snowboard

A snowboard is a wide, flat board used for the winter sport of snowboarding. A rider stands with both feet strapped into bindings mounted to the board and travels downhill or performs tricks, typically with the body facing sideways relative to the direction of travel.

Construction and design features common to most boards include a wood or foam core strengthened with fiberglass, a smooth plastic base, and steel edges. Boards vary in length, usually around 120 to 165 cm, and are paired with boots in binding systems that can be mounted in various patterns. Profiles may be camber, rocker, or a combination, which influence flexibility, stability, and edge grip. Width and flex are chosen to suit the rider’s weight, boot size, and riding style.

History and development trace the modern snowboard to the 1960s and 1970s, evolving from earlier snowboard-like devices such as the Snurfer. The sport gained mainstream popularity through manufacturers and riders who refined construction and performance, and snowboarding was added to the Winter Olympics in 1998.

Riding styles encompass freestyle (in parks and pipes), all-mountain (versatile, across terrains), freeride/backcountry (natural terrain), and boardercross (racing on a course). Competitions feature events such as halfpipe, slopestyle, big air, and snowboard cross, and the sport has developed a global culture around resorts, demonstrations, and sponsorships.

Safety and maintenance practices include wearing protective gear such as a helmet, practicing fall- and wrist-safety, and performing routine maintenance like waxing, base repair, and edge sharpening to preserve performance.