The Tech Behind Flex: How A Snowboard’s Stiffness Profile Shapes Your Riding
Tavo Sadeg testing his ‘technology’ by laying down some massive turns at Alpine Meadows Resort, California, January 2023. pc kelseyhughez
The Truth Behind Carving
Over the last three weeks, we have examined several ideas around turning starting in week 1 with some fundamental truths about carving, week 2 looking at the art and science behind big mountain turning, and then last week with a dive into the steeps and deeps of the pivot turn.
This week we’ll continue our discussion by looking at how the flexibility of the boards helps us carve any turn we imagine. (Well, at least Tavo can.) What does the flexibility or a board’s overall stiffness have to do with freeriding? That’s the tough question we put to Tavo Sadeg, last year’s freeride junior world champion. I’ve summarized his thoughts below.
When we left off last we discussed how arcing turns to match the natural terrain is a proven way to ride steep, off-piste terrain. In this gnarly environment of eye-watering steeps and changing snow, it’s much more difficult to control your speed by skidding or simply rotating. It’s more efficient to manage your speed by carving arcs of varying shapes and sizes that work with the slope. Physics reminds us the most efficient way to turn while your momentum is going downhill is to carve an arc that carries your momentum along the turn (and not over yourself tomahawking down something unkind, or possibly worse.)
Successful Flex
One of the keys to carving these arcs lies in how you flex the board. Where, when, and how much flex you apply to the board dictates what shape turn you rip. 25-year professional backcountry snow/-split board guide with his own international guiding company Neil McNab knows a thing or two about carving arcs. In his article, The Art of The Arc: Part 2 he shares his wisdom explaining,
“In the practiced snowboarder, a combination of subtle foot movement to apply pressure along the length of the edge of the board along with a combination of precise edge tilt can accurately define, control, and shape any arc.”
Going for it off the top at Alpine Meadows Resort, California, December 2022. pc @tavo.sadeg
Snowboard - Overall Stiffness
The board’s flex pattern is often referred to its “overall stiffness.” However, with each snowboard brand using their own rating system it’s hard to compare profiles. (Just remember the higher the number always equates with a stiffer board.)
Demonstrating a (relatively) softer longitudinal flex pattern. pc whitelines
But what does that mean, overall stiffness? It’s actually a composite number built on several different variables including:
Camber
Contact points or functional edge
Longitudinal flexibility
Torsional flexibility
Construction methods
Materials used
Rider’s weight
With the topic much too broad to cover here, I’ll focus on just #3 and #4 as key contributors to a board’s stiffness, and as we’ll see in a moment potentially a key behind turning.
Longitudinal Flexibility
#3 Longitudinal flexibility (LF) is what most people think of when they are introduced to the idea of board stiffness, and rightly so. Specifically, LF refers to the flex pattern from nose to tail. There are two major styles, continuous and progressive. Continuous has a consistent flex pattern from nose to tail while the progressive flex pattern is a little bit more interesting.
Longitudinal flex pattern demonstrated while standing on the board. pc whitelines
Dividing the board into three sections (tip, between the bindings, and tail) board designers then mutated every possible combination of flexibility across them. For instance, Tavo rides the Jones Ultra Mountain Twin which has a progressive flex pattern with the nose softer than the tail and still scores a 9/10 for overall stiffness.
Each board’s unique longitudinal flex pattern matches a different style of riding. Freeriding big mountains with supersonic speeds and heavy hucks requires a different type of flex. One that is super stiff and can withstand the massive forces. Softer boards would do better at slower speeds with less skilled riders who are just learning to turn. Carving an ultra-stiff board at slow speeds is a challenge even for the pros. Tavo suggests trying to match your style of riding to where you love to shred. Match the flex to what you plan to ride.
Torsional Stability
#4 Torsional Stability is the lesser known of the two flex patterns, but as we’ll learn it might hold the secret to big mountain riding. Torsional stability refers to the stiffness when twisting the board (see pic below). This becomes incredibly important when you start to consider the need for high-speed turns on less-than-forgiving slopes.
Torsional flex pattern demonstrated while standing on the board. pc whitelines
Masterful Footwork
Applying pressure in the front foot early in the turn, tightens the start resulting in a sharper turn, but when you pressure the rear foot late in the turn you tighten up the end, like when you carve a “J-turn.” McNab describe the importance of good footwork it in an interview with Teton Gravity Research saying,
“Both feet should work independently of one another. The front foot will work more in the beginning of the turn to create edge tilt, pressure and flex in the front of the board to start the arc. The rear foot will work a lot more in the end of the turn to create edge tilt, pressure, and flex to close the end of the turn.”
Mastering the independent footwork needed to carve all the turns is essential for freeriders. You control your arc, ride your line, manage your speed, and truly shred the terrain all by flexing the board correctly. Next time you’re on the mountain you might want to think about how you’re flexing your board to shape your turns!
Thanks for following along. We’re back tomorrow with a special look at one of the planet’s best big mountain riders and what he has to say about Schralpinism. You won’t want to miss it!
Thank you to Tavo’s sponsors for their support this season! We appreciate all of your help in making this possible!
Practicing some unusual flex patterns while in flight, Tavo Sadeg shows what’s possible when you master the board’s flex pattern properly, Alpine Meadows Resort, California. pc @tavo.sadeg