Although it sounds like it is the brand of a snowboard, a Freeride Snowboard actually describes the type of snowboarding that you are going to be doing. It is a specific style of board that is suitable for a particular skill level and riding style.

Freeride snowboarding is a sort of snowboarding that refers to a broad snowboard style that can be enjoyed in just about any landscape and condition. The snowboards used in this style of riding cross a wide range and can be appropriate for beginners and skilled riders equally. The philosophy behind freeride snowboarding is to just enjoy the ride you get from going down the hill. It is a style that is as relaxed about the sport as it is possible to get.

The type of snowboard you will need to buy will depend on a diversity of factors such as your weight, height or your foot size. It will also depend on the kind of snowboarding you are planning on on taking part in. There are 3 broad categories of snowboards. Freestyle boards, aka technical boards, Alpine boards which are on occasion referred to as carving boards and finally freeriding boards, also called all mountain boards.

All snowboard manufacturers produce a range of freeride snowboards, so whether you have a loyalty to the Burton brand which is that largest and possibly the best known of the snowboard makers, or you hold an allegiance to K2, Ride, Forum or Arbor Snowboards or any of the other numerous snowboard companies, each will have more than one type of freeride snowboard to choose from. Pictured to the right is a Nitro snowboard that is typical of the freeride style.

Freeriding snowboard are the most widespread types of boards and are most likely the style of snowboard you are fitted with if you are snowboarding for the first time and have lobbed into a hire shop. The freeride board is a good versatile snowboard that will allow you to complete some basic tricks and will also give you good speed down the hill. In other words this kind of board has been intended to suit the widest range of snowboard skill as possible.

Generally speaking, the freeride snowboard is a medium-length snowboard with standard rigidity neither soft-flexing nor stiff making them fitting for a range of snow situations. They are also designed with the tip and the tail slightly upturned enabling them to be ridden forwards or, for briefly, backwards (fakie) if that's the kind of thing you want to do with your snowboard.

Freeride snowboards are not only made for male snowboarders. Women's snowboarding is just as popular and freeride snowboards made specifically for women, catering for the lighter and smaller frames, are also available such as this stylish freeride snowboard from Salomon Snowboards.

If you are taking up snowboarding and planning to go out to buy a new snowboard you must first think about the kind of snowboarding you're going to want to do and then buy the type of snowboard that suits that sort. If you plan on generally enjoying the different types of snowboarding options available at a ski resort} then possibly a cheap freeride snowboard is the board for you.