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What Inspired Peter Line’s Iconic Snowboard Style?
If you grew up in the 1990s snowboarding scene or were a fan of snowboard videos, you might recognize the name Peter Line as one of the most innovative and influential riders of that era. Line, who turned pro for Burton Snowboards in 1992 at the age of 18, had a style that combined technical tricks, fluid spins, and creative grabs with a playful and rebellious attitude. He also introduced new tricks and board designs that expanded the possibilities of snowboarding and influenced generations of riders. So, what inspired Line’s iconic snowboard style? Let’s explore some possible factors.
First, Line was part of a generation of snowboarders who were breaking away from the traditional skiing industry and culture, which had dominated most winter resorts for decades. As snowboarding became more popular and accepted as a distinct sport, it brought a fresh wave of creativity, expression, and independence that attracted younger riders who didn’t want to conform to the mainstream norms of skiing. Line, who grew up in Bellevue, Washington, and learned to snowboard on the slopes of Snoqualmie Pass, was among the pioneers of this new movement.
In an interview with ESPN in 2018, Line said he was inspired by skateboarding and punk rock, two subcultures that valued individuality, DIY ethics, and non-conformity. “Just like skateboarding, snowboarding was kind of a middle finger to the establishment,” Line said. “And punk rock was always about doing it your way and not caring what anyone thinks. I think that ethos just kind of carried over into snowboarding.”
Line also credited his brother Matt, who was a skateboarder and artist, for introducing him to the graphic and visual side of snowboarding. Matt designed many of Line’s board graphics for Burton, including the iconic fish logo that became Line’s signature. “I was always interested in the art side of snowboarding, but I wasn’t a very good artist,” Line said. “So, my brother was able to take my ideas and turn them into these amazing graphics that really represented my personality and style.”
Another source of inspiration for Line was the mountains and the natural features that they offered for snowboarding. Line was known for his ability to ride anything from halfpipes to rails to big mountain lines, and he often combined elements of different disciplines into his run. In a 2019 interview with Snowboarder Magazine, Line said that he liked to “find natural features and figure out how to snowboard on them” and that he “loved the idea of taking tricks from different parts of snowboarding and putting them together in a way that made sense.”
Line also liked to challenge himself and push the limits of what was possible on a snowboard. He was one of the first riders to land a 900-degree spin in a halfpipe, a trick that he invented by accident while trying a 720. He also pioneered a move called the “Peter Pan” that involved spinning off a backside 180 while grabbing the tip of the board with both hands, and a trick called the “Gumby” that involved bending his body like a rubber band while sliding a rail. These tricks, along with many others, became part of Line’s signature repertoire and helped him win numerous contests and awards.
In addition to being an exceptional rider, Line was also a visionary and a leader in the snowboarding industry. He co-founded Forum Snowboards in 1996 with fellow riders Joni Makinen, Devun Walsh, and JP Walker, and helped create a new model of rider-owned companies that emphasized quality, innovation, and authenticity. Forum, which later merged with Burton, became one of the most popular and influential brands of the early 2000s, and Line remained one of its key team riders and designers until his retirement in 2006.
Line’s contributions to snowboarding, both on and off the hill, have earned him a place in the sport’s hall of fame and a lasting legacy as a pioneer of style, creativity, and expression. His influence can be seen in the riding and attitudes of many current pro riders, as well as in the designs and concepts of modern snowboard equipment and apparel. Line himself remains involved in snowboarding as a coach, mentor, and ambassador, and continues to inspire new generations of riders with his passion and vision.
If you want to see some of Line’s classic footage, check out his part in the snowboard video “TB10: Decade” from 2001, which features some of his most stylish and technical tricks, or watch his full part in the Burton movie “Riding Higher” from 1998, which captures his early days as a pro rider and his playful and creative spirit. You can also follow Line on Instagram (@peterline) to see what he’s up to these days and to get a glimpse of his eclectic and eccentric personality.
In conclusion, Peter Line’s iconic snowboard style was inspired by a combination of factors, including a rebellious attitude, skateboarding and punk rock culture, creative and natural terrain, and a desire to push the limits of what was possible on a snowboard. His style was also shaped by his brother’s artistic talents, his own vision and leadership in the snowboarding industry, and his influence on younger riders and brands. Line’s legacy is a testament to the power of snowboarding as a form of expression and creativity, and to the influence of individuality and authenticity in shaping a sport and a culture.
Image Credit: Pexels