SNOW BOARDING

In an attempt by skateboarders and surfers to extend their fascination for gliding on a flat platform to all 4 seasons, snowboarding had its birth. On snow, snowboarders can emulate the speed and exhilaration of carve turns previously enjoyed only by surfers.

The first snowboard was the product of a father's quest to find a new and exciting toy for his children, accomplished by screwing together a pair of skis side by side. The 'snurfer' was born when the original skis were replaced by water-skis.

It wasn't until surf and ski enthusiast Jake Burton Carpenter was introduced to the snurfer in 1968 that advances in board design really began. Board wobble was decreased and larger downhill glides were enjoyed when Carpenter fashioned his own foot fastenings to create a strong connection to the board. The first Snowboards Carpenter produced commercially did not sell well from his company opened in 1977. However, realizing the enormous potential for a new winter sport, Carpenter persevered. For many others the establishment of snowboard companies ended in bankruptcy. The Burton name lives on however, and has become synonymous with snowboards.

The first snowboarders to invade the slopes were labeled as hard-edged, non-conformist types whose fashion and sense of safety conflicted with that of alpine skiers. Needless to say, the general bad attitude'and unsafe style combined to make the snowboarders an unwelcome presence at ski hills. Many resorts actually banned boarders from their slopes using the excuse that the deep carve turns they made were detrimental to skiers.

As with most new ideas, change comes with persistence. Snowboarders and skiers now co-exist in harmony at all ski resorts in Canada. As the image of a radical alternative to skiing has declined, snowboarding has enjoyed dramatic rises in popularity over the past few years. Many died - in - the - wool skiers who have experienced the high speed and exhilaration of deep carve turns have abandoned their skis forever; a testament to the final acceptance of snowboards on the ski hill.

Various styles of riding'the snowboard have evolved as boarding techniques were perfected and more efficient materials became available. Whether free-riding, free-carving or free-styling, there's a board to accommodate all ages and style preferences.

Visit North Bay's own Laurentian Ski Hill, where snowboarders are always welcome!