This list represents what I consider to be the best surfy freeride snowboards for the 2020/21 season.
This list is new this year and comes about because there are so many freeride models out there these days, and so many new ones that are softer flexing than there used to be.
The ratings for this list give a higher importance to powder, uneven terrain & agility than the other freeride list and less importance to carving and speed.
Note that the "surfy freeride" category represents freeride boards that are in that softer flex range - 6.5/10 or less. They're not necessarily "surfy" feeling boards as such. "Slightly softer flexing freeride" just didn't have the same ring as a category name!
To be eligible for this list the board had to:
- Be 6.5/10 or less for flex; and
- Have a freeride shape
Some boards might be more powder specialized, some might have a more surfy feel and some a more precise feel.
As is tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com each board is given a score out of 100.
Some Quick Stats
Of the 28 Surfy Freeride boards I looked at:
O.k. let’s get into the top 10!
FREERIDE BOARD #10
Board: Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 83.3/100
Feel: Semi-locked in/precise
Starting the list at #10, we have Burton's Hometown Hero.
This board was so popular last year, that it's the only Family Tree option that had a 2020 model and is returning with a 2021 model - that plus it got 5 new sizes for 2021!
But that of course is not the reason it made this list. The Hometown Hero makes this list for how good it is in powder, whilst still being able to carve well and be pretty stable at speed, whilst at the same time being a softer flexing freeride option.
Great for those that want that directional freeride board and don't like boards that are too stiff, but still want a more stable/precise feel rather than a surfy feel.
Learn more about the Hometown Hero in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Hometown Hero
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 24/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 14/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 83.3/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #9
Board: Never Summer Harpoon
- CANADA
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 83.9/100
Feel: Semi Surfy
In at #9 we have the Never Summer Harpoon.
The Harpoon is a surfier option than the Hometown Hero, so if that's what you're looking for, then it's worth checking out for sure.
And for a surfier board, it can still lay down a good carve.
Learn more about the Harpoon in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Harpoon
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 14/20 |
TURNING | 3.5 | 14/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 83.9/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #8
Board: Jones Mind Expander
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 85.6/100
Feel: Surfy
At #8, we have the Jones Mind Expander.
The Mind Expander is more of a powder specialist. A great addition to your quiver as your go to powder board.
That said, it's still a fun board to slash around on groomers and through trees when the powder's tracked.
Learn more about the Mind Expander in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Mind Expander
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 30/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 2.0 | 2/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.6/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #7
Board: GNU Hyperkyarve
- CANADA
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 86.7/100
Feel: Surfy
The Hyperkyarve is a great option for those looking for a surfy options that goes well in the powder but also really nice on the groomers, if you like a really easy turning board that feels like it's surfing powder even on hard pack - OK maybe not quite, but it has that looser more easy going feel even on groomers, and just really good in tight spaces too.
But in spite of all of that, it can still carve and handles a bit of speed well too - and not bad for jumping, so it's quite versatile too.
Learn more about the The Hyperkyarve in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Hyperkyarve
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 24/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.7/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #6
Board: Capita Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft
- CANADA
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 86.7/100
Feel: Surfy
Coming in at #6 is the Capita Spring Break Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft - say that 10 times fast!
Apart from the interesting name, the UPDS, for short, is a super fun, surfy ride that is predominantly a powder/tree board.
It's a quiver board - one you get for powder days, or those whiteout days when you just want to spend the day in the trees, so you can actually see! - but a great addition to any quiver, if you're looking for a board to surf powder or something super nimble to weave through the trees.
Trees on a powder day - a match made in heaven for this board!
Check out the video below for more
Score Breakdown for the Powder Displacement Snowcraft
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 30/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 1.0 | 1/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.7/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #5
Board: Lib Tech Dynamo
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 87.8/100
Feel: Stable
Despite the C3 camber profile, the Dynamo has a surfier feel than you'd think. I wouldn't say it was super surfy, but it's part way between being surfy and being precise - and quite an all-mountain feel to it, despite being more directional than a typical all-mountain board.
So you get a nice easy going freeride option, that's also versatile enough to easily be your daily driver.
Score Breakdown for the Dynamo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 24/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.8/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #4
Board: Endeavor Scout
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Rating: 87.8/100
Feel: Stable
In the #4 spot, we have Endeavor’s Scout.
This is the kind of board you would think would be more powder specialist than it is. Yes, it is very good for riding powder - but surprisingly good on a carve too, especially for its flex.
This is a board you size down for, so it's a great option for riding trees too - and it's really nimble too - so it's not just a "look I'm small so I can ride trees", which doesn't always work out so well.
Check out the Video below for more on the Scout
Score Breakdown for the Scout
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.8/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #3
Board: Capita Navigator
- CANADA
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 90.0/100
Feel: Stable
The Navigator is a nice softer freeride board that is at it's best in powder and in the trees, but it's also surprisingly stable at speed for its flex.
And as an added bonus it's also quite easy on the wallet!
Check out this video for more on the Navigator
Score Breakdown for the Navigator
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.0/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #2
Board: Burton Skeleton Key
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 90.0/100
Feel: Semi-locked in/precise
And coming in the #2 spot, we have the Burton Skeleton Key.
Like the Hometown Hero earlier in this list, the Skeleton Key is a great option for someone who still wants a freeride board that has that locked in/precise feel, rather than a looser/surfier feel, but still doesn't want anything overly stiff.
Great in pow, but also equally at home carving up the groomers.
Learn more about the Skeleton Key in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Skeleton Key
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 1.5 | 1.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.0/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #1
Board: Yes Hybrid
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 90.6/100
Feel: Stable
And finally the #1 spot goes to the YES Hybrid.
The Hybrid is the love child of YES' Pick Your Line at 420 - and it's a super fun ride.
It sits perfectly in that middle ground between surfy and precise and is really versatile - you can slash it up, float the pow or carve and bomb, and it's even really nice for jumps too.
The Hybrid is rather wide - so another one that you want to size down for, depending on boot size.
Check out the Video below for some more info on the Hybrid
Score Breakdown for the Hybrid
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.6/100 |
Over to You
This is quite a diverse category, so even though this list is in order, what suits you best will depend on what you're looking for.
Everything thing here is at least above average in powder, but some are more powder specialists, some have a surfy feel, whilst some have a more precise, more locked-in feel, for those just looking for a softer freeride board, but still want a more carvy/precise feel.
Thanks for reading and I hope this post has helped you find your perfect "surfy", aka softer flexing, freeride board.
If you want to learn more about any of these boards or check out current prices/availability, check out the links at the top of each board description above.
Hey Nate, I have snowboarded the past few seasons on some big old board I bought for $50 in Canada… it’s done me well up in BC and other places I’ve been, but now I just moved to Flagstaff, AZ and will be riding like 2-5 days a week… I’m not quite sure what to get but when you say “surfy”, it sounds up my alley… maybe you could provide some guidance/clarity? I am not a speed demon. Ideally, I’d live next to the beach and surf every day, but Snowboarding is the next best thing (maybe even better after my first true season?)… I like to just cruise, lay down some big carves, have fun and focus on style… these boards look good, but I don’t want to get on something that’s too technical and I find myself catching an edge and eating crap often.
Any guidance you have would be much appreciated.
Hi Colton
Thanks for your message.
If you’re looking to ride predominantly in one direction (i.e. not riding switch a lot) and aren’t really going to be doing a lot of freestyle stuff (park etc), and you want something that’s a little more mellow than a stiff freeride board, then this is the right place to be, IMO. Like I mentioned at the top of the list – the term “surfy” is perhaps not fully accurate in this case – it’s more like “easy going, softer” freeride boards – but that doesn’t really have a ring to it! I’m thinking of changing it to “mellow” freeride boards, as someone has suggested.
But since you are looking for something surfy, there are some on this list that certainly do have a nice surfy feel to them. And typically anything surfy feeling isn’t going to be catchy. For each board I’ve listed a “feel” for them, to note if they’re more surfy/loose, or more locked-in/precise. Check those out to get an idea of what might suit you. The Hyperkyarve was the board that first sprung to mind as I read through your message. It’s very easy going and has that surfy feel to it. The Jones Mind Expander is another good surfy option. As is the Capita Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft, but it’s more powder specialized and really a quiver board, that you’d usually get in addition to another board.
Size is important too. I would be happy to give you my opinion on size if you wanted it. I would just need your height, weight and boot size. I already have how you like to ride and your rough ability level (which also come into sizing.
Nice list. Since some of the boards aren’t that surfy you could call it “mellow freeride”… Something that may fit in this category, which I am interested in, is the Lib Tech BRD (solid). Have you had a chance to ride it? Seems like it would be fun in moderate powder and have decent performance without being too demanding. Any thoughts on this board? Thanks!
Hi Chip
Thanks for the suggestion. I might change it to “mellow”. Will let it simmer and see.
I haven’t ridden the BRD unfortunately, but I agree, based on specs and my experience with other similar Lib Tech boards, that it would likely be a good fit for this category. Hard to say how it would feel in real life, but with Lib Tech rating it 6 or 7 in flex, depending on size, and (IMO anyway) since they’re boards are often a little softer flexing, by me feel, than their ratings, it’s likely to be around 6/10 flex, I’d say – so yeah. It does have the C3 camber, but then so does the Dynamo, which is mellow, despite the C3 camber. Will have to try to get on it this season.