Chuck Barfoot
Chuck Barfoot started designing snowboards (snoboards) and skateboards in 1978 while working for Sims in Santa Barbara, CA, where he was an integral part of the research and design. He then went his own way in 1981 and produced the highest quality skateboards of the 80s with revolutionizing concepts, materials and the legendary Barfoot craftmanship that makes a Barfoot a BARFOOT.
Ironically, it is in the snowboard community where Chuck also made an extremely valuable contribution to surfing. Chuck used his vast surfing knowledge to design the first surf-influenced, fiberglass snowboards featuring foam core, swallowtail, and a flex fin (from a Greenough idea). They also used real surf leashes. At that time, they called the sport Snow Surfing.
The very first toy that started it all was called a “Snurfer” (snow surfer), which was just a single ski with a rope on the nose back in 1966. It wasn’t until the late 70’s that Chuck and other creative surfers decided to improve on the idea and started designing boards with all the surfboard technology, fins, camber, channels etc.
According to Chuck, the reason snowboarding was invented was because a few surfers wanted to surf in the snow—they totally related it to surfing. If it wasn’t for the influence of Chuck and a few others, we wouldn’t have snowboarding.
Chuck was inducted into Transworld’s Snowboarding Hall of Fame in 1997.
Chuck is currently working with Ernie DeLost on the long-anticipated revival of BARFOOT snowboards, while continuing to break new ground in the skateboard market.
The difference between a Barfoot and most other cruiser style longboards is that a Barfoot is way ahead of these other brands (Some of which are made in China) in the Quality and materials department, and is made in the U.S.A.
Plus Chuck has been making skateboards since the sixties, was the co-inventor of the snowboard, used to surf for Greg Noll's surf team, and most importantly, is the definition of a small boutique brand. The guy has done more for the sport's of surfing, skating, and snowboarding together than anyone I know of. A true legend!
Do yourself a favor and buy one, then buy more boards for your quiver when you figure out what direction you would like to go with your longboarding.
—Silverfish Longboarding