snowboards

Snowboard is a type of winter sports equipment used to descend snow-covered slopes. A rider stands sideways on the board with both feet strapped into bindings attached to the deck, typically in a stance wider than shoulder width. Snowboards are used across multiple disciplines, including freestyle in parks, all-mountain riding, powder and backcountry touring, and alpine-style racing events.

The sport originated in the 1960s and 1970s. Sherman Poppen created the Snurfer in 1965, an unruly two-foot toy with bindings later added. In the 1980s, designers introduced shaped boards, fiberglass reinforcement, and wood cores, which helped standardize performance. Snowboarding grew rapidly worldwide and was included in the Winter Olympics from 1998 onward, helping drive technology and competition formats.

Modern snowboards are built with a core (usually wood) surrounded by fiberglass, with a sintered or extruded plastic base. They come in various profiles, including camber, rocker, and blends, which affect edge grip, turn initiation, and float. Common shapes are directional, twin tip, and directional twin. Length is selected mainly by rider height and discipline; width corresponds to boot size. Bindings attach via insert patterns (commonly 2x4 or 4x4) or via platform interfaces, and stance width and angle are adjusted to rider preference. Boots, bindings, and protective gear complete the setup, with helmets widely encouraged for safety.