Snowboarding is a combination of skiing and rollerblading. Did you know that snowboarders spend hours practicing their skills every day?
This translates into millions of dollars spent on professional training, equipment, and lessons each year. Additionally, there are also thousands of amateur athletes who participate in various competitions across the globe.
In this article, you’ll find twenty-one interesting facts about snowboarding and hopefully answer some questions you may have had as well.
Table of Contents
Snowboarding Was Invented in the 1950s
Snowboarding was invented in the 1950s by a man named Sherman Poppen. He created it to keep his daughters amused during the winter months.
The first snowboard was made of wood and consisted of two skis attached with a rope for steering. The board didn’t have any bindings which meant the rider had to hold on for dear life when riding down the slopes!
Snowboarding has evolved quite a bit since its invention in the 1950s. Today’s boards are much more sophisticated, with various bindings and styles to choose from.
Snowboarding is the Fastest-Growing Winter Sport
Believe it or not, snowboarding has been growing in popularity at an astonishing rate over the past few years. It’s now considered one of the most popular winter sports globally. This is evident by the increasing number of people taking up snowboarding every year.
Additionally, there are now more and more competitions being held each season, so if you’re looking for a new challenge, snowboarding is worth considering!
You Can Snowboard Without a Snowboard
That’s right, and you don’t need a snowboard to participate in this winter sport. There are many ways to enjoy snowboarding even if you don’t have your board. Replacements for snowboards allow people of all ages, abilities, and budgets to enjoy this winter sport without having their snowboard or skis.
For example, some people use skis attached to their feet with special bindings and mimic the motions of snowboarding. Also, many resorts offer sleds that can be pulled uphill by a snowmobile and then ridden down the slopes. This is perfect for those who want to experience the excitement of snowboarding but don’t feel comfortable boarding on their own.
The First Snowboarders Were Called “Snurfers”
The first snowboarders were called “snurfers” because they rode on a board similar to a surfboard.
The founder, Sherman Poppen, created this board in 1965 for his daughters to play in the snow. He nailed two skis together and attached them to a piece of rope so his daughters could pull it around. The man appeared to be surfing, so his wife gave the act the name Snurfing, a combination of the words “snow” and “surfing.”
This board was the predecessor to the modern snowboard, and Poppen is credited with creating the first-ever snowboard.
Snowboarding Became an Olympic Sport in 1998
In 1998, snowboarding made its debut as an Olympic sport. This event was held in Nagano, Japan, and many people attribute this milestone to the sport’s increased popularity. The halfpipe competition was also introduced at this event, and it’s been a fan-favorite ever since.
An Hour of Snowboarding is Equivalent to 3 Beers
This is a fun fact that many snowboarders like to share with their friends.
It’s said that the number of calories you burn after an hour on the slopes is the equivalent of drinking three beers, so that should give you some idea of how much a workout snowboarding is!
Snowboarders Are Used as Environmental Barometers
In some parts of the world, scientists use snowboarders to determine pollution in a specific area.
It can be expensive for researchers to take samples from different regions on an industrialized mountain and test them for pollutants.Instead, they study how much dirt has accumulated on the snowboarders’ clothes and then compare that data with samples taken from the area.
This is a more efficient way to test for pollutants, and it’s becoming an increasingly popular method among scientists.
Snowboarders Get More Injuries than Skiers Do
According to NCBI, snowboarders are far more likely to suffer head injuries than skiers because they don’t always wear helmets while riding their boards.
The National Ski Areas Association reports that only 25% of snowboarders wear helmets compared to 50% of skiers. This is likely because it’s more challenging to fall and injure yourself while skiing.
Also, many resorts don’t provide as much safety gear for snowboarders as skiers which can put snowboarders at a higher risk of injury.
The World’s Longest Snowboard Jump is an Impressive 252 Feet Long
If you’re looking to test your skills on a long snowboard jump, then you’ll want to head to Cardrona Alpine Resort in New Zealand.
There, you’ll find the world’s longest snowboard jump which is 252 feet long. Greg Todd designed this jump, and it took him three years to build. He completed it in 2001, and it’s been a popular spot for snowboarders ever since.
There are More than 100 Different Tricks that Can Be Done on a Snowboard
There are more than 100 different tricks that can be done on a snowboard which is one reason why many people find it such an appealing sport.
These include Japan air, frontside boardslide, backside boardslide, tailslide, 360 ollies out faked to backward mute grab over flat, and 50-50 grind on a rail. With so many tricks to choose from, you’ll never get bored while snowboarding!
The Most Expensive Snowboard was Priced at $33,131.13
If you’re in the market for an expensive snowboard, then you’ll want to take a look at the Burton Antler. Jake Burton designed this board, and it’s made with a mix of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and wood. It also has 24-karat gold accents and is priced at $33,131.13.
This board was initially introduced as a one-of-a-kind design, but later they were produced to be sold to the public and made available in select stores throughout Asia.
It’s Possible to Go Upside Down on a Snowboard
If you’ve ever seen a snowboarder flip and twist their way down the side of a mountain, then you know that it’s possible to go upside-down on one.
While this may look difficult or even impossible for some people, several tricks can be performed while riding the board in an inverted manner, such as frontside invert, backside invert, and a Christ air.
Snowboarding Has Been Included in Every Winter Olympics Since 1998
Since its debut as an Olympic sport in 1998, snowboarding has been included in every Winter Olympics.
This event is held every four years and takes place in different locations worldwide. So far, there have been three various events that include snowboarding, the halfpipe competition, the slopestyle competition, and the Big Air competition.
Snowboarding Was Banned at Resorts in the Early 1980s
Many people don’t realize that snowboarding was once banned at nearly every resort in the United States. In fact, they were even banned from being used on ski slopes as a mode of transportation between trails not just for recreation purposes.
In 1983, Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont became the first ski resort to offer snowboarding opportunities, and since then it has remained a favorite among snowboarders.
27.4% Injuries During the Winter Olympics
27.40% of injuries sustained during the Winter Olympics are from head or neck trauma. This was a significantly higher percentage than any other type of injury most likely due to the high-flying tricks that snowboarders often attempt.
Remember to always wear a helmet during your next snowboarding trip to avoid head or neck injuries!
There Are More than 20 Different Styles of Snowboarding
Just as many different tricks that you can perform on a snowboard, there are also many different styles you can choose from.
This makes the sport so versatile and allows boarders to express themselves uniquely. Some more popular types include freestyle, all-mountain, backcountry, and racing.
Whichever style you choose, make sure to practice safe riding techniques so that you can enjoy your time on the slopes!
The Top Five Countries that Snowboard Are Canada, Norway, USA, Sweden, and Finland
Like any other sport, snowboarding has its list of countries considered the best at it. The top five countries in the world regarding snowboarding are the United States, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, and Sweden.
These countries have produced some of the best boarders globally and continue to dominate sports year after year. In addition, these countries also have a high number of winter Olympic medals when it comes to snowboarding.
Snowboarders Earn an Average of $21,000 Per Year
If you’re thinking about becoming a professional snowboarder, it’s essential to be aware that the salary isn’t very high.
On average, riders only make around $21,000 each year, typically less than what other professional athletes make. Athletes who are successful in this sport usually have to rely on winning competitions or endorsements from brands that sponsor them.
A Snowboarder Can’t Control the Direction of Their Board by Turning Their Feet
Since a snowboard is flat and has no wheels, the only thing that you can control when riding it is how fast or slow you’re going.
To change directions on your board, you’ll need to use your upper body and some quick footwork to make sharp turns.
You might notice experienced riders doing things like jumping up and down or sliding their feet across the snow to change directions quickly.
There are More Than 900 Ski Resorts in North America alone
If you’re looking for a place to snowboard, then North America is the perfect destination. With more than 900 ski resorts located in this region, you’re sure to find one that’s right for you.
In addition, each resort offers its own unique set of challenges and terrain that will keep you coming back for more. When it comes to skiing, the United States is considered the best country for this sport.
There Are More than Ten Snowboarding Styles
Just as there are many different snowboarding styles, there are also several unique tricks that you can perform aboard.
Some popular boards include freestyle, all-mountain, backcountry, and racing-style boards. Additionally, riders typically choose between having two or four bindings attached to their boots depending on what they’re most comfortable with.
Whichever style you choose, make sure to practice safe riding techniques so that you can enjoy your time on the slopes!
Most Snowboarding Injuries are Sprains to the Wrist
Like in any other sport, there is always a risk of injury when snowboarding. However, the most common type of injury that riders experience is a sprain to their wrist.
This can be due to falling off one’s board or attempting complicated tricks without proper practice. To help prevent injuries, it’s essential to wear protective gear, including helmets, knee pads, wrist guards, and more.
One of the most important things you should know when snowboarding is that riding alone is not always safe. While many boarders enjoy going out on their own for a bit of peace, they need to be aware that doing so increases their risk of injury or even death.
Also, if anything were to happen while you’re alone on the slopes, then no one would be around to help out or call for assistance.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many exciting things to know about snowboarding. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, make sure to keep these facts in mind the next time you hit the slopes!
You can also check our article on “Skiing vs. Snowboarding” if you’re interested in the differences and similarities between skiing and snowboarding.
Thanks for reading!