Which Is the Front End of a Snowboard?
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Finding the Front of the Snowboard
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A snowboard is a narrow board for winter sports. It is used for riding down snow-covered slopes or in snow parks. The snowboard rider stands or crouches on the board during the ride. The front of the snowboard is usually slightly raised or turned up so that it glides over the snow easily. The front of the snowboard may be more oval or higher than the rear, though many boards can be ridden in either direction.
History of the Snowboard
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Boards for sliding over snow were built as early as 1929. Reportedly, M.J. Burchett made a board from plywood and attached it to his feet with clothesline. He used horse reins to steer the board. The next major development came in 1965 when Sherman Poppen, a Michigan engineer, made a ski board for his daughter. He fastened two skis together and added a rope at the front so she could steer. Soon after, other designs were developed based on Snurfers, surfboards and skateboard technology.
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Significance of Snowboards
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Snowboards offer an alternative to skis and snowshoes for navigating snow. They are a simple design that allows the rider to move quickly down gentle to steep snow slopes with little instruction. They do not require poles for steering or maneuvering. They are easily transported, compared to skis, and can be used in more versatile terrain than traditional skis. Snowboards give easy access to backcountry trails for people who want simpler transport than cross-country skis or faster trekking than snowshoes.
Types of Snowboards
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The major types of snowboards are freeride, freestyle and freecarve. The freeride or All-Mountain snowboard is the most common and versatile snowboard. It can be used on any terrain. The freestyle is generally shorter and wider than the freeride, making it more stable. The freestyle is excellent for beginners. It is popular in snow parks, as the board is designed to handle tricks off manmade rails, boxes and other stunt features. The freecarve or Alpine snowboard is longer, narrower and stiffer, so that it can handle high speeds and fast turns on packed snow or powder.
Snowboard Equipment
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A snowboard is the foundation equipment. Bindings are attached to the board to hold the rider's feet in place. Snowboard boots on the rider's feet fit in the bindings. These boots must support the rider's feet and allow the movement and flexing that maintains balance and guides the board. A snowboard leash wraps around the rider's forward leg and attaches to the board at the other end. This leash keeps the board from sliding or flying out of control when the rider is stepping in or out of bindings.
Choosing Snowboard Length
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A snowboard is often chosen by length, the measurement from tip to tip. Short snowboards are easy to use and are popular for snow parks and tricks. A short board measures from the floor up to a point between the rider's collar bones and chin. Medium snowboards are used by experienced riders for all terrains. A medium board measures from the floor up to a point between the rider's chin and eyes. Long snowboards are used for speed carving and deep powder on mountain slopes. A long board measures from the floor to a point between the rider's forehead to above the head. Weight, boot size and riding style are also factors. Experienced shops offer snowboard fitting for riders.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, GNU Free Documentation License
