2006 Pioneer Award

Jim Snyder

U.S.A. | return

For forty years, Jim Snyder has never hesitated to create his own “charc,” building boats and paddles that barely resemble whatever the rest of the whitewater world is currently using.

They were quickly imitated by those eager to learn from his innovative creative forays.Much of what is recognized as modern playboat design and concepts is descended from early Snyder squirt boats.

Pioneer Accomplishments:

• Designer and builder of custom wooden canoe and kayak paddles (1975 to present)
• Designer and builder of more than 60 kayak designs (1979 to present)
• Inventor of the short boat revolution of squirtboating including an entire line of squirt kayaks (1981 to present)
• Inventor of countless squirt maneuvers and their names (1981 to present) including the “mystery move” and the first to perform a cartwheel tossing over a dozen ends (1983)

Other Accomplishments:

• Slalom competitor: Middle States Junior Champion (1970)
• Extreme race competitor: Upper Yough Race
• Steep creek explorer with two first descents (Quarry and Elzey Runs in WV)