Camber boards are notorious for providing incredible pop, response and carving ability.
But they can also be a cruel mistress!
Let’s discuss how to ride a camber snowboard.
Note: I’ve assumed you know what camber snowboards are. If not, read my article about whether beginners can ride advanced snowboards.
1. Getting Started
When you first buy a camber snowboard, it’s important to find your balance. Begin by positioning your feet shoulder-width apart on the board and ensuring that your bindings are setup correctly.
These are the best binding angles for beginners.
Too narrow a stance will make it difficult to fully compress the camber during turns and jumps. Too wide a stance will cause similar issues.
2. Initiate Turns Confidently
To initiate turns on a camber snowboard, it’s crucial to engage your edges – even more so than on a hybrid or rocker profile.
As you approach a turn, shift your weight onto the toes or heels of your front foot, depending on the direction you want to go.
This will engage the camber profile, allowing the edges to grip the snow and initiate the desired turn. Remember to use subtle movements and gradual shifts in weight to maintain smooth transitions and control.
3. Carve with Precision
Camber snowboards excel in carving through tight turns with precision. But precision is key.
Too much give on the downhill edge and you’re going to have a bad time.
To carve effectively, focus on driving your knees and hips into the turn while maintaining edge pressure. This will create a powerful and controlled carve.
Additionally, concentrate on looking ahead in the direction you want to go, as your body tends to follow your gaze. By doing so, you’ll enhance your balance and overall riding performance.
Make sure to avoid the most common snowboard carving mistakes.
4. Handle Variable Terrain Carefully
Camber snowboards are versatile and can tackle most terrain with ease. But you’ll need to concentrate (at least initially) on choppy terrain. The contact points can be more liable to catch, causing falls.
Take advantage of the camber’s responsiveness by making quick edge-to-edge transitions. Avoid holding one edge for too long, at least until you’re used to doing so.
The camber profile should provide excellent edge hold, allowing you to confidently navigate icy or hard-packed snow.
When encountering moguls or uneven terrain, focus on maintaining an active and balanced stance to absorb the bumps and maintain control.
5. Practice Boosting Your Ollie
While camber snowboards are known for their stability, they also provide incredible pop for tricks and jumps. However, ollies and jumps require a little more loading up than most hybrid profiles.
When attempting jumps, generate power by flexing your back leg and using your entire body to spring off the tail of the board.
Utilize that camber profile and flex. It will pop for you. There’s no need to do all the work yourself!
Remember to then maintain a centered balance and spot your landing as you prepare to touch down.
6. Sink Your Tail In Powder
Camber boards aren’t designed to excel in powder. However, hopefully you’ll still have a few accidental powder days.
When riding deep snow on a camber board, concentrate on shifting your weight to the back leg. Sort of like doing a tail press. This will keep your nose up in the air and avoid nasty tumbles.
If your thigh muscles aren’t burning, you’re doing it wrong!
On an extra deep day, you might even want to consider setting setting your bindings back.
7. Be Patient
Becoming proficient on a camber snowboard requires practice and persistence. Take the time to experiment with different turn shapes, speeds, and terrain conditions.
As you gain confidence and familiarity with your board, you’ll develop a better understanding of its unique characteristics and how it responds to your movements.
Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, try new techniques, and seek feedback from more experienced riders.
Final Thoughts
I hope those pointers have helped you understand how to ride a camber snowboard.
Ultimately, camber boards aren’t as scary as they’re made out to be. Actually, they provide some of the best pop and edge-hold in the game.
They’re also an awesome way to keep you honest with your skills. No room for slacking or developing bad habits.
However, if you’ve changed your mind and want something more forgiving, check out the best flat profile snowboards.
Happy riding!
