OMS Snowboarders are dedicated and passionate about the Sport, so therefore Jerry and I have put it upon our athletes to know a little bit more about the history of snowboarding and on the old school shredders who paved the way. We have picked one OG snowboarder and have asked each OMS snowboarder to do some research and gain a little more historical knowledge on the legends of snowboarding. Second up, Craig Kelly written by OMS Snowboarder Bryce Langille.
Craig Kelly
I’m not sure if you know about Craig Kelly. When I started this report I thought that this guy was just another drop beat old ex-snowboarder. Well I was wrong. Well before I can tell you how he died I need to tell you how he lived. Craig Kelly was born in Mount Vernon, Wa. April 1, 1966. He began snowboarding in the 1985-1986 season. He would spend most of his days at the Pac West ski Area in Hyak, Wa. He made good friends with the men at the resort and when the place was closed he’d set up his own gates and get the workers to snowmobile back and forth so he could practice. Craig Kelly was also known as the Godfather of Freeriding” and the man who dominated freestyle snowboarding in early 1990’s called him the best snowboarder of all time. Craig competed in the first snowboard contest that was held in the 85’-86’ season with another founder of the sport Bob Barci. In 2003, Warren Miller told the story of Craig Kelly’s life in the movie the “Journey.” Craig set the light for all snowboarders and he was the first in most things, like how he was the first to appear in an Imax movie. Craig was part owner of the directors of Island Lake Catskiing. He also rode for Burton. Through Craig Kelly’s career of 15 years of professional snowboarding, he won four world championships, three U.S. championships and the Mt. Banked Slalom snowboarding competition in 88’,91’, and 93’. At the time Craig was the first and the best at backcountry guiding.
Well this is where many of us would like to stop reading, but remember that he paved the path for snowboarders. Unfortunately, Craig Kelly died in a avalanche on January 20, 2003 in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada. It also trapped 8 other people and 6 died.
OMS Shredder
-Bryce Langille
i thought 7 died
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