As a new rider, buying your first snowboard is so exciting! In this article, I’ll walk you through the different snowboard types and which is best for you and your riding style.
By Bekah Whitney
The most important distinction in choosing the right snowboard for you is deciding which type of profile to purchase. There is no such thing as a good or bad profile, there are just different choices. Most articles you read will help you choose the snowboard you want based on your personal riding style, but as a new rider this isn’t always helpful. As I go through the different profiles, I want you to think about what you currently like to do on your snowboard and where you imagine yourself riding!
The profile of your snowboard, or type, is basically the shape and curve of the board. There are three main classes with a variety of hybrids. The basic shapes are camber, rocker, and flat. Hybrid boards combine the three different profiles to create a “best of both worlds” sensation while riding. Remember the main profile of the board is the shape in the middle of the board.
Camber is the traditional profile for snowboards. Camber boards are great for someone who loves to go fast and really dig those edges in while carving. While these boards are more prone to catching an edge and can be less forgiving for beginners, they offer the most stability for energetic riders. If you picture yourself flying down the slopes, a camber board could be the right fit for you!
Camber with rocker (or Rocker Camber Rocker) boards create a more forgiving ride than a traditional camber, and more control than a full rocker. Plus, the board will float a bit better in powder. I personally love this option for a newer rider as you will be able to really learn your riding style as you develop without being limited by your board.
Camber mixed with flat, or Flat Camber Flat, will also be more forgiving then a full traditional camber. Although it won’t perform as well in powder than the camber/rocker mix, it will bring a pop and a little bit more play.
Rocker boards (the shape of a banana) are the opposite of camber. This results in quick and easy turning that reduces chances of catching edges. Due to their shape, rocker snowboards perform very well in powder and can be great for someone just starting to test out their riding in the trees. The downside of rocker boards is they can feel unstable at higher speeds as less of the edge will be engaged. A rocker board can be great for beginners that want to go slower and play around in the deep snow.
Rocker with Camber or, Camber Rocker Camber, boards are quick and easy to turn, but have the desirable characteristics from camber such as more stability at higher speeds.
Rocker mixed with flat, or Flat Rocker Flat, will maintain the “catch-free’ edge and add some playfulness from the flat on either side.
As the name suggests, flat profile snowboards are flat. It is a middle ground between both camber and rocker. Flat boards are mostly used by freestyle riders who love to hit rails and boxes. If you started snowboarding because you want to live in the park, a flat or flat hybrid option might be a great fit for you.
Flat with Camber or, Camber Flat Camber, gives the board more stability at higher speeds, but still maintains the playful pop from a flat board.
Flat with Rocker, or Rocker Flat Rocker will give you a playful ride for the park, and some float in the powder.
If you are ready to purchase a snowboard and are still unsure of your riding style here are a few tips. If you love speed, purchase a board that has a main profile with Camber. If you are still struggling with catching edges, purchase a board with the main profile of rocker. If you are working up to spend all your time in the park, purchase a board with the main profile of flat. If all of these things are true for you, a hybrid is always a great option.
Many people have multiple types of boards for different snow conditions, so picking a style and learning later you would be happier on something else is no big deal.
Still undecided? Many mountains offer demos where you pay to rent and switch the boards during the day. If there is a certain brand you love, they might offer free demo days where they set up at a mountain and let you test their boards in hope you purchase one.
Snowboards come in many shapes and sizes, but at the end of the day, how much fun you’re having is all that matters. The first board I bought was specific for riding in powder and I found myself not having as much fun during spring skiing conditions or on groomer days. Think about your local mountains and what the conditions are usually like. Getting on a demo board is the best and easiest way to discover what you love and what’s not for you, so if you are still having doubts, find out how you can get on some boards and ride!
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you decided to go for it and purchase a snowboard! Remember that Backcountry.com has a wide selection of options, great prices, and sales to choose from.
Hi! I’m Bekah, but you can call me Beks, all my friends do! I travel full-time in a tiny home on wheels that my partner, Sawyer, and I built from a cargo trailer shell in 2019. We started out in beautiful Colorado and have been all over the United States over the years. This space is designed to inspire and guide the nature obsessed nomad, weekend warrior, and future roadlifer. I’m so excited you’re here!
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