Splitboard

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Splitboard, with both halves connected

A splitboard is a snowboard that can be separated into two ski-like parts used with climbing skins to ascend slopes the same way alpine touring or telemark skis are. The two halves can then be connected to form a regular snowboard for descent.[1][2]

Snowboarding originated as an expression of snow surfing, and as such snowboarders sought out pristine snow conditions such as powder.[3][4] The development of splitboards enables backcountry snowboarding where pristine powder snow is more likely to be found. Splitboards resolve the inherent weakness of snowboards of having limited backcountry range away from lift systems. This weakness stems from snowboard riders having both feet fixed to a board, and the usual lack of ski poles(restricting direction effectively only to going downhill).

Splitboarding started in the mid-1990s and has grown in popularity in recent years. There has been much innovation that has helped lure new users into the sport, including splitboard specific bindings from companies. These bindings are designed to reduce the weight associated with the adapter plate/standard binding combination. The reduced weight is crucial in increasing range and duration of extended uphill climbs. The binding's lower foot bed also increases board feel.


References

  1. ↑ snowevolution.com, Construction of a "splitboard" (Spanish)
  2. ↑ Wyatt, Jon; Wallace, Ewan (2014). "Splitboards: where skis and snowboards collide". Daily Telegraph. 
  3. ↑ ABC's of Snowboarding: Backcountry snowboarding Retrieved March 1, 2011
  4. ↑ About.com: Backcountry snowboarding Retrieved March 1, 2011

External links


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