How the Snurfer Invented Modern Snowboarding

A 1966 patent for a single-board snow vehicle that allowed riders to stand sideways and steer using a rope, effectively creating the sport of snowboarding.

What it covers

The invention describes a single, wide board designed for sliding down snow-covered slopes while the rider stands upright. It features a flexible steering rope attached to the front of the board, which the rider holds to maintain balance and guide the direction of travel. By shifting their weight and pulling on the rope, the rider can carve turns on the snow surface. This design eliminated the need for individual skis and bindings, focusing on a surf-like experience on snow.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover boards with mechanical metal edges for high-speed ice carving.
• —Does not cover modern high-performance bindings that lock boots to the board.
• —Does not cover motorized snow vehicles or sleds.
• —Does not cover boards with complex suspension or dampening systems.

The clever bit

The innovation was the realization that a single, wide surface with a simple tether could provide enough stability and control for a rider to stand sideways, mimicking surfing on snow.

Why it matters

This patent represents the foundational design of the Snurfer, the precursor to the modern snowboard. It shifted winter sports from a two-legged skiing paradigm to a single-board surfing paradigm, eventually leading to the multi-billion dollar snowboarding industry.

Real-world examples

• 1.The original Brunswick Snurfer
• 2.Early backyard snow-sliding boards
• 3.Modern recreational plastic snow-sliders