Freestyle or Freeride?

Freestyle or Freeride?

Snowboarding has evolved into several different styles.  These styles will determine what type of rider you are.  They have cult like following with fans and groups.  The style rider you are determines the type of equipment you will purchase and use.  There are different types of equipment available for each style.  You should not buy any snowboarding equipment until you determine the type of rider you are.  You can evolve and learn other styles but it is important for you to know your style before you buy equipment.

Your beginner stage should be using rental equipment that is made for new snowboarders.  Some of the different types of snowboard riding styles are:

• FreeRide:  This style is also known as “all mountain snowboarding”.  This is the easiest and most popular style.  It is the all around style.  It is about mastering the basics of snowboarding.  This is the style most beginners start with.  Strap in and point down the mountain.  Explore the mountain on the way down and enjoy the terrain you come across.  This is FreeRide style.  It is about enjoying your time on the mountain and having fun.   Most of the boards sold and found in shops are FreeRide boards.  The FreeRide board is usually longer.  It has a narrow width, a deeper side cut.  The FreeRide board is easier to master than other style boards.   The rider is usually positioned toward the rear of the board.
• Freestyle: FreeStyle is all about the air.  This style is gaining in popularity all over the world.  Riders catch a lot of air performing flips, spins, and hand grabs.  Much of this style is transferred from the skateboard arena.  The rail slides, half pipes, jumps and tricks are all similar.  The two camps will argue as to which is more difficult.  This is obviously snowboarding.   FreeStyle is the most popular pro style contest of snowboarding.  The fans love FreeStyle.  The popularity of the FreeStyle competitions has meant that most ski resorts have created special snowboarding terrain.   This benefits all snowboarders.  FreeStyle has helped popularize the sport of snowboarding.  The FreeStyle board is much shorter than other boards.  They are lighter and much easier to maneuver.  In most cases the FreeStyle board is much wider.  The tail and the tip are also identical in their shape.
• >FreeCarve: The style of speed.  You have to be extremely strong for this style.  It involves flying down the mountain as fast as you can go.  This style is not for the faint of heart.  This style is usually performed on manicured terrain.  It is compacted so that it is harder and faster and allow for sweeping turns.  The concentration used to maintain a graceful turn is immense.  One slip and you are tumbling down the mountain.  FreeCarve racers use special equipment and their boots are usually very stiff.  FreeCarve is an Olympic sport and has become extremely popular with the fans.  FreeCarve should only be attempted by experienced snowboarders.
• SplitBoarding:  This is the newest style of snowboarding.  It is destined to be the most popular style.  This is because the board splits and becomes skis when you need them to.  You can cross country ski up the mountain and snowboard down.  This dual ability is already making this the most popular style around the world.  The dual ability is also very economical.  You can save on lift tickets.

These are the major snowboarding styles around the world today.  There are variations of these styles being performed around the world today.  Finding the style that is comfortable for you is the most important thing.  Find the snowboard style that fits your personality.

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2. Buying Your First Snowboard: The Most Comprehensive Guide
3. Snowboard Bindings
4. Snowboard Boots, Jackets, & Pants
5. Whistler Backyard Freestyle Snowboarding Video