The first known instance of someone riding a modified sled down a snowy hill, a precursor to modern snowboarding, points to Vern Wicklund.
The Pioneer of Early Snowboarding
While the sport of snowboarding evolved significantly over the 20th century, the earliest documented act resembling it was performed by Vern Wicklund. This pivotal moment occurred in 1917, when Wicklund, then a 13-year-old, innovatively stood on a modified sled.
Key details of this pioneering effort include:
- Individual: Vern Wicklund
- Year: 1917
- Age: 13 years old
- Location: His parents' backyard in Cloquet, Minnesota
- Method: Stood on a modified sled
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Vern Wicklund |
| Year of Event | 1917 |
| Age at Event | 13 |
| Location | Cloquet, Minnesota (parents' backyard) |
| Method | Stood on a modified sled |
| Subsequent Action | Patented the idea nearly two decades later; produced only a handful of models. |
Wicklund's Innovation and Legacy
Wicklund's initial ride laid foundational groundwork, even if it wasn't immediately recognized as the birth of a new sport. His ingenuity didn't stop there; nearly two decades after his backyard experiment, Vern Wicklund took the step of patenting his unique idea. Despite this formal recognition of his invention, the production of his models remained limited, with only a handful ever made. This early, unheralded beginning in Minnesota marks a significant, albeit obscure, chapter in the history of snow sports, highlighting the spirit of invention that eventually led to modern snowboarding.
