Snowboading is a sport that is enjoyed by an increasing number of people. It should not be surprising to find that there are a number of snowboard options on the market these days. If you need some help in deciding which snowboard option is right for you, here are a few facts about snowboards to help you decide what to buy.



Essentially, there are three types of snowboards. Each different type of board comes in a variety of materials and may be constructed with some differences from one model to another. It is important to remember that different snowboards are geared toward different types of riding techniques.

Currently, the most popular type is the All Mountain board. Sometimes referred to as a free ride board, this one is often considered to be the most versatile of any type of snowboard. The All Mountain board is particularly recommended for loose powder surfaces and is great for just about any type of trick you want to perform. The board itself is meant to be ridden mostly in one direction and as such may not be the best fit if your tricks include a lot of swerving or changing direction. The tail on this type of board is usually more narrow than other types, and also a little shorter and flat. For beginners, this is a great board to use as you develop your expertise.

Freestyle boards are gaining in popularity, and with good reason. With a little more versatility in direction than the All Mountain types, the freestyle board tends to be a little wider and a little shorter. These qualities are what help the freestyle to be easier to shift directions. They also are less impacted by bumpy ground underneath the powder, and give the rider a little more control. Freestyle boards lend themselves more easily to tricks that involve terrain parks and halfpipes. However, they do not do as well for carving turns or faster one directional moves as does the All Mountain board.

The race board is great for competitions, because it is narrower than either of the other two boards. The construction tends to be stiffer than the freestyle or All Mountain models. This makes the race board a great choice when you want to combine the best features of the other two boards. With increased speed, a solid ability to turn when needed, and superior edge holding ability when on packed snow, the race board is a great choice for the accomplished snowboarder.

Knowing a little about what you like to do with a snowboard and comparing that to the strengths of the three main types on the market, you can narrow your search for the perfect board down a great deal. Check out the various snowboard options at your local sporting goods store and start having fun with your new snowboard.