Freeride: snowboard. Overview of snowboards for freeride

Fans of winter extreme sports know what freeride is. Snowboarding for this discipline is not just a board, but a carefully thought-out device that, together with additional ammunition, allows you to overcome snow barriers. In this case, many aspects play a role, there are no trifles. In time to slow down or make a feint for a turn - it all borders on life and death, without exaggeration. The main judges here are snowdrifts, icy nastas and unpredictable weather.

How to choose the size of a snowboard?

There are three main types of snowboarding boards (snowboards). They differ among themselves, depending on the route and sport discipline, as follows:

1. Freeride - board for riding on a deep snow cover in the mountains.
2. Freestyle - performing various tricky combinations, including jumping on the trampolines.
3. Discipline All Mountain (for beginners) - universal boards for riding in parks and on mountain slopes.

The next criterion of choice is the size of the snowboard (rifle). In fact, this is the length of the board between the two extreme points (nose and tail). This parameter is the main one when selecting an item. It depends on what type of riding the athlete prefers, and how experienced he is. In the trick competitions, short boards are used, and the freeride-snowboard is longer, which is related to the features of skiing.

It is recommended for beginner freeriders to ride on soft snowboards, as they are easier to manage. The average and maximum index of rigidity is for masters of this sport, and the latter option is not very popular.

Freeboard boards APO

A lot of companies around the world deal with the outfit for the discipline in question. Consider some brands and brief product specifications. Overview of snowboards for freeride start with the French brand APO.

This brand, like many competitors, is gradually moving away from the production of universal snowboards and is trying to develop freestyle and freeride destinations. For the second discipline, there are original versions of Apocalypse. They differ in new design, high stiffness index, with a classic deflection to stabilize the board at speed. There was a novelty from this company called Spray, which is equipped with a large blunt nose and a noticeable shank. Rostovka novelties is 1.6 meters.

Brand Atomic

This company pleased fans of extreme winter sports by modernizing the aesthetic plan, which was subjected to freeride-snowboarding in the new series. The version of the Banger now has a poplar core and a special construction add-on, which makes it possible to confidently feel fast and steep turns.

The main novelty of Atomic was the Sire Float lot. This modification is characterized by a solid working platform, a small radius, the presence of a rocker on the bow and a reverse deflection of the type of sport skis. After conducting test checks, the board showed itself perfectly in deep and medium pauler.

Bataleon and Burton

This brand does not change the technology of Triple Base Tech. Branded snowboards remain authentic, however, the Battalion develops exterior design. Now the nose and stern of these boards resemble a boat in shape. Also, minor changes occurred in the middle part, which became wider, which improved the reaction of the board. This allows you to use the device for riding in the park and the mountain range.

Another famous brand in the field of snowboarding Burton introduced minimal changes to the branded boards for freeride. Unique modifications of Malolo and Supermodel are removed from production, but a new model with the original name "Barracuda" appeared. It combined the wedge shape, the "Flyin" profile and the Burton Squeezebo technology.

Other manufacturers

Among the companies that produce snowboards for freeride, the rating of the Polish brand Contract Snowboards allows you to compete on an equal footing with the leading manufacturers. The team released a decent line in this segment. The first model Code differs torsion rigidity, has a radius for large turns of about twenty meters. The second variant of the Yeti is a board similar to the first modification, which also has a wedge-shaped design, and the stand on it is shifted closer to the teil. Novelties: from 1.49 to 1.59 m.

The permanent leader among manufacturers of freeriding boards is Lib Tech and Gnu. Particular mention can be made of a couple of models: Birdman and La Nina mc. The first option is a powder boat with a toe, which occupies a third of the length of the board, which is optimal only for deep snow. The conceptual model of La Nina is freeride-oriented, but it can be used as a universal device. Among the updates of this series is worth noting the presence of a rocker between the mounts, the familiar camber in the bow and a similar element on the tail.

Snowboard Suit

Equally important role than the board, playing equipment freerider. It should not only protect the athlete from the cold, but also guarantee his safety, because this kind of sport is very traumatic.

The freeride track is unpredictable and fraught with many dangers and traps. For protection there is a special kit of ammunition. Clothes should be functional and do not constrain the movements of the rider. There are several layers that have a suit for snowboarding, namely:

1. Thermal underwear. Protects the athlete from hypothermia, absorbs excess moisture. It should always sit tightly on the body and can be made of synthetic materials, fleece or wool.
2. Fleece layer. The main task of this layer is to provide body heat and let the evaporation from the laundry to the membrane, without causing discomfort to the rider.
3. The finishing layer is membrane protection from wind and precipitation.

Protective equipment

There are several more mandatory items of equipment that are necessary for the athlete. In addition to the costume, you will need the following equipment for freeriding: snowboard, helmet, gloves, mask and additional protection.

When choosing a helmet, it is necessary to pay attention to the marking. This protection should cover well the important areas of the head and neck, while allowing you to hear the sounds of danger (warn other athletes or the noise of an impending avalanche). The weight of the helmet also plays a role. It is best to choose an element with high strength characteristics and a small weight index.

Additional protection is a set of the following important elements:

• Armor protection of the back, ribs, elbows, knees and other joints endangered;
• Special shorts, protecting the tailbone and hips;
• Gloves (leather or artificial with special coating);

Do not neglect these funds, because soft snow often gives way to hard infusion, which is very dangerous at speed.

Footwear

A properly sized snowboard, shoes and other equipment are important components in this sport. Regarding shoes, it can be noted that it should be comfortable inside and ensure good adhesion to the surface.

The rigidity of the shoes is selected according to the individual characteristics and requirements of the athlete. It should be borne in mind that the harder the shoes, the more precise the interaction of the muscular effort with slippery surfaces and edges.

conclusions

Freeride, a snowboard for which has its own characteristics, is quite a popular kind of winter sports, as well as an entertaining activity. However, skating on the snow in the mountains is quite a dangerous thing, requiring some training, skill and concentration. Deciding to do freeride, you should not neglect the protective devices that can save not only health, but life.

When choosing a snowboard, it is necessary to consider several factors. For beginners, a board with increased flexibility, which is easier to manage, will do. The size of the device also plays an important role. Additional functionality makes the board more expensive, but adds manageability and stability.