In the eyes of history, snowboarding is still relatively new. Whereas it is not uncommon in basketball or baseball to see young pro athletes following in the footsteps of their pro-athlete fathers who came before them, even the oldest "legend status" pros in snowboarding are mostly still either changing diapers or carpooling to elementary school.

Rad Dads

Terje Haakonsen, Devun Walsh, Joel Parkinson and more fathers who charge. Gallery

While theories abound as to whose kids will lead the next generation of super-shreds abound, it will be years before we see which genetic strains, if any, have really taken hold. In the meantime, it's pretty entertaining to watch snowboarders who used to be absolute hellions back in their younger "prime-time" pro days stepping to the challenge that is parenting.

Watching the ethics of love of nature and of playing outside being passed on by people who are probably never going to tell their kids that it's time to grow up and get serious is a truly heartwarming experience. And in the cases of really formerly-crazy pros who are now dads figuring out how to compassionately raise daughters, it is often disarmingly endearing as well.

In celebration of Father's Day this Sunday, we're shining the light on some of the top athletes in their respective sports who also happen to be awesome dads. There are a lot of them out there. Here is just one small sample. Launch Gallery »