Although Russell WInfield’s time at the top of the snowboard world was short, his legacy as an integral part of the freestyle revolution is everlasting. Uncle Russ Russ speaks about flat kicks, partying and the Stump of Manhood.

In the early ‘90s, a lot of money was being tossed around in the snowboard world. An unprecedented number of riders were given pro models by startup brands looking to cash in on the growing market. Snowboarders were becoming rock stars; none more, perhaps, than Russell Winfield.

Russell grew up in upstate New York and had a passion for hockey—a vision to go big on skates. But after learning to ride, he hung up his skates and became the first black professional snowboarder. A thriving industry embraced him with open arms. He moved to the Rockies, became a leader of the jib movement, and started filming with Whitey and then Mack Dawg Productions, Transworld, and Standard Films. Take a quick peek at TB2 and see who is sitting in the car next to Terje and Daniel Franck screaming at the top of their lungs—yes, that would be Russ. He had interviews in Blunt and Heckler; he defined the industry with his comedy, individuality, love for the sport, and love for the party life that came along with it…

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