Buying A Snowboard - The Basics

For the uninitiated, buying a snowboard can seem a little daunting at first. There are so many colors, patterns, riding styles, sizes, base materials and construction methods from which to choose.

Although we’re spoiled for choice, there are three (3) main types of snowboard from which you can begin to make your selection. These types are: Freeride snowboards, Freestyle snowboards and Alpine snowboards.

Here’s the thing. The base type of snowboard to select should be one that will match or complement your particular riding style. Makes sense? Sure it does.

Buying a snowboard that will suit you and your style of riding is really about answering some questions that will help narrow down your search. The key factors that need to be established are your height, your weight, riding style and foot size. Armed with this information, it is then relatively straightforward to short-list the most appropriate width, shape, stiffness and height of the snowboard you ought to buy.

Freeride Snowboards

Freeride snowboarders are in the majority on the slopes. Little wonder that Freeride boards make up around half of all snowboards sold. Freeride snowboards have a tip which is different to its tail with the tail section usually being narrower, shorter and flatter than the tip. Their directional shape means that they are designed to be ridden in one direction only. The Freeride board is good for all-mountain applications where you’re able to enjoy virtually all riding aspects with this type of snowboard. These boards are soft and can be a good choice for beginners to the sport. Don’t worry, they’re still stiff enough for you to do fast turns when you need to.

Freestyle Snowboards

Freestyle snowboarding entails jumps, tricks, rail sliding, grabs, jibbing, spins and generally tearing it up. When considering buying a snowboard, freestyle boards are generall regarded as the best choice for the beginner. Freestyle snowboards are usually wider, shorter, lighter and more stable than other boards. This makes them a popular choice amongst younger snowboarders. The twin tip design of Freestyle boards make it easier for the novice to ride both forwards as well as backwards. While good for turning tricks in parks and halfpipes, Freestyle snowboards are probably not the best choice for the fast stuff or carving out turns.

Carve, Apline or Race Type Snowboards

The Carve/Alpine style of snowboard is designed for higher speed cruising and cleaner carved turns. They are designed to make the most of everything the mountain has to offer. These boards can resemble a larger version of a long narrow ski, hence their application for speed, not tricks.

Alpine riders are constantly manoeuvring their snowboards from one turn into the next. Pro skiers who transition to snowboarding have a tendency to like the feel and performance of carving boards. However, their stiffer construction and narrower width can make them somewhat awkward and unforgiving for the beginner. In this regard, beginners are encouraged to look at either the Freeride or Freestyle type boards as their first choice when buying a snowboard.

So there you have it. Simple wasn’t it really? At least you now know the fundamental differences between the three main snowboard types and their intended applications for the white stuff. This will hopefully narrow down your choices and make buying a snowboard a little less onerous.

Oh, and by the way. If you’re still in doubt and it was my choice as a novice, I’d go for either the Freeride or Freestyle board in preference to the Alpine. Your backside will thankyou!

by Admin - 24 October 2011

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