25 years of the US Open - 1982-1986
Mar 16 2007 / Los Angeles, CA| < Previous 1987-1991 |
Next > back to 2002-2006 |
Our look at the history of the US Open of Snowboarding continues with a look at the very beginning of the event, back in 1982 with a small group in Vermont, up until 1986 when it started to develop into a national phenomena.
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The event was gaining popularity faster than anyone expected. Over 200 competitors showed up for pre-qualifiers. Andy Coghlan won both the slalom and downhill events, adding to his growing list of Open titles. The new Burton Cruiser killed it on the slopes.
1985
The event officially became the US Open Snowboarding Championships and moved to Stratton Mountain where it still reigns today. Riders rode in speed suits to increase their times. Tom Sims won the men's slalom event while Andy Coghlan defended his downhill title.
1984
Snow Valley hosted the event for the second and last time. Andy Coghlan took both the men's slalom and downhill events. It was his first of several Open titles -- he was now the man to beat.
1983
This year, the National Snowboarding Championships was held at Snow Valley, near Manchester, VT. No lifts -- you hiked to ride. The boards and the riders were getting better and faster.
1982
The year it all began. Paul Graves a tight group of Snurfers and snowboarders created the National Snowboarding Championships at a small mountain called Suicide Six in central Vermont. Jake Burton was there. Doug Bouton ripped the course and won it.
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Next > back to 2002-2006 |
