The rush of skating on snow – a feeling that hits you as soon as the cold, crisp air hits your face.
The thrill of picking up speed as you weave and maneuver down the slope. For those obsessed with the feeling, snowboarding is the closest thing to heaven. You can’t deny that over the years, snowboarding has taken over the winter wonderland scene, and with it, different brands and companies have emerged, each claiming to have a prominent role in snowboarding history. However, it’s hard to deny the impact Burton has made on the scene. So, is Burton the ultimate pioneer of snowboarding, or just another claim to the throne? Let’s dive into the history of the sport and the Burton story to explore their meteoric impact on snowboarding culture. In this post, we’ll explore why Burton may just be the ultimate pioneer of snowboarding – plus, we’ll offer some tips and tricks if you’re looking to master the slopes yourself!
A Brief History of Snowboarding
Snowboarding may seem like a relatively new sport, but its history dates back to the 1960s. Originally called “snurfing,” snowboarding was born out of a desire to surf on snow-covered mountains. The first snurfing competitions were held in Michigan in the mid-1960s, and the sport slowly gained popularity over the next few decades.
In the 1980s, snowboarding started to become more recognized as a legitimate sport. Competitions began to be held around the world, and snowboarders were finally allowed access to ski resorts. However, there was still resistance from the skiing community who viewed snowboarding as a nuisance.
As snowboarding continued to grow in popularity, it started to develop its own unique culture. Snowboarders were seen as rebels who were pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on the slopes. This culture was fueled by the music, fashion, and attitude of the youth of the time.
Fast forward to today, and snowboarding has become a mainstream sport with its own dedicated fanbase. It has even been recognized as an Olympic sport, with events ranging from halfpipe to slopestyle.
But snowboarding wouldn’t be where it is today without the pioneers who helped shape the sport in its early days. And one of the biggest names in snowboarding history is Jake Burton, the founder of Burton Snowboards. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at his impact on the sport of snowboarding.
The Burton Story: How It All Started
As the story goes, Jake Burton Carpenter had a passion for snowboarding that started when he was only 14 years old. While growing up in New York, he became fascinated by the concept of surfing on snow. It all began when he received a Snurfer as a gift from his parents. The Snurfer, which was a toy that resembled a skateboard with no wheels, allowed Jake to slide down the snow like a surfer on waves.
Jake became obsessed with improving the Snurfer and making it a more versatile board for different snow conditions. He began tinkering with the design and placing bindings on the board to give riders more control over their movements. Jake’s first real snowboard was a Burton Backhill, which he handcrafted himself in the family barn.
Jake started to sell his snowboards at local ski shops, and in 1977, he incorporated Burton Snowboards. He moved to Vermont to be closer to the ski and snowboarding industry and set out to make his snowboards more widely available. Initially, there was a lot of resistance from ski resorts, who saw snowboarding as a dangerous fad. But Jake persevered, and eventually, Burton snowboards gained recognition and respect as a legitimate player in winter sports.
The Burton snowboards have a reputation for being highly innovative and high-performance. Jake’s passion and desire to create the best possible designs have resulted in some of the most sought-after snowboards on the market today.
In summary, Jake Burton Carpenter helped shape snowboarding into what it is today. He started with a passion for surfing on snow and didn’t give up until he created a beautiful and highly respected brand of snowboards.
Burton’s Impact on Snowboarding Culture
Snowboarding wasn’t always the globally-recognized winter sport that it is today. It was once a fringe activity that only a select few indulged in. Then Burton, with its innovative approach and products, arrived and turned that all around. Suddenly, snowboarding became a mainstream sport and a badge of coolness in youth culture.
Burton’s stamp on snowboarding culture of today is undeniable. From the graphics on the boards to the events they sponsor and organize, everything screams Burton. The Burton brand is at the forefront of pushing snowboarding and making it a legitimate sport, not just some niche activity.
Burton’s impact can also be seen in the rise of female riders, as the brand has always been inclusive and supportive of women athletes. The Burton US Open, for example, started recognizing women snowboarders years before other events caught on.
The brand has also played a huge role in the professionalization of snowboarding. By signing top riders and offering sponsorship deals, Burton has made riding a snowboard professionally a viable career option.
It’s clear that Burton has had a profound and far-reaching effect on snowboarding culture. Without Burton, snowboarding would not be the massive industry it is today, nor would it be as institutionalized and mainstream as it currently is. With the forward-thinking approach and clever marketing, Burton continues to make its mark on snowboarding culture, ensuring a bright future for the sport.
Tips and Tricks for Choosing Your First Snowboard
So, you’ve decided to take up snowboarding – congrats! Now it’s time for the fun part: choosing your first snowboard. But with so many options out there, where do you even begin?
First off, consider what type of riding you’ll be doing. Are you going to be hitting the slopes, mastering the terrain park, or shredding backcountry powder? Different types of riding require different types of boards, so be sure to do your research and choose accordingly.
Next, think about your skill level. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced rider? Again, different boards are designed for different levels of skill, so take that into account when making your decision.
Another factor to consider is your height and weight. Most snowboard size charts will recommend a board size based on these factors, so be sure to take accurate measurements and use the chart as a guide.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options based on all of these factors, it’s time to consider the finer details. What shape do you want your board to be? What type of camber profile do you prefer? These may seem like minor details, but they can have a big impact on your overall experience on the board.
Last but not least, consider the brand and the price point. While Burton is certainly a reputable and popular brand in the snowboarding world, it’s certainly not the only option out there. Do your research and find a brand that works for you, and don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deal.
In the end, choosing your first snowboard should be a fun and exciting experience. Take your time, do your research, and most importantly, trust your gut. And remember, no matter what board you choose, the most important thing is getting out there and hitting the slopes!