Snowboards

To hurtle down the slopes on the right snowboard, you just need to know yourself well. Maybe you have been snowboarding forever, but your boarding skills are not yet top notch. Maybe you prefer to dive into the deep snow, or explore the sky like a true acrobat in a snowpark. When making your choice, at least consider the following factors:

• Your level: whether you are beginner, advanced or expert, always consider your own experience, pace and feel. 
• The type of board: go for all mountain, freeride or freestyle. 
• The shape: the shape of your board will make certain movements on and off-piste easier. 
• The size: the ideal size depends not only on your height, weight and shoe size, but also on the type of snowboarder you are.

There are three types of snowboards:

• All-mountain snowboard: the most versatile type. With this, you can handle all terrains and snow conditions. This board is also perfect for beginners.
• Freeride snowboard: perfect for those who like to go off-piste. This board is made for manoeuvring through deep snow.
• Freestyle snowboard: ideal for those who prefer to have fun in a snowpark, racing on rails & jumps. Also suitable for off-piste use.

The profile of your snowboard can be seen when you look along the side of your board. You can choose between the following types:

• Camber: this model is convex on the snow and only touches the surface with the tips. The nose and tail point upwards. This board can handle deep snow and is perfect for those who board at high speeds.
• Rocker: the tip of rocker boards rises earlier, making them even more manoeuvrable. You have less grip on a raked piste, but fly through deep snow. 
• Hybrid camber: you will find the properties of a camber between the bindings and the properties of a rocker in the nose and tail. Lots of stability and grip, ideal for all-mountain snowboarders.
• Hybrid rocker: you find the properties of a rocker between the bindings and the properties of camber towards the nose and tail. In particular, you experience great turning ease, grip and 'buoyancy' in powder snow.
• Powder rocker: this type of board is specifically designed for deep snow. The profile has a distinct rocker in the nose, so you float well.
• Flat: this type of board lies flat on the snow and combines the advantages of a rocker and a camber: more edge grip than a rocker, less aggressive than a camber!

You can see the shape of your board if you look at your board from the top. At A.S.Adventure, you will find five different types:

• Directional: have a distinct nose and tail. The nose is wider than the tail, making the board directionally specific. A directional snowboard is stable and has great grip in high-speed turns. This type is perfect for both all-rounders on-piste and freeriders off-piste.
• Twin: a symmetrical board where there is no distinction between the nose and tail. This means you can switch smoothly between front and back, especially useful for freestylers who like to go wild in the snowpark.
• Directional twin: the shape is symmetrical, but the bindings are further back for a longer nose. This board performs well both on and off-piste. 
• Asymmetrical: boards with an asymmetrical shape counterbalance your body's natural imbalance, allowing you to make turns more easily.
• Tapered: a board with a wider nose and narrower tail. This shape is especially suitable for freeriders, as you have a lot of buoyancy and really feel like you are surfing over the snow.

The size of your snowboard has a big impact on your manoeuvrability and stability. It is important to know what type of snowboarder you are to determine the length of your snowboard:

• Freestyler: a short one is best for you. Stand straight and also straighten your board. If your snowboard comes between your shoulders and chin, the length is perfect.
• Freerider: you need a long snowboard. Your board, when you put it upright and you also stand straight, should come between your chin and nose.
• Piste-boarder: your personal preference matters. With a longer board, you glide straight ahead smoothly. If you prefer a lot of (and smooth) turns, a short board is better suited.

The width of your snowboard depends on two factors:

• The size and width of your feet: those with big and/or wide feet should choose a wider board.
• Your style: a narrow snowboard is very agile. But if you plan to board a lot in deep snow, a wide board is a better option. 

If you want your snowboard to live long and prosper, pamper it regularly with a thorough maintenance. Hard snow or stones will turn your board’s steel edges blunt after a while. And it’s those sharp edges that you need to make good turns and glide comfortably down the slope. Therefore, it is important that the edges are sharpened regularly.

If you go to the snow one week a season, then a sharpening before and after your holiday is enough. If you go for more than one week, sharpen your board in between as well. Maintenance products that come in handy: a hand sharpener to sharpen edges to the desired angle, a grindstone to remove rust and a diamond file to finish everything off neatly. 

Note: the wax on the underside of your board will not last forever. If you want to avoid fresh snow sticking, apply a fresh layer before your departure and at the end of each winter sports day. Use an electric wax iron to melt the wax, a scraper to remove excess wax and a wax brush to finish. 

Don't fancy doing the scraping and waxing yourself? We are at your service! Just bring your snowboard to your A.S.Adventure shop. We will take it to our Snow Atelier for a professional maintenance service!