Since the invention of the first snurfer that kick-started the snowboarding revolution, riding powder without bindings is bigger than ever before
Noboarding, powsurfing, snurfing… however you want to call it, riding powder without bindings is bigger than ever before, even since the invention of the first snurfer that kick-started the snowboarding revolution. Nowadays, some of the bigger brands that produce backcountry boards – Burton, Jones – are also making bindingless options to further expand the potential for riding powder!
We were lucky enough to get our hands on three different noboards at three different price-points to try out: the Burton Throwback, the Burton Pile Driver and one of Wolle Nyvelt‘s hand-shaped and drool-worthy ÄSMO (AESMO) powsurfers, the SI V1 model to be precise. But first, how do you noboard?
How To Noboard
If you’ve never given noboarding a go, it’s definitely something we at Whitelines would recommend to anyone with a reasonable skill level in powder. As well as a proper pow surfer, you’ll also need a mellow and untracked face with fresh snow that’s as soft as possible – you absolutely don’t want to be riding any sort of crud or crust. A north-facing slope that sits in the shade, as free as possible from any trees or scrubs is perfect, ideally with a nice flat run out at the bottom.
If you already skate or surf you’ll be ripping slashes and turns in no time!
Getting going is the hardest bit – after digging a small hole for the tail to sit in, it’s easiest to start of by dropping in like you would on a skateboard. Stand on the board back foot first, then as you put your front foot on lean forwards and get charging! It’s surprising how easily it will come and how natural it feels, just like snowboarding but suddenly you’re able to subtly shift your weight around and adjust your feet. If you already skate or surf you’ll be ripping slashes and turns in no time.
