Types of Snowboards
The most typical question for a beginner boarder is: what kind of snowboard do I buy?
Well for most people who are completely new to the sport, they should just rent their equipment at the resort. The reason for this is because they do not know whether if they will enjoy the sport or might completely hate it. So it is always safe to rent gear the very first time. Normally, rented equipment is not the best equipment and sometimes comes in terrible condition, but it does get the job done for a complete beginner.
However, if you have some experience with snowboarding or just want to know what kind of boards are out there, then you are at the right place.
First let me explain some vocabulary:
Directional: a board is directional when it favors only one direction by being a little longer than the other side.
Twin Tip: a board is twin when it does not favor any direction of the board and riding in any direction is fine.
Switch: as it sounds. Instead of riding your normal way, you switch and ride the opposite direction.
Stiffness vs. Flexibility: they are inversely related, so when I say high level of stiffness then that means low level of flexibility
I will only explain the very basic types of snowboards because there are numerous types of snowboards that can also include a board that can split into two boards like skies.
Well for most people who are completely new to the sport, they should just rent their equipment at the resort. The reason for this is because they do not know whether if they will enjoy the sport or might completely hate it. So it is always safe to rent gear the very first time. Normally, rented equipment is not the best equipment and sometimes comes in terrible condition, but it does get the job done for a complete beginner.
However, if you have some experience with snowboarding or just want to know what kind of boards are out there, then you are at the right place.
First let me explain some vocabulary:
Directional: a board is directional when it favors only one direction by being a little longer than the other side.
Twin Tip: a board is twin when it does not favor any direction of the board and riding in any direction is fine.
Switch: as it sounds. Instead of riding your normal way, you switch and ride the opposite direction.
Stiffness vs. Flexibility: they are inversely related, so when I say high level of stiffness then that means low level of flexibility
I will only explain the very basic types of snowboards because there are numerous types of snowboards that can also include a board that can split into two boards like skies.
All-Mountain: This type of board is probably the most typical snowboard out there. Just by its definition, it is an all purpose board that has a moderate level of stiffness which makes the board good option in moderate powder and at the park. Normally, beginners will stick to this type of board in order to learn the ropes and determine what kind of terrain they prefer. However, it is still a good type of board to use if one is just wants to be able to go at a decent speed and do simple tricks at the park. These boards are normally directional, and are not meant to ride switch, but some all-mountain boards may be twin tip. It is an all purpose board that is not outstanding in any given category, but it gets job done and more some. I would highly recommend for any true beginner to start off with an all-mountain board because they are not too expensive and are capable of doing a bit of everything. With this board a beginner can test things like speed or even begin to learn free style at the park. You can never go wrong with this type of board.
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Free-Style / Park: This type board is designed solely for the park. Park boards have a low level of stiffness which allow the board to bend easier and allow more room for creativity. Majority of park boards are twin tip allowing riders to ride switch or come off a trick easier. The reason why a rider would want a board that is not as stiff is because the stiffer the board, the more chances it has of catching an edge. Catching an edge simply means the board literally gets stuck on one of its edges and causes the rider to either fall forward or backwards. Park riders especially want this kind of board because coming off a jump, box, or rail will cause the board to vibrate once landing, and if the board is stiff, the rider will catch an edge and fall. So in order to prevent this, this type of board is designed to match a park rider's dream. It makes landing a lot smoother and also makes things like boxes and rails easier to ride. There are even some heavier versions of these boards in order to withstand more of a beating from things like rails, boxes, trees, etc. So if you have decided to spend majority of your time at the park, then this is a no-brainer.
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Freerider / Powder: This type of board is designed for riders who like to go fast and speed past by other boarders. Powder boards have a high level of stiffness which allows the board to not bend as much and giving the rider much more control over the board while going at a high velocity. Majority of powder boards are highly directional and some can't even ride switch. For instance, this Burton Family Tree Cloudsplitter board is meant to ride only in one direction and cannot ride switch due to lack of true tip on the other end. This type of board is not meant to do any kind of complicated tricks or big air (meaning jumps that are normally over 15 feet vertically). The reason why is because the stiffness will make the board catch easier and will make landing much more difficult. Another great thing about this board is that it can easily go though deep powder, hence the name, without losing much speed or stopping. So if you are just looking to be fast and furious, and just plow through run after run, this type of board is definitely for you.
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So in short:
If you are a new to snowboarding, or just looking for a quality all-around board, then go with an all-mountain board.
If you are going to be spending majority of your time in the park, then go with free-style/park board.
If you are going to be fast and do speed runs down the hill, then go with a freeride/powder board.
If you are a new to snowboarding, or just looking for a quality all-around board, then go with an all-mountain board.
If you are going to be spending majority of your time in the park, then go with free-style/park board.
If you are going to be fast and do speed runs down the hill, then go with a freeride/powder board.