VINTAGE 1986/87 WINTERSTICK SWALLOWTAIL SNOWBOARD

A vintage 1986 or 1987 Winterstick Swallowtail snowboard represents a significant period in the evolution of snowboarding and a continuation of Winterstick’s pioneering legacy. Founded by Dimitrije Milovich in 1972, Winterstick was synonymous with early snowboard innovation, and the Swallowtail design, patented in the same year, remained their most iconic creation.

By the mid to late 1980s, snowboarding was gaining momentum, though still navigating its place within the established ski industry. The Swallowtail design, with its distinctive split tail, continued to be highly sought after for its exceptional performance in deep powder, offering superior floatation and a unique, surf-inspired carving experience. It remained a benchmark for powder-oriented snowboard design.

Winterstick boards from the 1986/87 era typically featured more refined construction techniques compared to earlier models. This likely included a foam core for lightweight performance, fiberglass layers for added strength and torsional stiffness, and a durable P-TEX base for optimal glide. Binding technology was also progressing, with more secure and adjustable strap systems becoming common.

Owning a vintage 1986/87 Winterstick Swallowtail is to possess a tangible piece of snowboarding history. It embodies the core ethos of early snowboarding – the desire to “surf on snow” – and showcases the enduring appeal of Winterstick’s groundbreaking design. For collectors and enthusiasts, this board represents a key era in the sport’s development and the continued influence of one of its original innovators. It’s a reminder of a time when powder riding was central to the snowboarding experience and the Swallowtail was the ultimate tool for the job.