The most important condition for snowboarding is choosing the right board. Currently, a whole host of individual solutions are available for beginner athletes. Let's look at the types of snowboards, which will initially determine the best option.
A brief excursion into history
It all started in 1965, when the American inventor Sherman Poppen decided to combine two wide skis into a single design, making such an original gift to his daughter. Initially, no fastenings were provided for holding on the board, and the role of the control element was played by an ordinary rope attached to the bow of the product.
Several years passed, and the invention began to be used for competitions. One of them was attended by a young enthusiast Jake Burton. The guy liked the idea so much that he soon organized a whole company for the serial production of advanced snowboards with foot mounts. As is often the case with new products, the invention aroused widespread interest. Various types of snowboards began to appear, which gave a significant impetus to the development of discipline. Subsequently, the Burton brand acquired the status of one of the most respected in the field of production of snowboards.
Freeride
This is perhaps the most popular snowboards. If there are boards of this plan, the athlete gets the opportunity to improve their skills both when riding on prepared tracks and during descent over rough terrain.
A freeride snowboard is suitable for beginners who are just taking their first steps on the road to success. They are also successfully used by universal riders, who strive to diversify their own riding style as much as possible. In general, boards of this type are an ideal way to familiarize yourself with sports discipline and allow you to determine personal requirements for shells for the future.
Freestyle
These are snowboards for athletes who prefer riding in parks, performing jumps with the help of ski jumps, and other supporting structures. These types of snowboards have a small length, which facilitates management. When performing stunts for the rider, ease of cornering is extremely important. The high maneuverability of freestyle boards is becoming a defining moment.
Carving
Snowboards for carving are characterized by increased rigidity, have a narrow long canvas. A similar structure is due to the need to develop higher speeds.
To ride on such snowboards requires a good reaction, proven equipment and a good store of experience. Therefore, carving boards are usually purchased by professional riders.
Station wagons
Universal boards, or, as they are commonly called in a professional environment, all-mountain, combine some of the features of all the above options. Despite this, the choice of such a board becomes an obvious minus for athletes who plan to engage in riding in a narrowly focused style.
If you need a reliable children's snowboard, preference should be given to a universal model. This decision will allow you to acquire basic riding skills and join in the practice of this sport.
The form
Continuing to consider the types of snowboards, it is worth noting some differences according to the form of construction:
- Directional boards have a tight narrow tail and a soft wide nose. A common practice when using such snowboards is the installation of fasteners closer to the tail, which helps to increase control over the projectile when driving in a fresh, untouched layer of snow.
- Symmetrical boards differ in absolutely identical stiffness indicators and the same shape in the bow and tail. This feature creates additional convenience when performing tricks, since in this case the athlete does not have to pick up the leading leg for moving forward.
- Hybrid boards are a cross between symmetrical and directional products. Due to the displacement of the anchorages to the tail, optimal conditions are created for riding on fresh snow. Moving them to the center turns the snowboard into a convenient tool for performing tricks.
Snowboard: price
How much does a good board cost in the domestic market? If we talk about snowboards for beginners, the price of such models starts at about 6,000 rubles. However, such boards are suitable only for descents along prepared tracks.
When you need a projectile for aggressive riding, performing explosive stunts, it is worth choosing a professional snowboard. The price of products for technical, maximally fast and maneuverable skiing ranges from 25,000 to 35,000 rubles.
Selection tips
There are a number of points that are crucial when choosing a board:
- If you need a shell for a beginner or a female snowboard, it is best to give preference to entry-level models. A highly specialized board designed for a specific riding style will only interfere with acquiring basic riding skills.
- For novice athletes who focus on a certain direction, it is better to pay attention to universal boards initially. This will avoid buying an expensive model and decide on preferences.
- The products of individual manufacturers are characterized by different levels of rigidity. It is better to determine the optimal parameter yourself, based on personal convenience.
- Today, there are enough boards of a separate type with similar characteristics on sale. Therefore, choosing a snowboard (female or male), do not forget about the design. After all, the product should not only possess the necessary qualities, but also like the athlete.
Finally
As you can see, choosing a snowboard of one kind or another should be wisely. In such a difficult matter, one simple truth should be guided by: the acquisition of an expensive model has not made anyone a good rider. Success here depends primarily on diligence and perseverance during training.