More snowboard types

Tandem snowboard

The tandem is a specially reinforced snowboard (raceboard or freestyle) where two persons can be mounted on the two pairs of bindings. The binds are in a row, as in the normal board, however, the person behind has his front leg between the legs of the person in front. To provide safe and stable driving, the person behind usually places his arms around the waist of the person in front.

Mainly this board is used for promotional purposes and tow trips, so that even non-boarders can experience an extraordinary journey over the snow. In addition, tandem snowboards are sometimes used in ski schools because the teacher can not only teach his students about the driving experience, but also fundamental techniques. Of course, tandem snowboarding is also often done by young couples who may engage in entertaining, yet challenging, sporting activities with a lot of body contact.

Split Board
A split board is a divisible length of snowboard. The parts are separated, by a simple but robust mechanism, and yet retain stability when together. After the disassembly is obtained, in principle, one has a pair of easy touring skis. The binds can be remounted on the skis without great expense or tools, and now work as a simple ski binding.

It provides the “ski” so that one can tour ski and climb on snow-covered hills. At the destination, the “ski” can be re-converted into a snowboard, with which one can go downhill. There are two-, three-, and four-split boards. The design and shape of the split boards are similar to freeride boards. The most popular split board manufacturer in the world is Voile, from Salt Lake City (USA).

The first split boards were developed in the late 1980s or early 1990s in Bavaria, but came just short of being mass produced because the materials and techniques were not yet mature. In the mid-1990s, the idea was again taken up, this time in the U.S., which managed the first successful production standard. A few years later split boards were becoming increasingly popular in Europe.

Three-piece split-boards have the advantage that the ascending ski is broad and therefore more suited to the track of the touring skis. Jester, the only manufacturer, is offering the T3-Splitboard.

Jester also manufactures a four-split snowboard. With this, the middle part was cut in half once more in length. These items may be better when there is a need for them to be transported in or on a backpack.

There are also self-made boards that work well.

Alternatively, for the rise of the so-called tour snowboarding, there are also short skis, folding skis (divisible ski), or snowshoes.

Entry-level board

An entry-level board is very similar to the freeride and freestyle board. It just has a different design; the weight is better distributed on the edges. Thus, riding on the groomed slopes is easier and requires less power than a freestyle board. The board is broadly downward (toward the edges) about three millimeters. The name entry-level board is because this board can be used for a bit of everything. Such a board is ideal for people who are still trying to figure out their specialty.

Jib boards

Since the 2005/2006 season, there are specific boards for riding on rails. The edges of the snowboard like to “bite” the rails, which can lead to painful jamming. Also the edges break easily when one hits the wrong angle on the rail. With jib boards, the edges are slightly raised, so that they only slip on the surface. Jib boards are driven rather shorter than freestyle boards.

Snow Skate

Snowskates or winter skates are a type of skateboard without wheels, and have no binding. Instead of the rollers there is a ski the length of the snowskates, which is bent forward and backward. This allows for tricks where one can drive backwards or rotate the board. They work much like a skateboard, and some snowskates (not all) have to use a griptape (rough surface) for tricks like ollies. However, there are snowskates without the “ski” on the deck. This type of snowskate board allows for safe landings. However, they are usually a lot more expensive.

Swingbo
The swingbo consists of two short-waisted skis that are connected via a special joint with a stand. Direction is made by shifting your weight, similar to skateboarding. The swingbo drive was practiced mainly in Germany and Austria in the 1980s as the next cult sport, and also was exhibited for the championships. The design of the swingbo makes driving at higher speeds easier. The possibilities were limited, in contrast to the more technically advanced snowboards, so the swingbos finally disappeared.