Introduction to Burton
Burton Snowboards is an iconic brand in the world of snowboarding, known for its high-quality products and unwavering support for athletes. Founded in 1977 by Jake Burton Carpenter, the company revolutionized the snowboarding industry and played a significant role in shaping it into what it is today.
The story of Burton began when Jake Carpenter, a passionate skier and surfer, came across a snurfer (a precursor to modern-day snowboards) while on a trip to Vermont. Intrigued by this new way of riding on the snow, he decided to make his own version with some modifications. After experimenting with different designs and materials, he created his first snowboard prototype - a board made from two wooden skis bolted together with a rope attached at the front for steering.
Carpenter's passion and determination drove him to pursue his dream of building better boards for this emerging sport. In 1977, he founded Burton Snowboards in Londonderry, Vermont. The company's early days were humble - Carpenter built boards in his garage and sold them out of his car trunk. But as word spread about these innovative boards that allowed riders to surf on snow, the demand grew rapidly.
How Burton Snowboards Support and Promote Athletes
Burton Snowboards has been a pioneer in the snowboarding industry for over four decades. Throughout its history, the company has not only focused on creating top-of-the-line snowboarding equipment, but also supporting and promoting athletes who represent the sport.
One of the ways Burton supports and promotes its athletes is through its Team Rider Program. This program provides professional snowboarders with sponsorship opportunities, access to exclusive events and competitions, and support for their personal projects. The Team Rider Program is highly competitive, with only a select few individuals earning a spot each year. This ensures that Burton is able to work closely with each of their sponsored athletes and provide them with personalized support.
In addition to the Team Rider Program, Burton also hosts annual team gatherings at its headquarters in Burlington, Vermont. These gatherings are an opportunity for athletes from different countries and disciplines to come together, build camaraderie, and engage in activities such as photo shoots or product testing sessions. These events not only strengthen the relationships between riders but also allow them to showcase their skills and receive valuable feedback from Burton's experienced team.
Impact on the Growth and Development of the Sport
Burton Snowboards has had a significant impact on the growth and development of the sport of snowboarding since its beginnings in 1977. From pioneering new technologies to supporting and nurturing athletes, Burton has played a crucial role in shaping snowboarding into the popular and dynamic sport it is today.
One of the key ways that Burton has impacted the growth and development of snowboarding is through their commitment to innovation. With founder Jake Burton Carpenter's engineering background, the company was always at the forefront of developing new technologies and designs for their boards. This constant drive for improvement helped push snowboard design forward, making them more versatile, durable, and high-performing. This not only benefited professional riders but also made snowboarding more accessible to beginners by creating easier-to-use equipment.
Another significant way that Burton has impacted the sport is through their dedication to supporting athletes. From providing financial support and resources to offering coaching and mentorship programs, Burton has continuously invested in developing talented riders. Many top snowboarders such as Shaun White, Hannah Teter, Kelly Clark, and Chloe Kim have all been sponsored by Burton throughout their careers. By investing in these athletes' success, they have helped cultivate some of the most influential figures in competitive snowboarding.
Sustainability Efforts by Burton Snowboards
Burton Snowboards has always been committed to supporting athletes and growing the sport of snowboarding, but they also recognize the importance of taking care of the environment in which their sport takes place. This is why sustainability efforts have been a top priority for Burton since its inception.
One of Burton main sustainability efforts is their commitment to using eco-friendly materials in their products. They have developed a program called "Green Mountain Process" which ensures that all wood used in their snowboards comes from sustainable sources. This means that for every tree harvested, another one is planted in its place, maintaining the delicate balance of our forests.
In addition to responsibly sourcing materials, Burton also strives to reduce waste and minimize their carbon footprint. They have implemented recycling programs at all of their production facilities and offices, ensuring that any excess materials are properly disposed of or reused. They also use solar panels to power some of their facilities and offset energy consumption with renewable energy credits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Burton Snowboards has not only revolutionized the snowboarding industry with its cutting-edge technology and innovative designs but also has a strong legacy of supporting athletes and growing the sport. From sponsoring aspiring riders to advocating for sustainable practices on the slopes, Burton continues to make a positive impact in the snowboarding community. As we look towards the future, it is clear that Burton will continue to be at the forefront of progress in both performance and social responsibility within snowboarding. So whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, grab your Burton board and hit the slopes – because with their support behind you, anything is possible.