Kemper Snowboards

Overview

Kemper Snowboards is a snowboard manufacturer known for its historical role in the 1980s and 1990s snowboarding era, particularly for neon graphics, funky outerwear, and innovations like the twin deck design on its Freestyle model. Relaunched in 2018 by former pro snowboarder Jib Hunt, it now produces freestyle, park, powder snowboards, and splitboards from Utah, targeting revival within the modern snowboarding scene.¹²³⁴

History

Kemper Snowboards was founded in 1987 by David Kemper, who began handcrafting boards in his Ontario, Canada garage as early as 1983-1984. It grew into a major brand competing with Burton and Sims, known for neon aesthetics and early innovations. Acquired in 1989 by a California company, it ceased operations in the mid-1990s. In 2018, Jib Hunt relaunched the brand, moving headquarters to Park City, Utah in 2019 for better market positioning.¹²³⁴

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured with updated technology following the 2018 relaunch, though specific locations are not detailed in available sources. Early boards were handmade in Ontario, Canada; current production details remain unspecified.³⁴

Notable Products

• Freestyle Model - Pioneering twin deck with matching upturned nose and tail for bidirectional riding.
• Neon Graphics Snowboards - Iconic 80s/90s designs embracing snowboarding's neon period.
• Splitboards - Split design for uphill touring in backcountry with skins.
• Park Series - Boards optimized for freestyle tricks in terrain parks.

Reputation

Kemper is remembered by enthusiasts as an iconic 80s/90s brand for its bold neon style and innovations that influenced industry standards. The 2018 relaunch receives attention for nostalgia and updated tech, with positive local traction in Utah, though it remains a small player compared to giants like Burton. Criticisms are limited, but its past discontinuation notes market challenges.¹²³⁴