Optimizing your Splitboard Setup
Setting up a splitboard for backcountry snowboarding can be tricky, and there are common mistakes that many people make. Here are some of the key pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Incorrect Skin Sizing and Application
Mistake: using skins that are too narrow or too wide for your splitboard, leading to either poor grip or excessive weight.
Solution: make sure the skins match the width of your splitboard. They should cover most of the base while leaving the metal edges exposed for edge control on hard snow and ice.
Improper Binding Setup
Mistake: incorrectly mounting bindings or failing to adjust them for the splitboard's touring and riding modes.
Solution: carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting bindings. Ensure the bindings are correctly positioned for both uphill touring and downhill riding. Adjust the angles and stance width to your personal preferences for comfort and control.
Ignoring Stance and Angles
Solution: experiment with different stances and angles to find what feels most comfortable and offers the best control. Many riders prefer a slightly wider stance and angles that suit their riding style (e.g., +15/-15 for a duck stance).
Overlooking Hardware Maintenance
Mistake: neglecting the hardware, which can lead to binding failures or board separation issues in the backcountry.
Solution: check and tighten all hardware regularly, including binding mounts, splitboard clips, and touring brackets. Carry spare parts and tools to make adjustments and repairs in the field.
Inadequate Boot Compatibility
Mistake: using boots that aren’t compatible with splitboard bindings or aren’t suited for backcountry touring.
Solution: use snowboard boots that are designed for splitboarding, offering both comfort for touring and stiffness for riding. Some splitboard-specific boots have features like walk mode or a more flexible sole.
Poorly Adjusted Climbing Risers
Mistake: not using climbing risers or not adjusting them correctly, making uphill travel more difficult.
Solution: familiarize yourself with how to use and adjust your climbing risers. They provide better traction and reduce calf strain on steep ascents.
Inadequate Flex and Shape
Mistake: choosing a splitboard with an inappropriate flex and shape for your riding style and terrain.
Solution: select a splitboard with a flex and shape that matches your intended use, whether it’s for powder, all-mountain, or freestyle backcountry riding. Consider factors like length, width, camber profile, and taper.
Neglecting Practice
Mistake: not practicing transitions between touring and riding modes before heading into the backcountry.
Solution: practice switching your splitboard from touring to riding mode (and vice versa) at home or in controlled environments until you can do it quickly and efficiently.
Ignoring Avalanche Safety
Mistake: focusing solely on the splitboard setup and neglecting avalanche safety equipment and knowledge.
Solution: always carry avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and know how to use it. Take an avalanche safety course and understand the risks of backcountry travel.
By avoiding these common mistakes, your splitboard setup will be optimized for both safety and performance, making your backcountry adventures less stressful and more enjoyable!
