Snowboarding is a great workout and a thrilling activity. It strengthens muscles, burns calories and improves flexibility. Meanwhile, winter is the perfect time for snowboarding, and families head to snow-covered slopes to enjoy it. And some of the world’s best snowboarding locations are in the USA, Austria, France and New Zealand.
A snowboard is different from a skiing board. As such, having a snowboard and bindings is essential, and snowboarding locations have many stores that have snowboards for sale. Also, snowboard bindings must fit the boots and be compatible with the snowboard, while snowboard boots offer stronger support to the ankles.
Types of Snowboards
All-Mountain Snowboards
All-mountain snowboards are the best snowboards for all-terrain conditions. Many people prefer all-mountain boards because they are versatile and suitable for beginners. Besides, they are the best choice for snowboarders who want one board for riding in all-terrain. As such, the tips of the snowboard may be directional or twin.
Freestyle Snowboards
Freestyle snowboards are flexible, short and lightweight with twin tips. They are suitable for riders who want to ride anywhere on the mountain and not for people who need stability to cruise fast on hard snow. As such, riding a freestyle snowboard requires more skills and courage, while most riders do spins, aerial flips and grabs.
Freeride Snowboards
Freeride snowboards are mostly directional boards, and snowboarders ride them with one end facing downhill. It has a longer nose and shorter tail and lets the rider lean back easily. They are perfect for riding through long winding hills or majestic mountain slopes. Also, they are best suited for rough terrains but not suitable for beginners.
Alpine Snowboards
Alpine snowboards help riders to move quickly down the hillside. The construction of an Alpine snowboard is narrower, stiffer and longer. As such, they are not suitable for performing tricks, but they are more stable than trick boards. They allow movement at high speed and enable sharp turning, and riders do not fall even when they shift the wrong way.
Powder Snowboards
Powder snowboards are best suited to riding on freshly fallen, fluffiest snow, and they are not good for riding on hard-packed snow. They have a wider nose and narrower tail and help the riders to sail over deep snow by providing excellent control and traction. As such, riders can enjoy a smooth and quiet ride, but it is difficult for beginners.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Snowboard
- Length and size
- Shape
- Width
- Flex
- Riding style
- Binding compatibility
- Terrain
How to Buy a Snowboard
The brand and graphics do not play a significant role in choosing a snowboard, while the most important factors are the size and the type of base. A person’s height and weight are considered before finding the right size snowboard. As such, a shorter board is best for cruising around, and longer boards are for large jumps and offer more stability.
Snowboards also have three types of bases. They are:
Traditional camber: The middle of a traditional camber board lifts and doesn’t touch the ground. It gives the best stability and best edge hold, while experienced and skilled riders mainly use it.
Reverse camber (Rocker): The centre of the snowboard is the lowest point, and it has both tips raised from the snow. It is the perfect board to ride into deep powder and fresh snow.
Mixed camber: The mixed camber combines traditional and reverse cambers. It is great for turn initiation and floating on fresh snow.
You may see snowboards for sale in many stores, and people can buy one according to their needs. Meanwhile, snowboarding is an exciting and fun activity that helps people stay healthy. And many people wait for winter every year to glide around in the snow.