LocalSportsJournal.com
It’s the 50th anniversary of the Snurfer, and the Party in Your Parka event celebrated by hosting a Snurfer downhill competition at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex on Saturday. 
Muskegon native Sherman Poppen invented the Snurfer on the dunes of Pere Marquette Beach and is considered the grandfather of the snowboard.
A group of about 20 participants gave it their best sho,t making it from top to bottom on a snow-covered dune just a short hike behind the Block House.
Chris Johnson flies down the hill to capture first place in the classic board competition. Photo/Matt Smolinski
In the classic board category, Chris Johnson took first place in 25.72 seconds. Winning the new-style board category was Nick Faino with a downhill time of 12.71 seconds. Blaze Reetz captured the beginner title with a 16.81 second run.
The sun was shining and the hill was fast with many spectators watching. Check out a few photos from the action and other top finishers.
New Sytle Board Category:
Bob Novak, who manufactures new style boards, cruises down the competition. Photo/Matt Smolinski
3rd- Kenny Kibbey (30.07)
1st – Blaze Reetz (16.81)
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- Nick Faino cruises down the hill on a new-style board. Photo/Matt Smolinski
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- The contestants with the worst wipeouts will be left anonymous.
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- Sam Faino eats the white stuff. Photo/Matt Smolinski
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- Hans Vanhorssen takes a particularly hard fall on one of his runs. Photo/Matt Smolinski
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- Photo/Matt Smolinski
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- Photo/Matt Smolinski
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- The view of the run from the top. Photo/Matt Smolinski
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- Spectators line the side of the slope. Photo/Matt Smolinski
It was a perfect day for Snurfing the best way to remember Sherm Poppen and his wonderful invention the Snurfer!
Ride On!
Chris Johnson