Tip and tail hook clips are small plastic pieces that connect at the tip and tail. It consists of four metal plates that join the splitboard together using the bindings’ lever and pin system. Splitboard transitions do not need to take drastically longer than ski transitions, and it helps if the splitboard binding (and splitboard too) facilitate quick changeovers. It’s a good idea to get splitboard specific poles – some fold into at least three lengths for easy stowage, others are collapsible and easily clip to the outside of your pack. Some routes demand good technique and experience of tricky terrain, but there’s plenty of easier tours around MoaAlm as well. Each episode covers an important aspect of learning to splitboard including avalanche safety, skinning technique and how to set up your splitboard. Stand up straight with your head and shoulders centered over your body; this will help you avoid fatigue. The ’How To Splitboard’ videos series is a master class in splitboard tips and tricks taught by the legendary UIAGM Backcountry Snowboard Guide Neil McNab. The Voilé Puck system consists of four pucks that are attached to the inserts. You can work your way through our course progression with the goal of taking our Ski & Splitboard Mountaineering course, for advanced participants. Because splitboard bindings are specifically designed for backcountry use, they are generally lighter and more durable than regular snowboard bindings. A board with a tapered tail is a great option as well because it allows the tail to sink into the snow and the nose to rise above. This is evo. If you don’t want to opt for split specific bindings, the Voilé Sliders allow you to use your traditional bindings while splitboarding. The Weston Backwoods is an exceptional model for both the up and the down. Learn to embrace the uphill as part of the splitboarding experience, and you'll never have a bad day. Show Events Search Events Search. Here are some great resources for avalanche safety education:— American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education— American Avalanche Association— Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center— Avalanche Canada Learning to splitboard has been high on my to do list for quite sometime now. That said, these days there are so many splitboard options on the market that it's easy to find something to fit your criteria. You'll probably fall a few times and maybe you'll get a few bruises (including your ego), but at the end of the day you'll have the satisfaction of earning every single turn. Setting a skin track is both an art and a science, at all times trying to balance safety with efficiency.Splitboard: A splitboard is a snowboard that has been split in half down the middle (lengthwise) so that each half can be used independently like a ski to tour uphill. My most recent skiing experience was more than 15 years prior and unclipped heels on wide awkward skis adds a whole new level of challenge for the uninitiated snowboarding. In tour mode, that same pin creates a pivot point, allowing the heel to be free for longer strides. It's an excellent choice for a one board quiver for those who enjoy uphill efficiency but don't want to sacrifice downhill performance. Watch all seven to seriously step up your splitboard IQ … See our Climbing Skins Guides for more information: I’m a snowboarder, what do I need poles for? Put your splitboard bindings on; take them off. Similar to regular snowboards, splitboards can be broken down by their intended use and the terrain that they're best in. Freestyle fun? Look for something that is twin shaped for riding switch. However, the backcountry is inherently risky and should only be explored by experienced and knowledgeable riders. Don't blast tunes on the skin track (if music helps you find your rhythm consider one earbud in and one out to stay aware of your surroundings). Critical pieces of kit that you’ll only truly understand the importance of once you’ve accidentally left them in the car. This means proper avalanche education, basic first aid skills, and knowing how to use your gear. Whether you're just getting started with splitboarding or you're an experienced backcountry rider who just wants to brush up on some basics, you've come to the right place - Burton's Splitboarding 101. Once you have reached your desired peak and spot a good line, attach the skis back together and you’ve got a board to shred down a pristine (and hopefully powder filled) run. Put your skins on; take them off. If you don't feel confident in your backcountry skills, look for certified classes or professional guiding services to help you learn and enjoy the mountains safely. You will have to drill about 1/16″ – 1/8″ out of the core to allow for a reasonable patch in your base. You should carry an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe when travelling in avalanche terrain and know how to use them. Climbing bars: Climbing bars are typically integrated into splitboard bindings and are used when ascending steep slopes. While short and steep may be quicker, you will definitely expend more energy that could be used for the ride down. For ride mode, the bindings slide over the pucks and are locked into place with a pin. Using a skill saw, electric drill, and a can-do attitude, you can turn your favorite snowboard into a killer backcountry tool. Amplid Surf Shuttle Splitboard 2020-2021. You never know when you’ll need crampons. Skins provide traction that allows riders to climb uphill with split skis on their feet, attaching to the bases of split skis with nose/tail clips and glue. Trim your skins away from the dog. AMPLID. (Note: When you cut a board in half, you often lose some of the properties that may have drawn you to it in the first place, like stiffness and torsional flex. Splitboard Poles. More and more I want to be alone in the mountains, to just get away and soak up all the energy, fresh air and silence that they offer. Don’t feel like you have to compromise and buy a smaller men’s board. But they have a tendency to rise and fall like the freezing levels of 2014-15 and it’s pretty hard to warranty a board with a company that no longer exists. Consider that you will be taking this board on different terrain than you would take your regular snowboard. With so many components on a complete splitboard setup, it's important to have backup spare parts in case you lose something and need to perform emergency rig surgery.Make sure everything fits into your pack. Itinerary. Size up and find a board with some form of rocker; doing this will allow for more float in deep snow. With a sealed inside edge, factory inserts and pre-installed clips, factory splits are ready to handle anything you can throw at them, and you don't have to hack apart your favorite board. Split hooks are designed to help hold the two halves of the splitboard together and provide increased torsional stiffness. For example, Karakoram, Spark R&D, and Union offer bindings that allow you to lock the heel and skate, and also feature an incredibly simple and easy to use riser system. Furthermore, these bindings often tie into their corresponding interfaces with obvious benefits. If you answered yes and you don’t want to give up the freedom of riding a snowboard, welcome to the wonderful world of splitboarding. The Karakoram system is designed to work with only Karakoram bindings. The interface is what connects the bindings to the splitboard for both touring and riding. Here are some splitboarding terms that will keep you included in the conversation and should help you describe what you're doing on the hill. There are many nuances to splitboarding that can only be learned through experience, but we've put together a few techniques that all splitboarders should follow. When engaged (flipped up), climbing bars reduce calf strain by raising the heel of the foot to be more level with the slope. Check out the backcountry guides below to help you get started: While the concept might seems strange at first, a splitboard is exactly what it sounds like - a snowboard that can be split in half and put back together. Why You Should Take an Avalanche Safety Course and What to Expect. Put your skins on at home, before you leave. Remember, a splitboard is actually two smaller snowboards that are locked together with bindings; it will ride differently. A factory splitboard will have metal edges on all sides to improve edge hold while touring and integrated climbing skin attachments. The Voilé pucks are not included when purchasing bindings. or in Sinaia on Bucegi Mtn., depending on weather conditions. While not for the faint of heart, splitting your own board allows you to choose your desired shape, camber profile, and flex. Practice good skin track etiquette in the backcountry. Increasing lift ticket prices and lighter/cheaper splitboarding gear has caused uphill inbounds traffic to surge in recent years, and in response to this uptick, resorts have mostly embraced the trend, implementing safety policies that include charging for uphill access, restricted uphill travel days/times, or designated uphill routes. While it may be tempting to throw caution to the wind and just get after it, it's important to take the time to familiarize yourself with the basics of your gear and build upon a foundation of safety. © 2001-2020 evo - All rights reserved, all wrongs reversed  |, — American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education, Avalanche Beacons / Transceivers - How to Choose, Alpine Touring Ski Bindings - How to Choose, Dynafit (Tech) Bindings - Getting Started, Outerwear & Layers - How to Dress for the Backcountry. Events Search and Views Navigation. Splitboard specific highbacks allow for increased range of motion while going uphill, and low profile designs reduce hang ups when striding. From freeriders to freestylers, there are many different shapes and camber profiles to accomodate different styles of riding. Ride Agenda Snowboard; Salomon Assassin Snowboard; Jones Snowboards Explorer Splitboard External gear can snag on trees and bushes on the uphill and the uneven swing weight can throw off your balance on the downhill. Having a hard time fitting everything into your pack? Inbounds splitboarding combines all the satisfaction of earning your turns with the conveniences of resort riding: hike uphill, rip some groomed runs, and then grab a snack and use the restrooms at the base area (COVID-19 depending of course). We’ve prepared a number of topics useful to new splitboarders, starting with our FAQ and Splitboard Anatomy which includes a detailed look at the various boards, interfaces, and accessories available in the market today. I have become increasingly adverse to crowds and lift lines in my old age! Covers differences in splitboards, Voile and Karakoram bindings, and the avalanche safety equipment you will need. This is my Prior BC Split 165. Taking on the challenge of earning your turns all year long? Turns all year? Remember, climbing skins made for skis will not fit splitboards! These play an important role in creating a supportive and solid feel, comparable to a normal snowboard. They may sit in your pack for weeks, but once you hit that last icy peak, you’ll be glad you packed them. Tack a T-nut … Don't push yourself too hard (the first person to throw up during the climb has to buy the first round) and focus on your breathing. You do this by first removing the retaining pin, then sliding the bindings backwards off the binding plates and off the board. Grab an open desk and learn all about the fast-growing sport of splitboarding. Splitboard specific bindings designed by Spark R&D, Voilé, and Union's Expedition Splitboard Bindings will work with the puck system. Get off the skin track for bathroom breaks. We'll give you the basics of winter backcountry travel and safety. This is a 1.5-day workshop that will get you off the lifts and into the backcountry! Instant traction in slick situations is never something you want to take for granted. I always get a splitboard that’s 3-5 centimetres longer than the board I ride at the resort. You don’t need to be a snowboarding pro to learn to splitboard. Take care of your skins. Or, if you prefer to travel on your own, check out our ski & snowboard resort travel guides, and mountain bike trail guides. It's not the lightest on the scale but felt the lightest underfoot, earning it an award for its climbing efficiency, snappy secure performance on hardpack, and maneuverability in powder. Experienced riders can get 5+ seasons on a pair of skins; beginners who fail to properly maintain their skins are lucky to get one full season on them. Maintain good posture. The crampons usually attach to the touring pivot point and float to provide a smooth glide followed by supreme traction. There are no groomed runs in the backcountry. Climbing skins attach to the board with adhesive glue, tip clips, and sometimes tail clips. Skins are removed at the top of the run and folded in half (to protect the glue) before being stowed for the ride back down.Crampons: Splitboard crampons are essentially metal spikes that mount to the underside of splitboard bindings and provide additional uphill traction in icy conditions or steep ascents.Puck system: A puck system allows snowboard bindings to be used for splitboarding, both in touring mode and downhill mode. Learn to Splitboard / Ski tour Camp. Note: Most climbing bars come with two height options.Climbing skins: Climbing skins (or just "skins") are strips of material made from a carpet-like plush that are used during uphill splitboarding to allow the individual split skis to glide forward while preventing them from slipping backward. While many snowboarders have little experience skiing, poles are a must for skinning up the mountain. I went on a trip with UCPA and Action outdoors to give it a go for the first time. There are a couple of different bindings that will work with this system. Sidehilling: The practice of moving across a hill, parallel to the horizon, where one splitboard ski is higher than the other and the edges are used to maintain grip. Don't be the jerry who makes everyone wait because it's the first time you've ever tried your new splitboard gear. Much of the learning needed for being a good splitboarder is familiarity with the equipment. Arguably the most important part of the splitboard setup, climbing skins provide the traction necessary to tour uphill. Getting started with splitboarding requires an investment in some specific equipment. When touring, avoid digging in and placing too much weight over your poles. Each episode covers an important aspect of learning to splitboard including avalanche safety, skinning technique and how to set up your splitboard. Snowboard boots also tend to be comfier than ski boots, so splitboarding gives you that advantage over skiing. Heading into the backcountry means you’ll have more opportunity for bumping up against trees, rocks and other obstacles while skinning and riding. Don't bootpack in the skin track. They provide balance (trust us, you'll need it) and let you push with your arms when travelling over flat or rolling terrain. To learn more about skins for a splitboard, see our article How to Choose, Trim and Attach Splitboard Climbing Skins. Upgrade to something bigger or cut down on the gear you want to take. They can help you find the right setup to fit your needs. We recommend that backcountry travelers take an AIARE Level One class or equivalent and practice the skills they learn there regularly with their partners. Our favourite snowboard for men is the Jones Explorer Splitboard, great on most terrains, extremely well made, and the fact that you can turn it into an amazing pair of cross-country skis is an enormous plus. Although using your regular bindings in conjunction with the Voilé system is an option, we highly recommend investing in a pair of splitboard specific bindings for several reasons. Tip and Tail Reinforcement. Attach the tail to the ski (usually with a clip) then press the skin against the base from tip to tail. Make sure you understand how the tip clips work and the collapsible poles collapse. Splitboarding is a great way to escape the crowds, get into nature with your buddies, and access unique terrain, but it can be tough to figure out how to get started. Find a rhythm. No heavy, awkward, and inefficient snowshoes needed here! 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