First On Board a Program and Content Provider

Original Content and Copyrighted Video, Audio and Photos - All Rights Reserved
First on Board was established in 1979 by Richard Christiansen

Pacific Shores ~ 13th and College, Boulder Colorado 1980

The true life story of Richard Christiansen has taken an amazing and adventurous path. Richard, a California surf bum, moved inland to the outdoor oriented and athletically enthusiastic college town of Boulder, Colorado in 1979. It was in his loneliness and longing for the surf style and beach atmosphere that he opened his own surf shop.

Richard named his shop Pacific Shores and it became the first action sports store in Boulder, Colorado. Pacific Shores carried surfboards, skateboards, BMX bikes and snowboards. Richard was instrumental in bringing these sports to the landlocked state of Colorado.

Jake Burton, Ski Cooper, Leadville, Colorado 1981

In 1981 Richard organized the first snowboard competition in the United States. He held the event at Ski Cooper in Leadville, Colorado. Jake Burton, founder of Burton Snowboards, was one of the competitors. The event was a huge success and helped launch snowboarding as a legitimate sport.

Richard also promoted some of the first skateboard competitions in Colorado. He brought in top professional skateboarders from California to compete and demonstrate their skills to the Colorado youth. These events helped grow the sport of skateboarding in the Rocky Mountain region.

D David Morin and Duane Peters, Boulder, Colorado 1980

Duane Peters, one of skateboarding's most legendary figures, was among the pros Richard brought to Colorado. Known as "The Master of Disaster," Duane's appearances at Pacific Shores events drew huge crowds and inspired a generation of Colorado skateboarders.

Richard's passion for action sports and his dedication to documenting their history led him to create First On Board. The company produces documentary programs that capture the origins of skateboarding, snowboarding and BMX — told through the legends who were there from the very beginning.

Eric Grisham, Boulder, Colorado 1980

Eric Grisham was another key figure in the early Colorado action sports scene. His enthusiasm and organizational skills helped Richard put on events that brought the community together and gave young athletes a place to showcase their talents.

First On Board's programs feature rare historical footage and photographs from these pioneering events. The content has been licensed by television networks, feature film producers and editorial writers who recognize the unique historical value of this material.

Jake Burton founder of Burton Snowboard CO with Richard Christiansen founder of the first snowboard competition

The relationship between Richard Christiansen and Jake Burton spans decades. Both men were pioneers who helped transform fringe activities into global sports industries. Their collaboration and friendship is one of the many compelling stories told in First On Board's documentary programs.

Each First On Board program is packed with interviews, archival footage and photographs that bring these stories to life. Whether you are a longtime fan of action sports or discovering these legends for the first time, the programs offer a fascinating window into the origins of sports that have shaped youth culture around the world.

Est. 1979 - All Rights Reserved