History
Wanting a way to "snowboard" all year, Californians Patrick McConnell and Jason Lee added oversized, inflatable tires to a skateboard deck in 1992, creating the first mountain board. They formed MountainBoard Sports LLC and moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1993.
Hybrid Parts
With parts from skateboards, snowboards and mountain bicycles, mountain boards are a hybrid of many sports. Foot bindings, much like snowboard bindings, are used for mountain boards. Trucks and decks from skateboard culture are implemented on mountain boards and a hand-held V-style brake has been adopted from mountain bike technology for mountain boards.
Learning How to Mountain Board
Due to the unique nature of mountain boarding, new riders are encouraged to take a lesson or two before charging off into the mountains on their own. Attatash Resort in New Hampshire offers lessons for those on the east coast and mountain board lesson options exist in Aspen, Colorado. See the Resource section for links.
Protective Gear
Falling on dirt is not as soft as falling on snow. Mountain boarding requires specialized padding and safety equipment. Gloves, arm and knee pads, and butt pads are all essential, as is a high-quality ANSI certified helmet. Trails.com offers a good selection of quality helmets.
Mountain versus Skate Park
Mountain boarding provides a way of keeping your moves fresh year round without the crowds of a skate park. Mountain boarders enjoy the freedom of the mountain, much like mountain bikers. Nature abounds for mountain boarders in the hills.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
