U.S. Snowboarding

U.S. Snowboarding, the snowboarding arm of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), is committed to the progression of snowboarding by providing athletic programs, services, and competitions for male and female athletes of all ages, coast-to-coast.

The ultimate goal for U.S. Snowboarding is clear: American riders on the Olympic podium.

U.S. Snowboarding is the most successful international snowboarding program over the last 10 years and the most successful USSA Olympic program. Since the inclusion of snowboarding as a medal sport in 1998, U.S. Snowboarding has accounted for 14 Olympic medals, including the historic sweep of the podium in men’s halfpipe in 2002 and a best in the world performance of seven medals in 2006.

*The first U.S. Snowboarding Team was officially named in 1994, prior to the 1994-95 season in order to prepare for the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan, where the sport would make its Olympic debut, however the United States had participated in snowboarding World Cup competitions since the tour was created in 1988.

1965 - Invention of the Snurfer

Snowboarding was born in 1965 when Sherman Poppen created the "Snurfer" by bracing a pair of skis together and riding sideways down his backyard hill in Muskegon, Michigan. Through the late 60s, 70s and early 80s snowboard designs with the help of snowboard innovators Jake Burton, Tom Sims, Mike Olson, Dimitrije Milovich and others. It has since evolved into the fastest growing winter sport on the planet.

1968 - Tongue-in-cheek, students at Muskegon Community College in Muskegon, MI organize the first "World Snurfing Championship."

Hosted at "Blockhouse Hill" in Muskegon State Park, the event draws between 200 and 300 spectators, and becomes an annual affair.

1978 - JEM Corporation, manufacturer of the "Snurfer," sponsors the "National Snurfing Championship" in Muskegon.,

This is the first competition to offer prize money.

1979 - Jake Burton and Paul Graves compete in the "National Snurfing Championship" in Muskegon.

Burton competes on a board of his own design in a newly created "Open" category for individuals riding a board other than a "JEM Snurfer." He earns $200 for the effort.

1981 - Modern competitive snowboarding begins with a small contest held in April at Ski Cooper in Leadville, Colorado.

1982 - Paul Graves organizes the National Snowsurfing Championships

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