Introduction to Snowboarding

Freestyle: Boarders in the half-pipe and snow park are usually freestyle riders. They seek out light, manueverable boards that let them go backward or forward. Freestyle riding is the closest to skateboarding, featuring elaborate tricks and artificial surfaces like specially built jumps and other terrain features.

Freeride: When you watch IMAX films showing boarders catching big air and riding big mountains, you're seeing freeride boarding. Freeride boards are designed to turn easily and are built for a combination of speed and flotation. There are hybrid freestyle/freeride boards, too, for riders who want the run of the mountain.

Racing/Carving: More common in Europe than in the US, racing/carving snowboarders ride long, narrow boards and use rigid, ski-type boots and bindings. Their boards are built for maximum speed. This type of boarding is most similar to out-and-out ski racing.

Getting Hooked
Season's not started yet, and you're already weatherproofing your car? Come back for the next installment: choosing equipment!

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