The History of Mountainboarding: From Early Riders to Professional Events
Oregonsportshall.com – Mountainboarding, also known as all-terrain boarding or dirtboarding, is a relatively new extreme sport that combines elements of snowboarding, skateboarding, and mountain biking. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history of mountainboarding, from its early beginnings to the rise of professional events.
The Evolution of Mountainboarding: From Early Days to Professional Competitions
The Early Days of Mountainboarding
Mountainboarding, also known as all-terrain boarding, is a sport that has been around for a few decades. The origins of mountainboarding can be traced back to the early 1990s when a group of skateboarders in California modified their boards to ride down hills. They attached wheels with pneumatic tires and added a brake to the board to control their speed.
The first mountainboard was created in 1992 by Jason Lee and Patrick McConnell. They called it the “All-Terrain Skateboard” and it was designed to be ridden on hills, mountains, and dirt tracks. The board had four wheels with pneumatic tires, a deck made of wood or composite materials, and bindings to secure the rider’s feet to the board.
The Growth of Mountainboarding
The popularity of mountainboarding grew rapidly in the 1990s and early 2000s. The sport attracted people who were looking for a new challenge and a way to experience the thrill of snowboarding without snow. Mountainboarding was also seen as a way for skateboarders to expand their riding skills and try something new.
In 1993, the first mountainboarding competition was held in Colorado. The event was called the “Rocky Mountain Boardercross” and it featured a downhill course with jumps and obstacles. The competition attracted riders from all over the world and it was a huge success.
As the sport grew in popularity, new companies began to manufacture mountainboards and accessories. The boards became more advanced with features such as suspension systems, stronger bindings, and better wheels. Mountainboarding parks were also built with purpose-built courses and features to cater to the growing number of riders.
Professional Mountainboarding
Today, mountainboarding is a professional sport with competitions held around the world. The International Mountainboarding Association (IMA) was founded in 2002 to promote and organize mountainboarding events. The IMA hosts the World Mountainboard Championships every year, which attracts the best riders from around the globe.
Professional mountainboarders compete in a variety of disciplines including boardercross, freestyle, and downhill. Boardercross is a race where four riders compete on a course with jumps and obstacles. Freestyle is a judged event where riders perform tricks and jumps on a purpose-built course. Downhill is a race where riders compete for the fastest time down a steep and technical course.
The sport of mountainboarding continues to evolve and grow. New technology and innovations in board design continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. The future of mountainboarding looks bright with more people discovering the thrill and excitement of riding down hills and mountains on a board.
