Can a Snowboarder Conquer the Mountain Without Bindings?
As snowboarding evolves and progresses, so does the gear that comes with it. It is no longer uncommon to see snowboarders trying out new innovations that push the limits of what is possible on the mountain. One such innovation is the idea of snowboarding without bindings. As radical as this may sound, some snowboarders believe there are advantages to binding-free techniques, and that they can conquer the mountain without the traditional set up. In this blog post, we will investigate whether it is possible for a snowboarder to ride the mountain without bindings and if this could be the future of snowboarding.
The No-bindings Approach
The basic concept of no-bindings snowboarding is to ride without the use of any binding systems that keep your feet attached to the board. This can be achieved in two ways, surfing and splitboarding. Surfing is a style of snowboarding that is already popular in surf influenced areas with heavy snowfall. Splitboarding, on the other hand, is a type of backcountry snowboarding where the snowboard is split into two pieces along the middle lengthwise, allowing the rider to walk up steep slopes almost like a pair of skis. When they reach the desired elevation, they can then reconnect the two pieces of their board and ride back down.
Surf Style Snowboarding
Surf-style snowboarding without bindings may be hard to imagine, but It’s actually not a new thing, it has been around for decades. It’s been popular in places like Japan for years, where there are big mountains with deep powder. One of the most notable pioneers of no bindings snowboarding was Terje Haakonsen, one of the greatest snowboarders in history. Terje Haakonsen has been practicing no bindings snowboarding since the early 1990s, and he has even used it to win competitions. Haakonsen is known to be a regular participant in surfing-like snowboard competitions and fronted the documentary White Fear, which showed him boarding down the steep mountain slopes in Alaska and Finland totally without bindings.
Riding without bindings gives snowboarders a lot of freedom and flexibility, allowing them to move their feet around in a way that simply wouldn’t be possible with bindings. It might even be called the most natural way of riding a snowboard, as it is very reminiscent of surfing, skateboarding and wakeboarding.
Splitboard Style Snowboarding
Splitboarding is another way to snowboard without bindings. When it comes to this style of no bindings snowboarding, the mountain becomes your playground. Another pioneer in this style of snowboarding is Jeremy Jones, the founder of Jones Snowboards, who helped to fine-tune and popularize the sport. In simple terms, a splitboard is designed to separate down the middle, making it possible for snowboarders to climb steep terrain with skins attached to the bottom of the board. Once the climb is finished, the snowboarder can then reconnect their board and ride back down just as they would on a regular snowboard.
Splitboarding is a great alternative for riders who want to ride the backcountry in search of soft snow and fresh lines. It has become increasingly popular due to its ability to access terrain that was previously impossible or challenging to access on foot. Unlike traditional snowboarding, splitboarding does require special gear, which can be quite expensive. However, it is possible to rent or buy used equipment or entry-level gear to get started.
The Advantages
Snowboarding without bindings can give you a feeling of the mountain, which other types of snowboarding don’t offer. You don’t have to be limited to just the groomed runs at your local resort, which gives you the freedom to explore untouched and off-piste terrain. This also means that you can ride any mountain or slope you want without needing a lift, making splitboarding a more environmentally sustainable option for mountain exploration.
Another advantage of binding-free snowboarding is the reduced risk of falling. You’re less likely to catch an edge or trip up, which is a common risk while riding with bindings. Without bindings, you also have more maneuverability, making it easier to control your board while absorbing bumps and turns. Additionally, it is very low impact, as there is no twisting or flexing of your feet, knees or hips. This makes it easier on the body, reducing the chances of injury in the long run.
It Takes Time
While it may be possible to conquer the mountain without bindings, it’s important to note that it takes time, dedication and patience to master the techniques. It involves adapting your riding style and movement patterns, and can be a steep learning curve, particularly for those who are used to traditional snowboarding. The lack of bindings means that more of a rider’s weight is placed on their back foot, and adjusting to this can be quite challenging. Riding without bindings looks easy when watching an expert do it, but it requires patience and perseverance to master the craft.
Is It the Future of Snowboarding?
It’s difficult to say if the future of snowboarding is without bindings, but there is no doubting its growing popularity over recent years. While it is unlikely that we will see the disappearance of bindings altogether, the no-bindings approach could very well become a niche aspect of the sport. For some, no bindings snowboarding may rule the future of snowboarding, particularly when it comes to eco-sustainability and off-piste mountain exploration.
Conclusion
In summary, binding-free snowboarding is not new, but it has gained popularity amongst snowboarders in recent years. The technique can be achieved through surfing and splitboarding, and comes with advantages such as increased maneuverability, reduced risk of falling, and a lower impact on the body. However, it takes time, patience and dedication to master the techniques, and it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. While it’s difficult to say if the no-bindings approach is the future of snowboarding, it continues to find a following amongst a growing niche of riders. That said, the use of traditional bindings is still the norm in snowboarding, and it remains to be seen whether there will be a significant shift towards binding-free riding in the future.
Image Credit: Pexels