Backcountry Snowboarding
What is backcountry snowboarding?
Backcountry snowboarding is completely different from regular snowboarding, and it comes with its own thrills and challenges. This sport is gaining popularity rapidly among outdoor enthusiasts looking for new sports to try. Probably the best thing about backcountry snowboarding is the adrenalin high it brings. It can only be done in the slopes of the most remote mountains because there are no lifts and no hired personnel who can help a person in trouble.
Some might say that backcountry snowboarding is very dangerous, and they are probably right. But backcountry snowboarders will tell you that the risks are all worth it. This sport combines the best of snowboarding and mountaineering. For many people, the ascent to the top of majestic mountains is equal to the thrill of snowboarding downward.
Having the right snowboard that matches the terrain and the rider’s preference is necessary for a snowboarder. A general guideline you should remember is that the length of the snowboard has a large impact on your performance. Carefully consider on what terrain you will be snowboarding.
· Longer snowboards will help you stay at the top of deep powder because it has a larger surface area. You need to choose a snowboard somewhere in the length of 170 to 200 cm if you plan to snowboard on thick powder.
· Short snowboards are geared for snowboarders aiming for difficult terrains. This board is typically between the lengths of 145 and 160 cm, and it provides great maneuverability. The downside is that its floatation in deep powder is not that great.
· Medium snowboards are probably the most popular type for backcountry snowboarding. It is between the lengths of 160 and 170 cm. This length is a good compromise between long and short snowboards because it can handle deep powder while being flexible for tight technical turns. It can handle most situations, but it does not have the specialized advantage of long or short boards.
