Date of Birth: April 1, 1966
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: January 20, 2003
Biography
Craig Kelly was a renowned American snowboarder who made significant contributions to the sport during the late 20th century. Born on April 1, 1966, in Mount Vernon, Washington, Kelly’s passion for snowboarding began at an early age. As a teenager, he quickly rose through the ranks of competitive snowboarding, earning a reputation for his innovative riding style and technical prowess. Throughout his career, Kelly won numerous titles, including multiple World Championships and U.S. Open victories. He was known not only for his competitive achievements but also for his role in promoting freeriding and backcountry snowboarding. Tragically, Kelly’s life was cut short in an avalanche while guiding a group in British Columbia on January 20, 2003. His legacy continues to inspire snowboarders around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about Craig Kelly
1. Craig Kelly was one of the first snowboarders to be sponsored by Burton Snowboards.
2. He was inducted into the Snowboarding Hall of Fame in 2003, the year of his passing.
3. Kelly was known as the “Godfather of Freeriding” for his impact on the backcountry snowboarding scene.
4. He studied mechanical engineering at the University of Washington before deciding to pursue snowboarding full-time.
5. Kelly’s decision to leave competitive snowboarding to focus on freeriding and guiding paved the way for future generations of snowboarders.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Craig Kelly
1. “Snowboarding is an art, not a sport.”
2. “I don’t want to be a professional athlete, I want to be a professional snowboarder.”
3. “The mountains are my office, and the snow is my canvas.”
4. “It’s not about the fame or the money, it’s about the love of the ride.”
5. “Every turn is a chance to create something beautiful.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Craig Kelly’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, primarily through sponsorships and endorsements.
Children
Craig Kelly did not have any children at the time of his death.
Relevant Links
1. [Craig Kelly Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Kelly_(snowboarder
2. [Burton Snowboards Tribute](https://www.burton.com/us/en/content/craig-kelly.html
3. [Snowboarding Hall of Fame](https://www.sbhof.com/craig-kelly
4. [Transworld Snowboarding Profile](https://www.snowboarding.transworld.net/legend/craig-kelly/
5. [Craig Kelly Memorial Fund](https://www.craigkellyfund.org