VINTAGE 1983/84 WINTERSTICK ROUNDTAIL SNOWBOARD

A vintage 1983 or 1984 Winterstick Roundtail snowboard represents an interesting period in the evolution of snowboard design, still within the early and pioneering years of the sport. Winterstick, founded by Dimitrije Milovich in 1972, was a key innovator, and while their Swallowtail design is perhaps more iconic, the Roundtail demonstrates the company’s broader experimentation with shapes for different riding conditions.

In the early to mid-1980s, snowboarding was beginning to gain more recognition, though it still faced limitations at many ski resorts. Board design was evolving beyond the purely surf-inspired shapes. The Roundtail design, in contrast to the Swallowtail’s deep powder focus, likely aimed to offer more versatility for varied snow conditions and potentially better performance on groomed runs. It suggests an exploration of different turning characteristics and stability compared to the more specialized Swallowtail.

Winterstick boards of this era, including the Roundtail, were typically constructed using more advanced techniques than earlier wooden planks, often incorporating foam cores, fiberglass layers, and P-TEX bases – technologies borrowed and adapted from the ski and surfboard industries. This commitment to better materials and construction helped set Winterstick apart.

A vintage 1983/84 Winterstick Roundtail is a valuable piece of snowboarding history. It showcases the design diversification that was occurring as the sport matured beyond its initial powder focus. It represents a time when manufacturers like Winterstick were actively exploring different shapes and constructions to appeal to a wider range of riders and conditions. For collectors and enthusiasts, this board offers a glimpse into the mid-early days of snowboarding and the innovative spirit that drove its development.

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