling.
The ?Flying Yellow Banana? was developed in 1977. This 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 major advance in the little known sport of snowboarding. The first national snowboard race was held in the area outside Woodstock and was known as ?The Suicide Six.? The race consisted of a steep downhill run called The Face in which the main goal 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 news stands with huge success and furthered the popularity of this exciting sport. Hoards of fans began to organize regional events and pretty soon snowboarding events were held 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 meant a huge victory for serious snowboarders across the globe.
A collection of snowboarding tricks and stunts was released on video in 1996. Filmed in Alaska, the breathtaking beauty and captivating snowboarding techniques featured in the video exposed snowboarding to a new generation, and by 1998 snowboarding constituted almost 50% of all winter activity. Today, nearly all ski resorts accept snowboarders. There are still a few holding on to the past but this is unlikely to continue as the number of snowboarders continually increases.
From the first crudely built snowboards to the advanced and specialized models available today, snowboarders have carried a ?bad boy? image. This rebel reputation is still common today in spite of the fact that snowboarding appeals to men, women, and children of all nationalities and social groups. At most major ski resorts you can find snowboarding gear, information, and lessons. Olympic and world wide snowboarding events are among the most popular of winter sports and the competition to be the best is fierce.
Retailers nation wide and around the world carry many types of snowboards, and the choice in specially made snowboarding gear is immense. Snowboarders have participated in the X Games and even charity events such as Boarding for Breast Cancer. From its early meager beginnings snowboarding has progressed into a fully recognized sport, and large numbers of people are turning to snowboarding for adventure, fun, and professional recognition.
Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher offering information on snowboards, skiing, ski vacations, snow removal and snowmobiles at http://www.all-4-snow.com/
The History Of Snowboarding Resources
Snowboarding - Selecting The Right Snowboard
There are several aspects to consider when selecting your snowboard. Beginners have fewer options than more advanced snowboarders. Novices should start snowboarding using a shorter rather than longer board....
Snowboarding Isn't Just For Kids Anymore
Pain and injury avoidance techniques for snowboarding are invaluable but not well known. If you know how, you can avoid the two biggest mistakes that first time snowboarders make. A positive experience...
Snowboarding Boots
Snowboarding boots - The key to comfort on the hill.The boots that you wear when snowboarding will make a huge difference with your ability to control your snowboard and your comfort on the hill. You will...
What Snowboard Boots To Choose
Wearing the correct snowboard boots means that your riding movements will be easy to do, your effort transferring well from your feet through to your board. Feet that get cold, wet and sore whilst out...
Snowboarding Wax: What Should Be Done!
Have you ever been cruising your way down a mountain just enjoying the ride, the scenery and everything else, when suddenly along comes a nasty wide open expanse of flat. Do you ever wonder why it is that...
Further The History Of Snowboarding Related Resources...
Bearded Ladyboarding Supposed To Push Sales For Oregon Scientific ATC 3K Action (I4U)
Oregon Scientific offers with the ATC 3K a robust and waterproof Action video camera that you can strap on your helmet while snowboarding down a mountain or ripping up a trail with your mountain bike. Creative viral marketers in the UK invented the fake sp...
Oregon Scientific offers with the ATC 3K a robust and waterproof Action video camera that you can strap on your helmet while snowboarding down a mountain or ripping up a trail with your mountain bike. Creative viral marketers in the UK invented the fake sp...
Ski Channel Sets Christmas Launch (MultiChannel News)
Independently owned video-on-demand service Ski Channel will give winter sports aficionados a Christmas Day gift as the service officially launches Dec. 25 on several satellite and cable services.
Independently owned video-on-demand service Ski Channel will give winter sports aficionados a Christmas Day gift as the service officially launches Dec. 25 on several satellite and cable services.
Your Community: Upcoming Events (The Signal)
By Signal Staff Posted: Nov. 15, 2008 9:47 p.m. LETMESAIL Nov. Calendar LETMESAIL, (Lifestyle Enrichment Through Meaningful Exercise, Social Activity and Independent Living) for teenagers and adults with disabilities will be hosting the following November events for registered clients: Today - 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. - "SNAP Flag Football Pick-Up Game"; College of the Canyons Upper Field; 26455 ...
By Signal Staff Posted: Nov. 15, 2008 9:47 p.m. LETMESAIL Nov. Calendar LETMESAIL, (Lifestyle Enrichment Through Meaningful Exercise, Social Activity and Independent Living) for teenagers and adults with disabilities will be hosting the following November events for registered clients: Today - 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. - "SNAP Flag Football Pick-Up Game"; College of the Canyons Upper Field; 26455 ...
In Tomorrow's Paper (EdmontonSun.com)
Read Cary Castagna's Keeping Fit column about Fitmom - a great way for moms to stay in shape. Find last week's column here.
Read Cary Castagna's Keeping Fit column about Fitmom - a great way for moms to stay in shape. Find last week's column here.
