Snowboarding is one of the most exciting winter sports. The thrill of flying down a mountain has addicted adrenaline junkies since the 1970s. Now, snowboard manufacturers are incorporating new technology into their boards and gear to improve the rider’s experience, while also tracking their body and board fundamentals in real time. Together, these advances promise to revolutionize snowboarding for a new generation.
Smart Phones
Smart phones have become an essential part of modern life. It is not surprising, therefore, that they are now helping snowboarders achieve peak performance. Snowboarding legend, Jake Burton, has partnered with Nokia to create a technology that monitor snowboarders’ vitals and board stats as they hurtle down a slope.
This new tech works by putting sensors on the rider and his or her board that record velocity, board alignment and compression and heart rate. This data is transfered onto the snowboarder's phone, which displays feedback on the run. Snowboarders can also use DCIM software to manage their data.
A similar technology is available from Cerveo. This tech company has created snowboard bindings that use Bluetooth technology to track speed, weight allocation and center mass.
These high-tech bindings also use LED lights to communicate with snowboarders, alerting them to any modifications they should make during a down-hill run. Like the Burton and Nokia collaboration, these bindings from Cerveo will change the way snowboarders assess their abilities.
Rockers
The new rocker-camber technology will change the way snowboarders ride. The basic premise of this new tech is to use smaller, more lightweight boards that combine alternating points of flexibility and firmness to float over snow without the dreaded edge-catches.
Snowboards featuring rocker-camber technology are versatile; most snowboarders will only need one snowboard. Rather than having different boards for going downhill, carving a halfpipe and exploring backcountry, rocker-camber boards can do it all. Furthermore, these boards are great for beginners. The deeper side-cuts and strength distribution along the length of the board make previously dangerous bobbles simple speed bumps as the board skims over them.
Because snowboards featuring the rocker-camber technology perform well in all conditions, from fresh powder to deep snow, riders can traverse catwalks between runs without digging in and recover quicker from sharp turns. This high performance is due to the board’s slightly elevated nose and tail, which help the board glide along without catching snow.
For riders who haven’t been fortunate enough to try a rocker-camber board yet, there will be an adjustment period. However, they will most likely be pleasantly surprised.
Gear
Snowboarding has come along way from its origin of two skis lashed together with a rope handle to hold onto. In addition to the developments in board technology, snowboarding gear has gone high-tech. From boots to jackets to goggles, there is a ton of gear to improve a snowboarder’s experience.
Among the coolest new gadgets are safety items. Two standouts are the Flaxta Behold Back Protector and the Roam Elevate Exoskeleton. The back protector is a Nitrile Butadienne Rubber panel built into the back of a vest to provide protection from spinal injuries. This polymer (NBR) has the right balance of soft and hard so that it can disperse impacts without being too rigid.
The exoskeleton fits like a pair of knee braces and gives your legs roughly 20 percent more strength, making snowboarding that much easier and more fun because riders can stay on the slopes for longer. This technology is computerized and comes with an air compressor and lithium-ion batteries, all of which fit into a backpack.
The tech operates through sensors attached to the body that communicate with the exoskeleton, which gives just the right amount of extra help. Right now, the exoskeleton is marketed toward skiers, but a reviewer who used it while snowboarding gave it high marks.
Technology is changing the way snowboarders take on the slopes. The good news is that the tech is making snowboarding both safer and more fun.
About The Author
stash member Vincent Stokes
Vincent Stokes is an outdoor enthusiast and an experienced world traveler. He also writes writes for the National Parks and works to promote pride in homegrown travel destinations. (@TravelingGlobal)