Zeb Powell

Zeb Powell (born January 18, 2000^[1]) is an American professional snowboarder based out of North Carolina.^[2] He is best known for his unforgivingly 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 aiming to help black kids have a chance to have a place in snowboarding.^[4][5]

Zeb Powell
Zeb Powell walks with Boston mayor Michelle Wu at Red Bull Heavy Metal Boston in 2025.
Born	(2000-01-18) January 18, 2000 (age 25) Charlotte, North Carolina
Occupation	Snowboarder
Years active	2014–present[1]
Sports career
Country	United States
Sport	Snowboarding

Zeb competing at Red Bull Heavy Metal Boston in 2025

Early life

Powell was born in Charlotte, North Carolina,^[6] and raised by adoptive parents Carl Powell and Valerie Powell in Waynesville.^[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, opposed to goofy.^[8] This did not stop Zeb as he quickly mastered his skills and won his first competition, Red Bull All Snow, at the age of 15.^[9]

On the mountain

The following is a list of accolades earned by Zeb Powell in various snowboarding competitions and events:

• X Games 2020 Knuckle Huck – 1st place^[10]
• X Games 2022 Knuckle Huck – 4th place^[11]
• X Games 2024 Knuckle Huck – 2nd place^[12]
• X Games 2025 Knuckle Huck – 4th place ^[13]
• Red Bull All Snow 2016 at Carinthia Parks – 1st place^[9]

Off the mountain

Hoods to Woods Foundation^[5] – Zeb Powell Partners up with Hoods to Woods to help bring more diversity to skiing and snowboarding while bringing new opportunities to people of color.^[2]