This part of our web guide emphasizes the equipment, gear, and accessories involved in snowboarding, a recreational and competitive activity that involves descending a snow-covered surface while standing on a snowboard that is usually attached to a rider's feet.
Snowboarding combines athleticism, style, and an appreciation for the winter outdoors. Developed in the United States in 1998, its popularity peaked in 2007.
From boards to bindings and everything in between, the quality and design of snowboarding gear can significantly impact a snowboarder's experience.
The snowboard is the fundamental piece of equipment involved in the activity, of course. Snowboards come in various shapes and sizes, designed to accommodate different riding styles, such as freestyle, freeride, and all-mountain. Wood, fiberglass, and carbon fiber are often used to construct boards, the goal being a balance of flexibility and strength.
Bindings secure the snowboarder's boots to the snowboard. They are typically made from durable plastics and metals, offering adjustable straps and highbacks to ensure a good fit and optimal control.
Snowboard boots provide comfort, support, and protection. They are available in different flex ratings to match a rider's preference, ranging from soft for freestyle riding to stiff for aggressive, high-speed runs. Many boots incorporate features like heat-moldable liners and the BOA lace system for custom fitting.
Jackets and pants designed for snowboarding are both waterproof and breathable, made from high-tech fabrics to keep riders dry and comfortable in varying weather conditions. Insulation levels can vary, offering options for different temperatures.
Helmets, wrist guards, and padded shorts are essential protective gear. Goggles, gloves, and face masks provide visibility and warmth. Snowboarding goggles feature anti-fog lenses and UV protection, while gloves and face masks are insulated to keep the hands and face warm.
Prominent manufacturers serving the snowboarding market include Burton, Salomon, K2 Snowboarding, and Ride Snowboards, while REI and Backcountry are well-known retailers. These and any other manufacturers or retailers offering snowboarding products are appropriate resources for this category.
Recommended Resources
Burton Snowboards is a privately owned manufacturing company specializing in snowboarding products, including snowboards, bindings, boots, outerwear, and accessories. Founded in 1977, its headquarters and flagship store is in Burlington, Vermont. As well as selling its own products, Burton stores sell several sub-brands that focus on specific market niches. Shoppers can browse its e-commerce site by product, featured items, sale items, and products for men, women, and kids.
https://www.burton.com/
Founded in 2012, Korua Shapes is a snowboard and splitboard brand known for innovative designs. They offer a variety of boards, each tailored for specific riding styles, from freestyle carving to backcountry adventures. The company's collection includes the Café Racer, Dart, Otto, Transition Finder, Pencil, Pin Tonic, Überegg, Pocket Rocket, Apollo, Nose Rider, and Bullet Train, each of which are featured on its site, with illustrations, descriptions, size guides, and prices.
https://koruashapes.com/
Part of the Tecnica Group, Nitro Snowboards is a US-based company founded in Seattle in 1990. The company manufactures snowboards and snowboarding accessories. The design and graphics of the boards are created in Seattle, while the actual technical development takes place in Germany, and the production of the boards takes place in Taiwan. The company also includes brands like Nitro Bindings, which manufactures snowboard binding, and L1 Outerwear, which produces snowboarding outerwear.
https://nitrosnowboards.com/
Ride Snowboards is a well-known brand of snowboarding equipment, producing a range of high-quality snowboards, boots, bindings, and accessories. Founded in 1992, the company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Its product catalog highlights its line of boards, bindings, boots, and bags, including products made for youth, and purchases may be made directly from the website, including sale items, an introduction to its team, and an informational blog. Its pro program is discussed.
https://ridesnowboards.com/
The family-owned e-commerce site features snowboards and snowboarding equipment and accessories. Shoppers can browse the site by product type, those made for men, women, or kids, brand, or sale items, and make purchases directly from the website. Other resources include a guide to choosing the right snowboard, manufacturer warranties, shipping policies, international orders, and contact information. Customers can sign up to receive special offers and promotions.
https://snowboards.com/
With physical locations in Portland, Oregon, Bend, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, and Hokkaido, Japan, Tactics also has an online store specializing in skateboarding, snowboarding, and related apparel and accessories. The company offers a wide range of products, including skateboard decks, snowboards, clothing, shoes, and others. In operation since 1999, its location, hours, gift certificates, and an informational blog are featured, along with an introduction to its team.
https://www.tactics.com/
