Snow + surfing = snurfing. And it’s epic. Here’s why.
Zeppelin Zeerip’s new short film is an ode to the snow culture and history in Muskegon, Mich. More specifically, it’s an ode to the 55-year history of how snurfing (and snowboarding) came to be.
Snurfing was popularized by inventor Sherman Poppen in 1965 in Muskegon. And “Made in the Mitten” follows the evolution of snurfing to snowboarding. The name that stuck was coined by Burton Snowboards founder Jake Burton Carpenter in the 1970s as the sport began to shift into something more streamlined.
And with just half a century under its belt, it’s weird to remember that snowboarding is by far the youngest wintersport.
“55 years after Poppen created the first snurf board, we are watching riders [in] different disciplines of snowboarding, from big air to freestyle, all over the slopes,” said film director Zeerip. “I was inspired to pay homage to Poppen and Burton, who both sadly left us just last year, and recognize the Michigan-based origins of this phenomenal sport.”
As a young Jake Burton once said, “It’s a real good sport. You can definitely surf the snow.” We give thanks to Burton, Poppen, and all the trailblazers of Muskegon who helped make the sport what it is today.
“Made in the Mitten” is the latest film from Zeppelin Zeerip. New Holland Brewing (in Michigan) and Burton Snowboards helped bring this film project to fruition.
