News
Fifty years ago a guy in Vermont started building boards in a barn because he reckoned the Snurfer could be better. Most people thought he was mad. Now Burton has made a documentary about how that turned into a whole sport, and Donna Carpenter, the woman who built it alongside him, is the one telling the story. Grab a coffee. Hit play. Then come and talk Burton with us.
What is the Burton 50th anniversary documentary?
To mark 50 years of Burton Snowboards, Burton has released a documentary on the history of the brand, and by extension the history of snowboarding itself. It is narrated by Donna Carpenter, Burton's co-founder, long-time CEO and current owner, and it is being released decade by decade on Burton's YouTube channel. Episode one goes right back to the start: the barn, the early boards, the resort bans and the moment the world started paying attention.
This is not Dear Rider. That was the 2021 HBO film about Jake Burton Carpenter's life. This one is told from Donna's side, and it is about the sport and the company as much as the man. If you have ever strapped into a snowboard, this is your family history.
The short history of Burton Snowboards
1977: a barn in Vermont
Jake Burton Carpenter founded Burton in Vermont in 1977. His starting point was the Snurfer, a kids' toy invented in 1965 that was basically a plank with a rope on the nose. Jake wanted something you could actually ride: something with bindings, control and a future. He hand-built prototypes, worked brutal hours and sold boards out of his car, door to door, to shops that mostly didn't want them.
The ban years
In the early days most ski resorts banned snowboarding outright. Snowboarding was called winter's worst new sport, and riders were treated like a liability. Jake spent years lobbying resorts one by one to let riders on the hill. Every lift you ride today with a board under your arm traces back to that fight.
1982: the contest that became the US Open
In 1982 the first National Snowboarding Championships ran in Vermont. That event grew into the Burton US Open, which for decades was the biggest stage in snowboarding and the place where riders made their names, until its final edition in 2020.
The mid-80s: it goes real
By the mid-80s, years of trial and error had paid off. Boards were coming out of a proper factory, a team was forming, and Burton made its first film. Snowboarding had stopped being a backyard experiment and become a lifestyle people wanted in on.
1998: the Olympics
Snowboarding made its Olympic debut at Nagano in 1998. From banned-at-the-resort to the Olympics in about 15 years: that is the arc this documentary covers.
Giving back: Chill
Jake and Donna also started Chill, a non-profit that gets underserved young people into boardsports. It is one of the reasons Burton has always felt like more than a logo to riders.
2019 onwards: Donna carries it forward
Jake passed away in November 2019. Donna, who had been at his side building the company since its earliest days and served as CEO, has kept Burton family-owned and rider-led. Having her narrate the 50-year story is fitting. Nobody knows it better.
Why Burton still matters to riders in 2026
Plenty of brands have come and gone in fifty years. Burton is still here because it keeps pushing the gear forward, not just the logo. A few things that changed how we all ride:
- Burton Step On: a strap-free binding system that actually works, locking you in at the heel and toe in seconds. Read our honest take in Burton Step On: What It Is and Are They Worth It?
- Burton boots: some of the most dialled fit and lacing systems in the game, from beginner-friendly to stiff, all-day freeride boots.
- Burton [ak] outerwear: technical, backcountry-ready jackets and pants that hold up to Japan powder days and Aussie spring slush alike.
- Bags and packs: board bags and travel bags built by people who actually fly with snowboards.
To mark the anniversary, Burton is also dropping throwback product inspired by its own history, including a kit modelled on the original 1985 team uniform.
Twelve Board Store and Burton
We have been selling premium snowboard gear since 2013, and Burton is part of how we got here. Since opening in 2013, our Richmond crew has fitted, set up and serviced Burton gear for thousands of Melbourne and Australian riders, from first-timers buying their first board to locals heading to Japan for the third time. We care about getting you on the right setup, not just selling you a box. Buy once, buy right.
Where to buy Burton snowboards in Melbourne and Australia
You can shop Burton online at Twelve Board Store with fast Australia-wide shipping, or come into our Richmond showroom at 435A Bridge Rd, open seven days, to get properly fitted.
- All Burton snowboards and gear
- Burton snowboards
- Burton Step On boots and bindings
- Burton snowboard boots
- Burton bindings
- Burton [ak] outerwear
- Burton base layers and thermals
- Burton snowboard bags and packs
Not sure if Burton is your brand? Read Burton vs Jones vs YES: Which Snowboard Brand Suits You?, or if you are heading overseas, check why Burton [ak] and Jones are worth it for overseas trips.
FAQ
What is the new Burton documentary about?
It tells the 50-year history of Burton Snowboards and the sport of snowboarding, decade by decade, narrated by Burton co-founder and owner Donna Carpenter.
Where can I watch the Burton 50th anniversary documentary?
It is released for free on Burton's YouTube channel. You can watch it embedded at the top of this article.
Is this the same as Dear Rider?
No. Dear Rider was the 2021 HBO documentary on Jake Burton Carpenter's life. The 50th anniversary documentary is Burton's own history of the brand and the sport, narrated by Donna Carpenter.
Who founded Burton Snowboards?
Jake Burton Carpenter founded Burton in Vermont in 1977. His wife Donna Carpenter helped build the company from its early days, served as CEO and now owns it.
Where can I buy Burton snowboards in Melbourne?
Twelve Board Store stocks Burton snowboards, boots, bindings, Step On, [ak] outerwear, bags and base layers at our Richmond showroom (435A Bridge Rd, open seven days) and online with Australia-wide shipping.
Is Burton Step On worth it?
For most riders who want fast, easy entry without straps, yes. It is the most proven strap-free system on the market. See our full Burton Step On review.
