Zeb competing at Red Bull Heavy Metal Boston in 2025
Zeb Powell (born January 18, 2000[1]) is an American professional snowboarder from North Carolina.[2] He is best known for his unique style that won him gold in the 2020 Winter X Games Knuckle Huck.[2] Being the first black snowboarder to win gold in X Games history,[3] Powell partnered with Hoods to Woods, an organization that aims to use snowboarding to have a positive impact on inner city youth.[4][5]
Powell was born in Charlotte, North Carolina,[6] and raised by adoptive parents Carl Powell and Valerie Powell in Waynesville, North Carolina.[7][8] His father Carl runs a chip mill and his mother Valerie is an assistant teacher. Zeb did not enjoy snowboarding at a young age due to an instructor forcing him to ride in regular stance, as opposed to his natural goofy.[9][8] Nevertheless he persisted, going on to win his first competition, Red Bull All Snow, at the age of 15.[10]
On the mountain
The following is a list of accolades earned by Zeb Powell in various snowboarding competitions and events:
Powell is sponsored by many brands including Redbull, Nitro Snowboards, Thirtytwo Apparel, Recess Ride Shop, and Crab Grab gloves and stomp pads.[15]
In April 2025, Powell officially signed with the Jordan Brand, becoming the first professional snowboarder to represent the label.[16][17][18]
Off the mountain
Zeb is a partner of the Hoods to Woods foundation, which aims to help inner city youth by exposing them to the positive impacts that snowboarding can have[2][5]
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