From its humble beginnings with Sherman Poppen’s Snurfer developed in 1965 in Muskegon, Michigan, snowboarding has since exploded into a global phenomenon. The progression of spinning tricks has followed the same trajectory. In the early 1980s a simple 180 at the top of hand cut quarter pipe was considered radical. Meanwhile, modern day athletes are propelling themselves in unthinkable whirling tricks like the 2340s.
Can the next generation of snowboarders continue to add to the already jaw-dropping rotations we see at big-air competitions? Or have we reached to the pinnacle of spins, with the only room for improvement in style? No one knows for sure. However, the best snowboarders on the planet are working on it. We will see the fruits of the labors at Winter Olympics in Italy come February 2026. Enjoy this documentary exploring the evolution of spinning tricks in snowboarding and what the future may hold.
The Evolution of Spinning Tricks in Snowboarding
Snowboarding’s journey from a niche pastime to a global phenomenon is a story of innovation, rivalry, and relentless progression. Born in the 1960s with Sherman Poppen’s Snurfer, the sport was transformed by pioneers like Jake Burton and Tom Sims. Their contrasting visions shaped its early trajectory. Burton’s East Coast pragmatism pushed for technological advancements and mainstream acceptance. Meanwhile, Sims’ West Coast free-spirit ethos championed freestyle and creativity. This dynamic tension set the stage for a sport that would evolve through daring spins, groundbreaking tricks, and a culture that continues to push boundaries. From the halfpipes of the 1980s to the massive big air jumps of today, the progression of spinning tricks has never been static. It continues to evolve every winter.
One Was East Coast, One Was Absolutely West Coast
Jake Burton and Tom Sims are widely recognized as the founding fathers of modern snowboarding, each bringing a distinct vision to the sport. Their rivalry, rooted in their East Coast and West Coast identities, defined snowboarding’s evolution in the 1970s and 1980s. Burton’s buttoned-down, business-oriented approach drove technological advancements and secured ski resort access, legitimizing the sport. Conversely, Sims, a former skateboarder and surfer, embraced the free-riding and freestyle ethos, laying the groundwork for competitive snowboarding. This East Coast versus West Coast dynamic was sparked by Sherman Poppen’s 1965 Snurfer. It inspired both to launch their iconic companies.
The Freestyle Frontier Gem and the Rise of Competitions
As snowboarding gained momentum in halfway through the 1980s, no rider was more influential than Terry Kidwell, known as the father of freestyle. Riding for Sims, Kidwell dominated the sport, winning the world championship title from 1984 to 1987. His pioneering 540s in the Tahoe City Pipe solidified his legacy as a trailblazer. Meanwhile, Craig Kelly, the godfather of freeriding, took the reins from Kidwell. He switched to Burton’s team in 1987 and claimed world titles from 1988 to 1991. Kelly’s mentorship of Terje Haakonsen, a contender for the greatest snowboarder ever, further shaped the sport. Haakonsen’s dominance in the 1990s, with three world championships (1993-1997) and consistent European titles (1991-1997), set a new standard. His clean riding, huge airs, and 720s were iconic.
Video Part Pioneers and the Double Cork Era
By the late 1990s, snowboarders like those with Kingpin Productions, including Mikey Leblanc, Ali Goulet, and Chad Otterstrom, pushed progression through films. In 2000, Gigi Ruff’s attempt at a frontside double cork 1080 in Kingpin’s Destroyer marked a pivotal moment. This introduced the double cork—a trick with two off-axis rotations that became foundational. In 2003, JP Walker landed a frontside double cork 900 in MacDog Productions’ Shakedown, a precursor to bigger spins. Travis Rice cemented the double cork 1080 in 2004’s Pop by Absinthe Films. He landed it over Utah’s Pyramid Gap, signaling a shift toward social media-driven progression and bigger jumps.
Jump Evolution and Safety Innovations
The early 2000s saw jumps evolve for safety and airtime, thanks to David Benedek and Robot Food Productions. The 2006 Red Bull Gap Session introduced safer jump designs and airbags, enabling riders to push limits. Benedek himself landed the first double cork 1200, proving the potential of these innovations. By 2010, Torstein Horgmo’s frontside triple cork 1440 in Norway rocked the snowboarding world. It was followed by Mark McMorris’s backside triple in 2011. Uric Badertscher’s flat 1620 in 2011, with no inversions, showcased raw skill. Meanwhile, Billy Morgan’s backside quad cork 1800 in 2015 marked a new era. Some feared snowboarding was veering toward aerial skiing.
The New Frontier: Quad Corks and Beyond
The 2010s brought slopestyle (2014) and big air (2018) to the Olympics, with countries like Japan training athletes for global dominance. Yuki Kadono’s backside quad cork 1980 in 2017 raised the bar. However, it was 16-year-old Hiroto Ogiwara who broke the ultimate barrier in 2022 at The Nines. His backside quintuple cork 2160—the first 2160 in history—required six attempts but redefined progression. Ogiwara didn’t stop there. He landed a 2340 at the X Games, earning a 97.33 score and cementing his legacy as a big air pioneer.
Related: Revolutionary Terrain Park Designs & World’s First Tricks Mark Another Successful Year At The Nines
