Compared to other sports, snowboarding has a relatively young history. Although snowboarding has not been around for long, it still has managed to impact the world of sports. Below you can find five fun and exciting facts about snowboarding that you can use to impress your friends with as you hit the slopes.

 

  1. Snowboarding was once called Snurfing.

 

Snowboarding was first invented in the 1960s by Sherman Poppen, an engineer from Muskegon, Michigan. He first strapped to skis together and used a rope to steer the makeshift board. His wife was the one who coined the name “snurfing” combining the words “snow” and “surfing”. As companies saw the potential for the new sport, the name was changed (luckily).

 

  1. In the 1980s, snowboarding was banned at resorts.

 

Although the popularity of snowboarding has grown immensely since its invention, snowboarding was once frowned upon. The nature and danger of the sport attracted a lot of youth, making it seem more like a teen fad rather than an Olympic sport. Because of this, many resorts banned snowboarding in the attempt to discourage teenagers from heading to the slopes. The Stratton Mountain Resort, located in Vermont, was the first resort to open welcome snowboarders. Since then, the resort remains popular with snowboarders today.

 

  1. Snowboarding is more dangerous than skiing.

 

Both of these sports require a great deal of balance and strength. However, snowboarding often results in more injury than skiing. Snowboarders use their bodies differently than a skier. Injuries that are the most commonly associated with snowboarding are injuries involving the wrist, shoulder, or ankles. Those who were the most frequently injured were first-timers.

 

  1. The most expensive snowboard was priced at $33,131.13

 

On average, a decent snowboard can cost between $300 to $500. The Burton Experimental Prototype puts average snowboards to shame. In 2014, the 1977 Burton Experimental Prototype was sold on eBay. The board was sold to Vintage Winter, a company the sells antique and vintage equipment. To this day, no other snowboard has cost this much.

 

  1. There are more than ten Snowboarding styles.

 

Snowboarding has come a long way compared to Sherman Poppen’s backyard ride. Over the past few decades, over ten different types of snowboarding styles have evolved within the sport. Some of the most common styles of snowboarding include Halfpipe, Big Air, Freestyle, Freeriding, and Alpine.