Mountainboarding is also known as dirtboarding, off-road boarding, and all-terrain boarding.
This portion of our guide focuses on the equipment, gear, and accessories used in the extreme action sport. Additional information and resources on mountainboarding can be found in the corresponding category within our Sports & Recreation area.
Mountainboarding is an extreme sport that offers a unique blend of snowboarding, skateboarding, and mountain biking. The sport has come a long way since its inception, with advancements in board design and specialized gear enhancing the performance and safety of the sport.
Mountainboarding is one of the lesser-known extreme sports. Its roots go back to the early 1990s when a group of snowboarders began looking for a way to continue their passion during the snowless seasons.
This led to the creation of the first mountainboards, or dirtboards, as they were often known. These early boards were rudimentary, featuring simple decks with skateboard trucks and pneumatic tires. Over the years, the design and technology behind the boards improved considerably, with today's boards being more durable, maneuverable, and specialized for various riding styles.
Modern mountainboards have several key components integral to their performance. The most critical parts are the decks, trucks, wheels, tires, bindings, and straps.
The deck is the main body of the mountainboard. Typically made from composite materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber, decks come in various shapes and sizes for different riding styles and preferences.
Mountainboard trucks are made to withstand the rigors of off-road riding. They have wider axles and stronger construction than traditional skateboard trucks, allowing for better stability and control on uneven terrain.
Pneumatic tires with deep treads provide the necessary grip and shock absorption for riding on dirt trails, grass, and rocky surfaces. Wheels often have aluminum or composite hubs to balance weight and durability.
To keep the rider securely attached to the board, mountainboards use strong, adjustable bindings or straps similar to snowboard bindings. They are designed to allow quick release in case of falls or emergencies.
Over the years, some variations or disciplines have developed.
Downhill mountainboarding involves riding down steep, uneven slopes at high speeds. This discipline requires precision, control, and courage, as riders navigate various terrains and obstacles.
Modeled after snowboard cross, boardercross features multiple riders competing on a course with jumps, berms, and other obstacles. This discipline requires speed, agility, and strategic thinking.
Freestyle mountainboarding focuses on tricks and stunts on various obstacles, such as ramps, rails, and boxes. Riders demonstrate their creativity and technical skills through spins, flips, and grabs.
Freeriding is the most versatile discipline. It allows riders to explore natural terrains without the constraints of a structured course, combining elements of downhill, freestyle, and even cross-country riding.
In addition to the mountainboard itself, full-face helmets are worn to protect against falls and collisions. Knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and sometimes even body armor are worn to minimize the risk of injury from falls. Gloves provide grip and protection from abrasions and impacts.
Based in Colorado Springs, Mountainboard Sports (MBS) is the original mountainboard company founded in 1993. Known for pioneering the sport, they have continued to develop innovative, high-performance mountainboard products. An English company, Trampa Boards, produces high-quality mountainboards, electric mountainboards, and other types of boards that have become popular in the industry.
These and other producers of mountainboard equipment gear are appropriate resources for this category, along with mountainboard retailers, and product review sites.
Recommended Resources
The French-based company was founded in the 2000s and specializes in the manufacture of mountainboards, producing designs for various terrains and riders of all levels. Its models include the Kheo Core, which is suitable for lightweight riders and beginners; the Kheo Flyer, an all-terrain board that is ideal for landkiting; and the Kheo Epic, a bamboo/maple/fiberglass deck for lightness and precision. Its complete boards, decks, trucks, wheels, parts, and accessories may be purchased online.
https://www.kheo-boards.com/en/
The Australian distributor of Mountainboard Sports (MBS) products is based in Marrickville, New South Wales. Its website introduces the MBS International Team, and posts specification charts, drawings, manuals, and tech talks, along with a list of Australian retailers, with addresses, contact data, and websites for each. Its web catalog is sorted into categories for bindings, decks, dirt boarding, electric, gear, longboards, mountainboards, trucks, and wheels.
https://mbsaustralia.com.au/
Mountainboard Sports (MBS) designed the first commercially available mountainboard in the United States. Its European distributor is in Dymock, Gloucestershire, England. MBS Europe is part of Maxtrack and has been distributing MBS Mountainboards in the UK for over ten years. Its website features a history of MBS Mountainboards, an overview of the sport, and an online catalog of products, including traditional mountainboards, electric mountainboards, longboards, and all-terrain mountainboards.
https://mbseurope.com/
Founded in 1993 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, MBS is the company that pioneered the sport of mountainboarding in the United States. The company invented the extreme sport of mountainboarding, and has continuously improved the design and technologies behind the equipment. Its website features photographs and videos of the sport and its equipment. Its online shopping catalog includes mountain boards, electric mountain boards, all-terrain skateboards, parts, protective gear, and other merchandise.
https://www.mbs.com/
Trampa Boards is a British company specializing in building high-quality and customizable mountainboards, electric mountainboards, kiteboards, longboards, and other products. Based in Nottingham, the company offers a variety of products and accessories, including electric mountainboards and conversion kits for those who want to electrify their boards. Its product catalog may be viewed in its online shopping area, along with videos, photographs, events, teams, and a ride guide.
https://trampaboards.com/
