Mike Jenkins, owner of Snurfer Boards, has helped bring the brand back home to Muskegon. He first discovered the Snurfer in 2019. He felt inspired by the history of the board and its role in starting the sport of snowboarding. Mike says, "I was decent at it but never took it past just occasionally carving down the slopes with my friends. I have loved the opportunity to now be part of the greater snowboarding community through the Snurfer story, learning about and celebrating its legacy." He wrote this guest blog to share the Snurfer legacy and the importance of Muskegon in winter sports history.
Mike and his brother Rick began building Snurfers in Salt Lake City after moving there in 2021 and became owners of the Snurfer brand in 2022. They arrived in Michigan in October 2023, bringing their work and long-term vision back to the brand’s hometown. The JEM Corporation last manufactured Snurfers in the early 1980s. Since returning to Muskegon, the Jenkins brothers have focused on honoring the board’s history, updating designs, and reconnecting the Snurfer name with the local community.
How the Snurfer Shredded into History
Sherman Poppen invented the Snurfer in Muskegon in 1965. On Christmas Day, Poppen joined the skis of his daughter, Wendy, together. She took the first ride down a snowy dune in their neighborhood. The board went into production with Brunswick and grew in popularity. It led to snow snurfing competitions in North Muskegon and at Muskegon Community College.
The original board had no bindings. Racers held on to a rope and used foot loops to maintain control. Jake Burton Carpenter, an early Snurfer racer, later founded Burton Snowboards. Snurfer innovations spread nationwide and earned Poppen the title of the godfather of snowboarding. This legacy makes Muskegon the birthplace of snowboarding.
Muskegon’s Snowboarding Roots
Muskegon remains central to the Snurfer story. The Snurfer statue, "The Turning Point," stands in downtown Muskegon. Local museums, schools, and programs continue to celebrate the invention. Students build boards at Reeths-Puffer School, and youth snowboarding programs are popular winter activities in Muskegon.
Since returning home, Mike has enjoyed hearing local stories about snurfing adventures and the impact Sherman Poppen had on the community. Every story adds to the 60 year legacy of this Muskegon invention. The role of the city in nurturing the Snurfer helped shape the design and the culture of snowboarding.
Design, Innovation, and Culture
The Snurfer changed winter recreation. It is bindingless and accessible. It does not require lift tickets or expensive gear. This makes even small hills exciting for families. Designs have evolved to include powder style boards while keeping the classic yellow board and the Snurfy graphics.
The original Snurfer has appeared in Olympic history videos and documentaries like "The Dawning." Snowboarding became an official Winter Olympic sport in 1998. Mike recently attended the 60th anniversary exhibit at the VT Ski and Snowboard Museum with Wendy and Julie Poppen and champion Paul Graves.
Community Impact
Since returning to Muskegon in 2023, Snurfer has supported local organizations by:
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Donating boards and volunteer time to the NOAH Project, JCI Greater Muskegon, Shred the Love at Mulligans Hollow, and Muskegon Luge Adventure Park.
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Hosting over 100 1st and 2nd grade students for a hands-on factory tour in 2024, connecting youth to Muskegon’s winter sports history
60th Anniversary Celebration
Snurfer Boards is celebrating the 60th birthday of the original Snurfer on January 24th at The Brewers Lounge at Pigeon Hill. "The Homecoming" Snurfer 60th Celebration will feature limited edition boards made in Michigan and a silent auction supporting the Poppen House with Harbor Hospice. Guests can see Snurfer champions and an exhibit of boards and memorabilia. If there is snow, guests can enjoy a small hill experience.
Mike’s Ride: Reflections and Future Turns
Mike feels honored to be part of the Snurfer story. "Re-engineering the process for building the boards from veneer to paint and finishing touches has been very challenging and rewarding. Watching the joy the boards bring to so many has been incredible, especially as a father of two boys who love the snow."
He adds, "The more I learn about Snurfer’s history and its role in snowboarding, the prouder I am to bring it back home, full circle in Muskegon." Working with his brother Rick has taught lessons in teamwork and collaboration. "We work together fairly well, butting heads occasionally, but nothing a cold beer can't fix."
Looking ahead, Snurfer is focused on producing new boards and merchandise. Mike says, "We live here in the city and want Snurfer to be a blessing to Muskegon."
