Your Friend the Snowboard

Every Snowboard Has… Effective edge Nose Tail Bindings Toe edge Heel edge Base Top Waist width Tail width Nose width Tail length Nose length Flex point Stomp pad

Every Snowboard Has… cont. Top- surface where bindings are attached. Base- surface that rides on the snow. Nose length- the length board from the widest part of the board’s nose to the tip of the nose.

Every Snowboard Has… cont. Tail length- the length of board from the widest part of the board’s tail to the tip of the tail. Nose width- the widest part of the board measured across the nose area of the board. Tail width- the widest part of the board measured across the tail area of the board.

Every Snowboard Has… cont. Waist width- the width of the waist (middle of snowboard) of the snowboard. Overall length- the length of the snowboard measured in centimeters. Stomping pad- rubber mat that is used when only the front foot is strapped in and is put near the back binding.

Every Snowboard Has… cont. Flex point- located between the two bindings and is the point where the board begins or ends its flex and allows for sidecut radius contact. Sidecut radius- measurement of how deeply or shallowly the board cuts from the nose of the board to the waist. Makes the hourglass shape of the board. The smaller the radius the tighter the turn.

Every Snowboard Has… cont. Nose- the end of the board that points down the hill, determined by stance. Tail- the end of the board that points up the hill, determined by stance. Bindings- strap the feet to the board.

Every Snowboard Has… cont. Toe edge- the edge that is used when pressure is applied to the toes. Heel edge- the edge that is used when pressure is applied to the heels. Effective edge- the length of metal edge that touches the snow, doesn’t include the nose or tail.

Types of Snowboards Racing/Alpine Freeride Freestyle Park/Jib All-Mountain Split

Racing/Alpine Snowboards Long, narrow, and directional in shape. Usually used with a “hard boot” Used for higher speeds, cleaner carving, and riding in one direction Not used for tricks Resembles an oversized ski Used by advanced riders

Freeride Snowboards Most popular board Longer in length and semi-directional (meant to be ridden in one direction) Moderate to stiff flex Used for long, fast turns and terrain park riding Used by intermediate riders

Freestyle Snowboards Wider, more stable and forgiving board Shorter, lighter, and more flexible Used by beginning terrain park riders Not good for carving or fast riding Twin-tip or directional twin (stance in middle and nose and tail symmetrical in shape)

Park/Jib Snowboards Flexible and short Twin-shaped with a twin flex (flexes equally on both the nose and tail) allows for easy switch riding Wider stance and dull edges Used in the terrain parks for hitting boxes, rails, and jumps

All-Mountain Snowboards Mix between Freestyle and Freeride snowboards Usually directional in shape with either a twin or directional flex (either both the nose and tail are equally flexible or one is more flexible) Moderate in flex

Split Snowboards Stable powder board Can be broken down into two separate skis Used in deep, backcountry power primarily

Different Snowboard Bindings Highback Strap In Step In Plate Rear Entry

Highback Bindings An addition to bindings that allow for the rider to put more pressure on their heels when carving Can be put on step in bindings and is always on strap in and rear entry bindings

Strap In Bindings Most popular binding Uses a highback and soft boots Two straps allow rider to strap feet to board One strap goes over the top of the foot and the other strap goes over the top of the toes New development- toe strap going across the toe end of the boot New version of strap in bindings Older version of strap in bindings Soft boots

Step In Bindings Used with soft boots with metal bars sticking out from the sides to hook into the bindings Quick preparation and easy release Not as much control on foot because the foot isn’t strapped down as tightly as strap in bindings Can have highback or no highback to bindings

Plate Bindings Used with hard boots on racing/alpine snowboards Stiff bindings and boots give more control over the board and allow for easier carving

Rear Entry Bindings Similar to strap in bindings except the foot enters the binding through the back The highback flips up to secure the foot inside the binding The foot is held down by adjustable webbing that covers most of the top of the foot Uses soft boots

Soft Vs. Hard Snowboard Boots Soft snowboard boots are used with: Strap in bindings Rear entry bindings Soft snowboard boots with side metal bars are used with: Step in bindings Hard snowboard boots are used with: Plate bindings Soft bootsHard boots Soft boots with side metal bars

Now you’re ready to shred!!!

Shaun White Snowboarding Video Click on photo to view!