All You Need to Know about Snowboards

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If you’re an outdoor adventure lover, you will enjoy snowboarding for sure. It offers everything from fresh air to adrenaline rush, and you wouldn’t be able to stop! Being outside is beneficial for our mental health since it helps us relax and connect with nature. You can go with friends and family and we all know how spending time with our loved ones can elevate our mood. Snowboarding is a dynamic activity that enables you to exercise different muscle groups and burn calories, makes you more flexible, and improves joint mobility.

When you decide to start snowboarding, you’ll need several essentials, like a good helmet, warm clothing, goggles, pads, and of course, a snowboard. To make your job easier, here are some basic distinctions between different types of snowboards and snowboard bindings that you need to know so you can make an informed choice. 

Different Types of Bindings for Snowboards

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Bindings are an important part of snowboards that can have an effect on your whole experience. They connect and keep your feet tightly on the snowboard. This makes them a key point in the riding. There are several options that you can go for and they’re all suitable for different styles of riding. Many stores offer a wide variety of bindings for snowboards and you can go to check them out. 

Strap-In Bindings

These are the traditional bindings that are used by all-level riders. They consist of a base plate, mounting disc, highback, and a toe and ankle strap. Many brands offer plenty of choices and many snowboard bindings are modifications of this type. They have a simple design but offer numerous options for being adjusted to your feet. The ankle strap goes on top of your boots and secures your foot against the highback. The toe straps keep the front of your boot in place so it doesn’t move. By adjusting the straps, you can control the pressure on your heel and toes. For getting the strap-in bindings on, you need to sit down, which makes the whole process a bit slower. You need to buckle and unbuckle the straps, which can be a little tiring especially when you’re wearing gloves.

Rear-Entry Bindings

These bindings for snowboards are also known as speed-entry and look like the strap-in type only easier to get in. This is possible with the hinging highback that allows you to slide your foot in and close it up back again. Because of this convenience, they are frequently chosen by beginners and professionals. They also have adjustable straps but they are all connected into one wide band in the middle instead of being separated like the strap-in type. They are usually heavier and you may need some time to learn how to close the highback.

Step-In Bindings

These are the latest technology that allows you to quickly get in them without having to bend over to strap in. Burton’s Step-On snowboard binding system is the most popular one on the market for this type. They’re responsive and convenient but you need to wear them with Burton’s boots.  

Different Types of Snowboards that You Can Choose from

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There are various types of snowboards, each suitable for different types of riding and skill. For beginners, you need a snowboard that will allow you to improve. When choosing the length, your height, weight, and riding style should be considered. Nowadays, manufacturers usually have charts that show which snowboard size is compatible with your weight. Also, you want to take into account the type of snowboarding you’ll do. Longer boards are for faster riding, while shorter ones are easier to control. When it comes to the width, your boots should slightly extend over the sides. There are also charts that match boot sizes and snowboard widths. Specific boards are made for women and kids in order to suit their smaller frame.  

The snowboards can be built of various materials and have a different flex.  A softer flex snowboard is easier to turn and used by beginners, riders with lower weight, and park riders. A stiffer flex board, on the other hand, is better for high speed and used for backcountry or freeride.

Typically, there are five types of snowboards:

• All-Mountain Boards – These are used on all types of terrain and snow conditions. They’re versatile and great for beginners who still don’t know what terrain they prefer;
• Freestyle Boards – These are shorter and flexible. They’re a good choice for rails, terrain parks, tree trunks, wall rides, etc.;
• Freeride Boards – These are usually longer and with a stiffer flex than the previous type. They are for riders that prefer ungroomed terrain and are often made to be ridden in one direction, which makes them directional boards;
• Powder Snowboards – These are best for deep, fresh snow. They’re constructed for these conditions, with a wider nose, narrower tail, and set back binding inserts;
• Splitboard – These boards split up and create two skis so you can climb backcountry slopes. At the top, the board is reconnected and you can ride as with the other boards.

Snowboards can have various shapes:

• True Twin – Symmetrical shape with equal front and back part;
• Directional – With a wider nose that’s made for riding in one direction;
• Directional Twin – Combination from the previous shapes, made for all-mountain and freestyle riders;
• Volume-Shifted – Shorter and wider, they push your weight to the back of the board;
• Asymmetrical – Made to suit the human body that’s not symmetrical from front to back.

There are also different base shapes that lay flat on the ground or are slightly raised. There are three main types and several others that are combinations from these.  

• Camber - Raised in the middle, preferred by experienced riders;
• Flat – Flat on the ground, allow quick turning;
• Rocker – The opposite of camber boards and softer.