December 21st is not just an ordinary day—it’s World Snowboard Day! This global event annually brings together snowboarding enthusiasts and newcomers alike for a full day dedicated to enjoying this exciting winter activity. Beyond the fun of hitting the slopes, the event serves as a way to encourage physical fitness, foster a sense of community among participants, and promote the broader culture of winter sports.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer ready to give it a shot, World Snowboard Day is about celebrating the thrill and beauty of snowboarding.
History of World Snowboard Day
Snowboarding became popular in the 1960s in the United States, when people began to see it as a new sport that combined elements of surfing, skateboarding, and skiing. It was originally called “snurfing” and was essentially a board designed to be ridden on snow.
The first Snowboard “The Snurfer” was invented and manufactured by Sherman Poppen in 1965 who came up with the idea for his daughter. It was two skis bolted together with a rope at the nose to steer, there were no bindings.
In 1977, Jake Burton Carpenter invented the first snowboard with bindings (then known as a “Burton Board”), which allowed the rider to better control the board.
The sport began to gain international recognition in the 1980s, and in 1998, snowboarding was included in the Winter Olympics for the first time. Shaun White, a famous American snowboarder, has helped to popularize the sport even more in recent years.
Today, snowboarding is a widely accepted winter sport, with its own subculture and highly respected competitions. There are several variations of the sport, including freestyle, freeride, and alpine snowboarding.
World Snowboard Day Timeline
First Snowboard Invention
Sherman Poppen invented a toy for his daughter by tying two skis together and attaching a rope to one end.
First Snowboard with bindings Introduced
Jake Burton, a Snurfer rider introduced the 'Burton Boards' with bindings that hold the boot secure.
First Snowboarding Competition
The first national snowboarding competition - 'National Snow Surfing Championships' takes place in Suicide Six, Vermont.
International Snowboard Federation
The International Snowboard Federation (ISF) was founded to regulate the sport.
Snowboarding in Winter Olympics
Snowboarding is included in the Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan.
World Snowboard Day
World Snowboard Day provides free snowboarding activities worldwide and promotes the sport.
Ideas to Celebrate World Snowboard Day
Snowboarding Exhibition
Get local snowboarding enthusiasts and pros to show off their skills in an exhibition. This can generate interest and excitement around the sport, as well as show newcomers what they can aspire to with practice.
Snowboard Workshop
Organize workshops for beginners and interested individuals who want to learn about snowboarding. Here they can get to know about the basic techniques, safety measures, and the equipment needed for the sport.
Group Snowboarding Trip
Plan a trip to a nearby snowboarding resort or mountain. This can provide an opportunity for seasoned snowboarders to share their enthusiasm and knowledge about the sport with others.
Snowboard Equipment Fair
Set up a fair where vendors can display and sell their snowboarding equipment. Provide opportunities for on-hand testing and demos to help everyone discover the equipment they feel most comfortable with.
Snowboarding Film Screening
Show popular or critically acclaimed films focused on the sport of snowboarding. This can be an inspiring and fun way to celebrate the day for those who cannot actually hit the slopes.
7 Interesting Facts About Snowboard
Origin of Snowboarding
Snowboarding was invented in 1965 by Sherman Poppen, an engineer who fastened two skis together and put a rope at the end for his kids to hold. He named his invention 'Snurfer'.
Snowboarding's Olympic Debut
Snowboarding made its debut in the Winter Olympics in 1998 in Nagano, Japan.
Famous Snowboarder Shaun White
Shaun White, a renowned snowboarder, has won three Olympic gold medals in halfpipe.
Board Design
Snowboards are designed in a way that one end is slightly higher than the other to help the rider navigate down the hill.
Snowboarding Injuries
The most common injury in snowboarding is to the wrists - it's recommended to wear wrist guards to help prevent this.
First Snowboarding Contest
The first ever snowboarding contest was held in Leadville, Colorado in the year 1981.
Snowboarding Styles
There are various styles of snowboarding including freestyle, freeride, and alpine. Each comes with its own techniques and equipment.
World Snowboard Day FAQs
Next World Snowboard Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 21st | Thursday |
| 2024 | December 21st | Saturday |
| 2025 | December 21st | Sunday |
| 2026 | December 21st | Monday |
| 2027 | December 21st | Tuesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every December 21st | |
World Snowboard Day Word Search
- Snowboard
- Winter
- Slopes
- Mountains
- Snowfall
- Freestyle