Trends and inspirations are cyclical - the world of snowboarding equipment is no different. Originally inspired by the freedom and style of skateboarding and surfing, snowboarders are once again taking cues from their boardsport brethren. Perhaps a reaction to the rigidity of competitions like the Olympics and X Games a community of natural terrain riding, flow finding riders has charged in their of direction. It's not about who goes the biggest, spins the fastest, or flips the most. Nah, it's about finding your rhythm, unlocking your creativity, and doing it all with friends, old and new.
In years past, snowboarding’s most distinguished and interesting shapes were directional pow surfers that emerged as a stark contrast to the twin tip park board renaissance that had all but taken over snowboarding. Now, these more punctuated shapes are finding their way into the middle ground, blending the lines and inviting the more laid back soul shredders back in bounds. The result is a style of riding that’s all about merging naturally inspired features with man-made creativity. Snowboards like the Lib Tech Stump Ape pictured above, the Ride MTNpig snowboard and Burton’s Skeleton Key fit this bill, and the Salomon Snowboards’ Pillow Talk for the ladies.
Pow days are what we live for, don't get us wrong, but realistically they only make up maybe 10% of the season. That’s why it’s important to get a board that can be just as fun for the other 90% of the winter. These new shapes take the fun shapes of powder specific boards and make them more approachable to the one-board-quiver kind of rider. Likewise, a big directional powder board isn’t the best beginner snowboard, so some moderation in terms of shape makes these board more approachable. Check out the CAPiTA Defenders of Awesome snowboard, or K2 Broadcast to get inspired by this category.
This style of riding can be seen in the snowboard community, manifested in events like the Dirksen Derby, Mt. Baker Banked Slalom, Drink Water Rat Race, and Holy Bowly, a culture of community, creativity, and camaraderie is gathering steam and the core driver of the current movement. These events aren’t about big tricks, they’re about gathering like minded riders and having fun exploring the unique way each rider uses the mountain.
Although the boards themselves typically get the most attention, they’re only part of the equation. Your board informs your overall riding style, your boots and bindings are ultimately what you steer it with. Consider whether stiffer boots, softer boots, more responsive bindings or more tweak-friendly bindings will best coincide with your riding aspirations and style. Looking to ride fast and carve hard? Opt for a stiffer boot and more responsive bindings. More keen on creative jibs and tweaked out airs? Grab a softer boot and pair ‘em with more flex-friendly binders.
Want to check out some community events for yourself, or some flow-inspired parks? See for yourself with these gatherings and places.- Dirksen Derby [Dec.]
- Holy Bowly [Spring]
- Mt. Baker Banked Slalom [February]
- Gerry Lopez Big Wave Challenge [April]
- Burton Peace Park [TBD]
- Drink Water Rat Race [July]
- Timberline Flow Park, Mt. Hood [Oregon]
- Alpental Spring Park, Snoqualmie [Washington]
- Mammoth Unbound Transisition Park, Mammoth [California]
- Happo Banks, Hakuba [Japan]
- LAAX Snowparks, Graubünden [Switzerland]
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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