Snowboard FAQ

1.05.01 - What are the various types of boards?

Boards or decks are categorized into one of four groups: alpine, freeriding and freestyle. They range in lengths from under 100 cm to over 200 cm. Their construction is nearly identical to skis; a board has metal edges, side-cut and camber. All of the same materials are used. The real differences are in the shapes and flex patterns.

The term symmetry is used extensively in any discussion of boards. Because a board is ridden sideways the turn dynamics are obviously different from a ski. A board can be symmetrical front to back and/or symmetrical side to side. Normally a ski is asymmetrical front to back and symmetrical side to side. Most boards have symmetry like skis.

Another term used to describe snowboard shape is "directional". As in: "This board is non-directional." A true non-directional board can have either end as the tip or tail since the binding inserts are centered, as is the flex pattern and sidecut. Usually the rider will have a preference to being regular or goofy and set-up the board accordingly.

Reasons for different symmetry configurations include:

Alpine: The design of these boards reflects that of a ski with many of the same characteristics and many even look like fat skis. They may have a square or diagonal cut at the tail, they'll be thinner than freeride boards and will likely have plate bindings attached to them.
A sub-group of Alpine boards are race boards. These boards are used for racing: downhill, GS or slalom. They tend to be stiff, narrow and long.

Freeriding: This type of board is sometimes called all-terrain or all-mountain. They are designed for use in all snow conditions and most can even be ridden in the half-pipe very successfully. These boards will have a rounded nose and tail, and come in varying lengths and widths to accomodate the wide diversity of snowboarders that use them.

Half-pipe/Free-style: These are boards designed for use in the half-pipe and for jibbing, bonking, and general freestyle moves. They tend to be more flexible with wider foot stances more centered on the board. The board probably has more nose and tail area and less effective edge than a board from the other categories.

Backcountry: There are many board designs that are marketed as the ultimate powder board, and powder, after all, is the ultimate goal for those venturing into the backcountry. Among the different styles are "normal looking" freeride boards that have a longer nose section (i.e. the binding holes are set back, and not centred). These boards may incorporate a wider nose section to provide additional float, and in some cases the tail section may be very short compared to the overall board. Swallow or pin tails have a tail that is designed to sink into the snow, it may have a split in the middle like the letter 'W' (swallow tail) or narrow to a point like a 'V' (pin tail). Split boards are boards that split down the middle to effectively become 2 skis. These allows the user to get up the mountain in a manner that is less exhausting (and nearly always quicker) than hiking in your boots or snow shoes. Once at the top, the board is re-assembled and ridden down. Split boards may be normal boards, or combine any of the powder specific features mentioned previously.

Alpine:	The design of these boards reflects that of a ski with many of the same characteristics and many even look like fat skis. They may have a square or diagonal cut at the tail, they'll be thinner than freeride boards and will likely have plate bindings attached to them. A sub-group of Alpine boards are race boards. These boards are used for racing: downhill, GS or slalom. They tend to be stiff, narrow and long.
Freeriding:	This type of board is sometimes called all-terrain or all-mountain. They are designed for use in all snow conditions and most can even be ridden in the half-pipe very successfully. These boards will have a rounded nose and tail, and come in varying lengths and widths to accomodate the wide diversity of snowboarders that use them.
Half-pipe/Free-style:	These are boards designed for use in the half-pipe and for jibbing, bonking, and general freestyle moves. They tend to be more flexible with wider foot stances more centered on the board. The board probably has more nose and tail area and less effective edge than a board from the other categories.
Backcountry:	There are many board designs that are marketed as the ultimate powder board, and powder, after all, is the ultimate goal for those venturing into the backcountry. Among the different styles are "normal looking" freeride boards that have a longer nose section (i.e. the binding holes are set back, and not centred). These boards may incorporate a wider nose section to provide additional float, and in some cases the tail section may be very short compared to the overall board. Swallow or pin tails have a tail that is designed to sink into the snow, it may have a split in the middle like the letter 'W' (swallow tail) or narrow to a point like a 'V' (pin tail). Split boards are boards that split down the middle to effectively become 2 skis. These allows the user to get up the mountain in a manner that is less exhausting (and nearly always quicker) than hiking in your boots or snow shoes. Once at the top, the board is re-assembled and ridden down. Split boards may be normal boards, or combine any of the powder specific features mentioned previously.