04 The history of powsurfing

Before we dive into the modern history of powsurfing, it’s worth noting that the idea of riding snow without bindings isn’t new. In the 18th century, villagers in Petran, Turkey, were already sliding down snowy hills on Petranboards—simple wooden planks with a rope handle. These early riders in the Kaçkar Mountains used balance and terrain to navigate the slopes, much like today’s powsurfers. Even now, some locals in Petran continue this centuries-old tradition, making it one of the earliest known forms of snowboarding.

The birth of powsurfing: A snow revolution

It was Christmas Day in 1965 when Sherman Poppen, an engineer and inventor from Michigan, unknowingly laid the foundation for powsurfing. He took two children’s skis, bound them together, and created the first board designed for sideways riding. A year later, he patented his design, and what we now recognize as snowboarding was born. However, if we look closely at Poppen’s original board, called the Snurfer, it had no bindings—just a rope at the nose for control and support. In reality, the origins of snowboarding were rooted in binding-free riding.

Snurfer patent diagram (source Wikipedia)

The evolution of bindingless riding: Noboarding vs. Powsurfing

Today, we differentiate between two forms of bindingless snow riding:

• Noboarding – Uses a rope for control and grip.

• Powsurfing – A fully binding-free experience with no ropes, relying entirely on balance and terrain.

Powsurfing is unique in that it allows for a pure connection between rider and terrain, offering a different level of creativity compared to traditional snowboarding. The lack of bindings means every movement matters, and terrain selection plays a crucial role in how each ride unfolds. 

The rise of snowboarding and the decline of powsurfing

Ironically, it was Jake Burton who changed the course of snowboarding by introducing home-designed bindings at a Snurfer contest. This innovation, along with contributions from Tom Sims, Dimitrije Milovich and other pioneers, helped evolve snowboarding into a mainstream sport. However, as bindings became standard, bindingless riding faded into obscurity.

For decades, only a handful of dedicated riders kept the spirit of true powsurfing alive. No brands were producing powsurfers—until the late '90s, when interest in riding bindingless started to return. While snowboard culture was advancing in terms of tricks, competitions, and technological innovation, some riders longed for a more natural and unfiltered way to ride—which eventually fueled the powsurfing revival.

Bindingless revival: The late '90s and early 2000s resurgence

Modern noboarding was born in 1998 when Greg Todd, a snowboarder from British Columbia, felt the need to break free from traditional bindings and take the sport in a new direction. Instead of being locked onto his board, Todd designed a system that relied on a rubber traction pad for grip and a hand-held rope—anchored near the front and back foot—to maintain control while riding powder.

This innovation created a surf-like experience on snow, allowing for fluid, unrestricted movement. In collaboration with Cholo Burns, Todd co-founded Noboard Inc. to share his vision with the world. Though he tragically passed away in an avalanche in 2005, his influence lives on, shaping the evolution of binding-free snowboarding and inspiring a new generation of riders.

One of the key figures in the resurgence of powsurfing was Jeremy Jensen, the founder of Grassroots Powsurfing. Through innovative board designs and captivating videos, Jensen inspired a new wave of riders. 

Around the same time, Wolle Nyvelt started Äsmo in Europe, another important milestone in popularizing powsurfing. 

By the mid-2000s, powsurfing re-emerged, gaining attention in print media. Despite this renewed interest, it remained a niche movement until the mid-2010s, when more small powsurf brands emerged.  Brands like Konvoi, Shark Powderboards, Moonchild, and others started building powsurfs. Eventually, even the major snowboard companies recognized the trend and jumped on board.

Legendary riders have also played a crucial role in making powsurfing more popular. Riders like Johan Olofsson, Alex Andrews, Scotty Arnold, and Neil Provo have all helped push the sport forward, showcasing what is possible on a binding-free board. Even Terje Haakonsen, one of the most influential snowboarders of all time, has been known to ride unstrapped, proving that powsurfing is not just a niche movement but a legitimate evolution of snowboarding.

Another influential figure in  powsurfing is John "JG" Gerndt who has been into it since the beginning.  After years of working in snowboard design at Burton, JG turned his focus toward powsurfing and launched his own brand, Shredeye.

The rise of social media played a crucial role in bringing powsurfing to a global audience. Riders from different parts of the world started sharing videos of their experiences, showcasing the potential of bindingless riding. This digital exposure helped fuel curiosity and interest among snowboarders and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The second wave of powsurfing: A growing movement (2020–Present)

Since 2020, powsurfing has experienced a second wave of growth, this time much larger than the first. The winter of 2024/25 could be a pivotal moment, mirroring the explosion of snowboarding in the mid-90s.

As snowboarding matures, powsurfing is injecting new energy into the industry—revitalizing its soul, attracting new participants, and keeping things exciting. Many riders who have spent years in competitive snowboarding are now turning to powsurfing as a way to rediscover the essence of riding snow. The freedom of movement, lack of industry constraints, and raw connection to nature make it an appealing alternative.

The future of powsurfing: Who’s riding the wave?

Interestingly, powsurfing isn’t just for snowboarders, skateboarders and surfers. Skiers—who don’t have an equivalent bindingless riding experience—are also embracing the challenge. This crossover appeal means that if the trend continues, the number of powsurfers could skyrocket by the end of the decade, making it one of the most significant movements in snow sports.

In addition to its popularity among traditional riders, powsurfing is attracting adventure seekers and those looking for an alternative to crowded ski resorts. As more people prioritize off-the-grid experiences, powsurfing offers a way to enjoy deep powder without needing a lift ticket or access to a resort. The DIY ethos of powsurfing, where some riders shape their own boards, also adds to its unique subculture.

What’s next? Stay tuned for more

Powsurfing has come a long way, but where is it headed next? In the next blog posts, we’ll explore the future of powsurfing and the latest gear including those from Moonchild Skunkworx.

Interested in how to choose the right powsurfer for you? Read here.