What’s the Best Snowboard for a Beginner?
So, you’ve decided to ditch that boring winter season of staying indoors, and take on a few tricks and turns while snowboarding. That’s great- but are you confused with the different snowboards available in the market? Don’t fret! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the different types of snowboards you can choose from- to find the perfect fit for your level and style, and to ensure a thrilling and enjoyable snowboarding experience.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that choosing the right snowboard is essential for your comfort and safety on the slopes. It’s also important to understand that beginners need snowboards that are catered to their learning curve. However, choosing the right board also depends on the type of snowboarding you want to do. There are three basic types of snowboarding- Freestyle, All-Mountain and Freeride. To help you decide which suits you best, we’ll describe each one below:
1. Freestyle:
The type of snowboarding that involves performing tricks and stunts, Freestyle is the most popular snowboarding category among beginners. Of course, if you’re a newbie, you won’t be performing a lot of tricks- but that doesn’t mean you can’t start practicing. Freestyle snowboards come in different shapes and sizes, but most have a twin-tip profile. This allows you to ride both regular and switch stance while still maintaining control. Additionally, Freestyle boards come with a soft flex, which makes it easier to initiate your turns- ultimately giving you more control over your movements. The soft flex will however make it difficult to make sharp carves if you’re carving during your ride.
2. All-mountain:
For beginners who want versatility in their snowboarding experience, we always recommend All-mountain snowboards. As suggested from the name, All-mountain boards are perfect for navigating on any terrain- from groomed trails to small bumps in the terrain park. Being wider than Freestyle boards, they provide more balance and stability. All-Mountain snowboards typically come with a medium flex, which makes it easier to maneuver, carve and control your turns.
3. Freeride:
Freeride snowboards are the way to go if you’re looking for a high-speed, challenging snowboard experience. A Freeride snowboard is designed with a lot of camber, which provides stability at high speeds. They’re also wider than other boards, which gives you the ability to float and easily surf over powder snow. Freeride snowboards are made with a stiffer flex than other boards, which provides greater control when making sharp turns. Despite the impressive abilities of a Freeride snowboard, they’re not recommended for beginners- particularly due to their difficulty to initiate turns.
Now that we’ve described the major types of snowboarding, let’s dive in deeper to check out some of the best snowboarding options for you.
1. Burton Ripcord:
The Burton Ripcord is a great choice for beginners because of its overall stability and ease of use. This board is highly recommended for All-Mountain snowboarding. Its soft flex allows easy maneuvering, while its directional shape provides greater control on turns. The Burton Ripcord features a flat-top profile which makes it perfect for handling small jumps and navigating over any terrain.
2. K2 Raygun:
The K2 Raygun is a versatile snowboard, designed with newbies in mind. It comes with a flat rocker profile, which makes it easy for beginners to navigate downhill. The rocker design also allows for greater flexibility on all-mountain terrain, so there’s no need to worry about getting stuck in powder. Additionally, the medium flex provides sharp control over turns, making it a great choice for progressing beginners who are ready to try new techniques and stunts.
3. Lib Tech Skate Banana:
The Lib Tech Skate Banana snowboard is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a freestyle snowboard experience. Its unique, rocker profile provides what’s called “reverse camber” which gives the board a lot of flex and stability- ultimately giving you a solid grip on any surface. The Skate Banana’s banana shape is also perfect for handling small jumps and making soft landings, which makes it a great board for those ready to start practicing their freestyle moves.
4. Burton Instigator:
Another great snowboard for beginners is the Burton Instigator. With its directional shape, you’ll get a responsive, stable ride every time. The Burton Instigator features a flat-top profile that provides stability on hard snow, while its softer flex initiates turns quickly- making it a great choice for those wanting to master different terrain types.
5. Rossignol Templar:
The Rossignol Templar is an all-mountain snowboard that will keep you performing at your peak. Its medium flex provides enough stability to have a stable control over the board; yet it offers enough flex to have a comfortable ride down the hill. The Rossignol Templar features a hybrid profile design that allows you maximum stability, and also includes carve-happy radial sidecuts that are perfect for laying hard-edged turns.
Final Thoughts:
Snowboarding is an incredibly rewarding and thrilling sport, that can bring joy and excitement to your winter season. However, keep in mind that mastering the art of snowboarding doesn’t happen overnight. The snowboards mentioned in this blog post will help you get the best snowboard experience for your level of skill. Remember that it’s important to choose a board that is catered to your level of experience. By choosing the right board for you, you’ll be able to navigate easily, feel comfortable and ultimately stay safe on the slopes.
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