23 Snowboarding Facts Which Will Blow Your Mind

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Snowboarding Facts

There is nothing that is more satisfying than hitting up the slopes, with your trusty snowboard, your crew and of course fresh powder on the mountains.

But something that does come close second is sitting with your crew over a beer after a huge day and sharing with them snowboarding facts that will make your buddies envious of your knowledge about snowboarding.

So have a look at these beauties and if you have any that you can share make sure to let us know so that we can keep growing this list.

Snowboarding was called Snurfing

Sherman Poppen, a Michigan-based engineer, revolutionized winter sports in 1965 by inventing the Snurfer. Inspired by surfing, he joined two skis and added a rope for steering. Initially marketed as a children’s novelty toy, the Snurfer was essentially a waterski with non-skid material for standing and a rope lanyard for better balance. Poppen realized his creation was versatile in snow conditions and could evolve into sports equipment. Partnering with Brunswick, he commercialized the Snurfer. However, it was marketed poorly, and Poppen was unhappy with Brunswick’s approach. Despite this, by 1970, almost a million Snurfers were sold.

The Snurfer gained popularity among thrill-seekers who started racing in downhill and slalom competitions. In the late 1970s, JEM Corporation took over production, making design improvements for competitive performance.

Jake Burton Carpenter was notably inspired by the Snurfer. In 1977, he founded Burton Snowboards and developed an enhanced snowboard. At a 1979 competition, Carpenter introduced his board which was wider than the Snurfer and had heel straps. His innovation ushered in an era of advanced snowboard designs, which eventually overshadowed the Snurfer.

Today, snowboarding is a popular sport worldwide, with Sherman Poppen’s Snurfer laying the foundation for its evolution

Snurfing advert
Snowboarding and Skiing Statistics death/injury

Snowboarders are 50-70% more likely to get injured than Skiers

In all honesty, is anyone one bit surprised by this?

In the realm of snowboarding, a notable trend is the predominance of young males engaging in this exhilarating sport. As participants in this demographic group often possess a spirited sense of adventure and competition, the snow-covered slopes become the stage for an adrenaline-fueled display of daring feats and creativity.

The cocktail of youth, vigor, and the inherent nature of snowboarding as an extreme sport often leads to competitors striving to outshine one another through audacious stunts and maneuvers. This pursuit of glory and thrills, while giving rise to awe-inspiring moments, has an accompanying risk factor. The relentless quest to push the boundaries can sometimes result in individuals exceeding their capabilities, which may have consequences.

However, it is noteworthy that, despite the audacious nature of snowboarding, the sport has a relatively lower fatality rate compared to its counterpart, skiing. Statistical data indicates that snowboarders are three times less likely to lose their lives on the slopes in comparison to skiers. This piece of information could offer some solace to those who might be concerned about the safety aspects of this captivating winter sport.

The most common Snowboarding Injuries

Broken Wrist, Shoulders and Collar Bones.

Those three are by far the biggest problem on the slopes  for snowboarders and actually quite easily to avoid, by learning some techniques and using correct gear.

If you are a beginner in snowboarding check out this article about Snowboarding Safety to learn how you can avoid them by simply learning how to fall properly on the snow.

The majority of snowboarding fatalities

When the adrenaline rushes and the snow beneath the board feels like flying, snowboarders sometimes forget the inherent risks associated with the sport. It’s important to be aware that the majority of snowboarding fatalities are a result of collisions. These high-impact crashes can occur with other skiers, the snow surface, or trees.

Collisions with other skiers often happen in crowded areas, where the paths of snowboarders and skiers intersect. Crashing into the snow surface can be a consequence of losing control at high speeds. And trees – they are unforgiving obstacles that line many trails.

It’s crucial to practice safe snowboarding. Maintaining a controlled speed, especially in crowded or forested areas, can be a lifesaver. Being vigilant and aware of the surroundings is equally critical. Keep an eye on fellow snow enthusiasts to avoid any unexpected encounters.

Remember, snowboarding is about enjoying the great outdoors and the thrill of carving through the snow. Being mindful of the risks and acting responsibly not only ensures your safety but also contributes to the well-being of the entire community on the slopes. Let’s make snowboarding a joy for everyone involved!

Snowboarding Facts #1
Snowboarding Facts #2

Snowboarding was banned at resorts in the early 1980's

Kind of hard to believe these days that snowboarding could be banned but back in the day, skiing targetted the older demographic, whereas snowboarding was looked at as being for the youth.

Because of that, it was more dangerous and a “teenage fad”.

Needless to say, that is now history.

The first resort to open up for snowboarding was Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont in 1983-84 and because of that, this resort is still very popular for snowboarders.

Also was a great move as these days 30%+ of all winter sports revenue comes from snowboarding, which is pretty huge when you consider that over 500 million people worldwide take part in winter sports.

4 flips on a snowboard in a single jump

Jump up and count how many full rotations you can do in a single jump. You might get 1 or 2 before you hit the ground.

Well 4 full rotations were completed on a snowboard.

That would equate to 360+360+360+360 = 1440 No matter how you look at it, that is amazing.

Now that is amazing but when you think about the huge amount of hours, snowboarding gear and training that went into preparing for the feat, it then becomes mind-glowingly amazing.

What’re the most flips you ever have done? Comment below

Snowboarding became a Winter Olympic sport

Back in the 1998 Winter Olympics held in the picturesque city of Nagano, Japan, the world was introduced to something spectacular. 

This event marked the debut of snowboarding as an Olympic sport. Snowboarding brought a fresh, exhilarating dimension to the games. Imagine the athletes gliding and carving through the snow, with the majestic Japanese Alps as a backdrop. 

It was not just a sport; it was poetry in motion! The inclusion of snowboarding was a nod to the evolving tastes and the adventurous spirit of a new generation. The 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics thus hold a special place in history, heralding an era where tradition met innovation on the Olympic stage.

The initial Snowboarding events

When snowboarding first carved its way into the competitive sports scene, the initial events that took center stage were the Giant Slalom and the Halfpipe. Let’s take a brief journey down memory lane.

The Giant Slalom is akin to a high-speed dance down the mountain. Snowboarders zigzag through a course marked by gates, showcasing their agility and control. The objective? Descend as quickly as possible while navigating the turns with precision.

The Halfpipe, on the other hand, is where snowboarders take flight. Literally. In a U-shaped course, they perform aerial tricks while soaring from one side to the other. This event is a spectacle of acrobatics and style.

Together, the Giant Slalom and Halfpipe laid the foundation for competitive snowboarding. They represent the two sides of the sport: the racing heritage rooted in skiing, and the freestyle expression influenced by skateboarding. These events have evolved and paved the way for the diverse range of snowboarding competitions we see today. They are the venerable elders of the snowboarding world, and their legacy continues to inspire.

Snowboardin Man

5 quick X Game Facts

  • The youngest X-Games medal winner was Chloe Kim at the young age of 14
  •  Shaun White won the most x games medals. A total of 16
  • There are six competition venues at the X Games: Slopestyle, Street, Snowmobile, X Course, SuperPipe and Big Air.
  • 2011 marked the most-watched Winter X Games ever, with 114,200 people in attendance and 39.7 million tuning in from home during the four-day event.
  • The First Movie Shown at the X-Games Was about Snowboarding Injuries which was The 2013 documentary The Crash Reel, by Lucy Walker, which highlights the dangers of snowboarding.

There are over 5 Major Snowboarding Competitions

Ah, the world of competitive snowboarding! A stage where snowboarders from across the globe converge to showcase their gravity-defying tricks and high-speed runs. Among the plethora of events, a few stand tall, etching their names into the annals of snowboarding lore.

Let’s kick things off with the FIS International Ski Federation World Championships. This event is the epitome of snowboarding prowess. It’s where the crème de la crème of the snowboarding world vie for the coveted title of World Champion. The atmosphere is electric, as athletes push the boundaries of what’s possible on a snowboard.

Now, imagine a fusion of sports and culture – that’s the Winter X Games for you. It’s not just a competition; it’s a celebration. With music, festival vibes, and jaw-dropping snowboarding performances, the Winter X Games is where the cool kids hang out.

Next up, the Burton Global Open Series. This series is like a world tour of snowboarding. It transcends borders, uniting snowboarders in a quest for glory across various international locations. It’s a true testament to the global appeal of snowboarding.

Shakedown, on the other hand, is raw and unfiltered. It’s snowboarding in its purest form, emphasizing style and creativity. The competitors bring their unique flair, making Shakedown an event that’s as unpredictable as it is exciting.

Meanwhile, the X-Trail Jam in Japan is an amalgamation of innovation and tradition. It’s where the East meets the West on a snowboard. The event is renowned for its gigantic snow structures, providing a canvas for the athletes’ artistry.

Last but not least, the US Open of Snowboarding is the elder statesman of the snowboarding competitions. With a rich history, it’s one of the longest-running snowboarding events. It has been the proving ground for many snowboarding legends.

In a nutshell, these events are the beating heart of the snowboarding community. They are a testament to the sport’s evolution, diversity, and unyielding spirit. They are where dreams are forged in snow and ice. Whether you’re a seasoned snowboarder or a wide-eyed spectator, these events are a spectacle not to be missed.

Snowboarding Facts #3
Snowboarding Facts #4

The first Olympic medal for snowboarding almost went up in smoke!

The first Olympic gold medal in snowboarding was won by Ross Rebagliati of Canada.

After he won he got temporarily disqualified as he tested positive for marijuana in his blood.

Needless to say, the disqualification got overturned and he smoked a joint after to celebrate his victory.

He literally became an advocate for medicinal marijuana and owns his own medicinal marijuana dispensary these days.

1498 shredding Bikini's

In 2017, 1498 snowboard enthusiasts hit up the slopes at the Sheregesh ski resort, located in the heart of Siberia to break a world record of the most snowboarders dressed in Bikini’s shredding the slopes.

They were able to beat the previous record of by a massive 387 people.

The snow was crispy, the temperature was only 12 degrees Celcius (53.6F) but for some reason, it was still steamy on the slopes.

Snowboarding Facts #5
Snowboarding Facts #6

27.4% injuries during the Olympics

Winter Olympics, in general, ends up with a bigger list of injuries than the summer sports.

But when it comes to snowboarding 27.4% of all it’s athletes walk off with some sort of an injury.

That is 1 in every 4 contestants that push themselves past their limits.

(source: British journal of sports medicine) How do you like those odds?

$31,313.13

That is the price of the most expensive snowboard ever sold.

It was the 1977 Burton Experimental Prototype and was sold on eBay on July 1, 2014.

Would you ever consider buying a board that expensive?

Snowboard Prototype
Snowboarding Facts #7

1 hour of snowboarding is equivalent to 3 beers

If you decided to snowboard for an hour you could lose upwards of 450 calories, which in turn would be equivalent to 3 beers.

This means if you want to get properly wasted and not put on the extra pounds, all you have to do is snowboard between 3-4 hours (we don’t actually recommend getting drunk).

Shredding the Pipe on fresh Pow

Snowboarding has its own unique community that some say is one of the best in the world, and with the community, there is also a very radical and interesting lingo that has been created.

Luckily it’s super easy to pick up and best of all being a young sport, there is plenty of opportunities to create your very own words that could get mixed into the language.

So how about Shrepp (shredding the pipe) Do you think it could take off?

It's a Man's Sport

The population of snowboarders is dominated by 73.1% being under the age of 25 and 51.7% of snowboarders are under the age of 17.

Also, 74.2% of snowboarders are male.

The Biggest Trick of 2017

In 2017 a Japanese snowboarder by the name of Yuki Kadano was able to pull off a quad jump “the Backside Quad 1980°” which is now the biggest rotation ever performed on a snowboard.

If you are on your way to doing 1980 then make sure to check out how to jump on a snowboard to get the basics which will allow you to conquer the jump faster.

So those are the top 17 interesting snowboarding facts that I could find online after scouring for hours.

Snowboarding kids

More than 30% of snowboarders are 17 or younger

In the exhilarating world of snowboarding, there is a vibrant and energetic youth presence. 

Did you know that more than 30% of snowboarders are 17 years old or younger? 

That’s right! This statistic sheds light on the appeal that snowboarding holds for the younger generation. What’s driving them to the slopes? Well, snowboarding offers a sense of freedom, adventure, and creativity that resonates with the spirited and daring nature of youngsters. 

Moreover, being introduced to the sport at a young age allows for honing skills and potentially paving the way for a future in professional snowboarding. Schools and communities are also recognizing the benefits of snowboarding in promoting physical fitness and teamwork, and are increasingly including it in extracurricular activities. 

Furthermore, with snowboarding icons like Shaun White and Chloe Kim inspiring the next generation, it’s no wonder that the slopes are filled with ambitious and enthusiastic young riders eager to carve their paths in the snow.

Conclusion

As we carve to a stop at the end of this thrilling ride through snowboarding facts, it’s clear that snowboarding is more than just a sport; it’s a culture, an art form, and for many, a way of life. 

From its humble beginnings with a makeshift board to its grand stage at the Olympics, snowboarding has captured the imaginations and hearts of adventure seekers around the world. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro executing gravity-defying tricks or a beginner just getting the feel of the snow beneath your board, snowboarding offers an exhilarating way to embrace winter

So, grab your board, hit the slopes, and become a part of the rich tapestry that is snowboarding. May the powder be with you! 🏂❄️ #ShredTheGnar

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Mario Rodriguez
5 years ago

Snowboarding sucks A$$

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luke.egan
2 months ago

nice good infermation for my book i will put the the place i got the infermation from

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