Not every type of snowboard serves every rider equally well. If you are looking for a new board, then you need to know the basic types of boards as some of them will be better suited to you than others. The length, camber and shape of a specific board also needs to be taken into consideration as these factors help determine the type of terrain the board will perform best in.
Don’t let the seemingly endless options intimidate you! We’ve laid out the types of snowboards here to help you get acquainted and select your next board with confidence.
Basic Board Types
All-Mountain / Freeride
Most snowboards fall into this category and are best known for their versatility. If you are a beginner or intermediate rider who enjoys a variety of terrain from steep runs to some back country excursions, a great all-mountain board is the place to start. All-mountain boards are usually directional with the tail of the board being slightly narrower than the tip, though some are directional twins as well.
- Pros: easy turn initiation, performs well in various snow conditions and terrain types, high maneuverability, decent carving
- Cons: less control at high speeds, lower top speed, compromised edge hold, acceptable in powder but not excellent
- Style/Terrain: ideal for groomers and off-piste, work well for basic riding in the pipe and park as well
Freestyle
These boards are soft and stable, and are generally a bit shorter and wider than your typical all-mountain snowboard. This makes them ideal for the park and learning tricks, as well as anyone with a playful riding style even outside of the park. They are suitable for beginners and are generally twin tip or directional twin boards.
- Pros: soft, stable, easy to maneuver
- Cons: limited carving ability, not designed for high speed
- Style/Terrain: easy groomers, park, pipe
Carving
These boards are designed for speed. They are long, narrow, stiff and one directional. They are the ideal choice for anyone who primarily wants to rip down the groomers. Carving boards are not ideal for beginners.
- Pros: fast, perfect for carving, great edge hold
- Cons: not appropriate for the park
- Style/Terrain: groomed runs of any sort
Powder
As the name suggests, these short wide boards are designed to float in deep snow and powder conditions. They tend to ride fast and are not recommended for beginners. Powder boards are a very specific type of board and are rarely a rider’s only board, but rather an addition reserved for powder conditions only.
- Pros: perfect for powder and deep snow
- Cons: limited performance on hard-pack or icy snow
- Style/Terrain: backcountry and off-piste
Splitboard
This is a very unique board design, appropriate for intermediate to expert riders. Specifically designed for touring, a split board can be split into two allowing a rider to skin up and board down. A splitboard should only come into question if the ability to climb uphill is essential. It is pretty cool technology if you want to access the backcountry – check out How a Splitboard Works.
- Pros: allows for touring – skin up, ride down
- Cons: limited performance compared to all-mountain and powder boards
- Style/Terrain: backcountry
Other Important Board Characteristics
Camber and Rocker
Camber and rocker are terms you will hear over and over again in regards to snowboard type. They describe the profile of a snowboard – that is, how the base of the board is shaped in relation to the snow – and are one of the most deciding factors about how a board handles.
Camber: a profile in which the center of the snowboard is arched slightly away from the snow’s surface; great for carving and generating speed.
Rocker: the opposite of camber, a profile in which the tip and tail of the board curve away from the snow’s surface; great for learners, highly maneuverable and has fast turn initiation.
Hybrids: combinations of rocker and camber that make the best of both profiles depending on the intended terrain and riding style.
A board’s profile is such a big deal that we wrote a separate article about it. Check it out if you want more details: Camber vs. Rocker: What You Need to Know.
Length
The most basic rule of thumb is that when stood vertically a snowboard should come up to between the bottom of the rider’s neck and forehead. Most snowboard companies provide more accurate sizing charts which are based on a rider’s weight – which is the more important factor.
In general a longer board brings with it more stability and carving performance whereas a shorter board delivers more float and maneuverability.
Width
One again – you should definitely refer to one of the detailed sizing charts to determine the right width for you based on your snowboard boots. If you board is too narrow and your boots hang over the edge enough to catch the snow you will have problems. Likewise, if your board is too wide you will struggle with turn initiation and control.
Shape
There are three basic shapes of snowboard which describe the direction the board can be ridden in.
- Directional Boards – ideal for carving and high-speed, tail and nose are designed for riding in one direction only.
- True Twin Boards – best used for the pipe or in the park, the board is completely symmetrical and performs equally regardless of which foot you have forward.
- Directional Twin Boards – great for all-mountain riding and in the park, the board can be ridden in both directions but is designed to have a preferred direction which allows for better carving and control and higher speeds.
Now that you know the basic types of snowboards you will be able to narrow down the options and find a board that really suits your riding style.
Ride on!