The Details:

Strange and cryptic names are still abound in the snowboard market, but we’re glad to see there’s still some Ronseal-esque ones out there too. The Arbor Foundation is their entry-level board that’s designed to get you mastering the basics – and beyond.

Like many of its ilk, the Foundation boasts a rocker profile that gives you a more forgiving ride during those shaky first turns. It’s not too pronounced, though, so you’ll have no trouble engaging an edge when you want to. Then when you’re ready for freestyle, basic butters and presses are made that little bit easier.

There aren’t any bells and whistles on this one – the core is all poplar, there’s no carbon or Kevlar additives, and the biax glass is simple yet strong. In short, there’s no tech that the beginner to intermediate rider doesn’t need.

That goes for the extruded base, too; during your first forays into snowboarding, there’s no requirement for anything super-fast and sintered. It won’t require as much maintenance either, so you get more time to get your technique down as well as more sheets in your wallet.

Expert riders should consider something further up the range, but for everyone else this is just the job.