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,
You helped me pick a board a couple years ago after getting back on the horse after an injury. Thank YOU! Now I’m looking for your opinion on an upgrade or an addition.
I’m 5’8” 155-160lbs with size 9s. I went with a 2017 Ride Wildlife in 155. I’m now looking for something more powder specific that can still charge but will still be nimble enough in the trees. I’ve got a couple used boards on the radar in a 2017 Burton Landlord, and 2018 Skeleton Key both in in 154. I also am considering the Flight Attendant 156 and Jones Hovercraft 156. Curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks.
Hi Jeff
Good to hear from you again.
Firstly, I think the Hovercraft in the 156 is probably on the too big side. It’s quite a wide board and something you want to size down for unless you have a longer foot/boot size. For your specs, with the combination of length and width, I think the 156 would be too long.
The other boards would work and sizing would work too, IMO. I haven’t ridden the Landlord but what I know of it/specs etc, I think it would likely be the most nimble of the 3 Burton options there – largely because it’s narrower and shorter than the Flight Attendant and sounds like it’s a surfier, slightly softer flexing feel. So I think that would likely be the most nimble option for you. The Skeleton Key 154 I think is a good size. It’s a little wider, but sizing down a little to the 154 it would work. It’s also a softer more easy going ride than the Flight Attendant. The Flight Attendant isn’t ultra stiff by any means – but it’s more like 7/10, compared to the Skeleton Key’s 5.5/10. Size wise, the FA is narrower than the SK, so going 156 is a good bet for your specs, IMO, assuming a relatively advanced level.
I think between the 3, it depends if you want something more carvy, a little more aggressive and better stability at speed (Flight Attendant) or a slightly more relaxed, slightlier surfier feel (SK & Landlord). All 3 will be more precise/locked-in feeling than the Wildlife, IMO. But the SK & Landlord a little less so than the Flight Attendant.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for getting back to me Nate! Do you have any other recommendations for a more powder oriented board that will have good float and be fun charging in the powder as well as being nimble in the trees? Do any boards blend those well? What would you ride for that?
Hi Jeff
Yeah definitely some boards blend that well. First boards that come to mind:
– YES PYL
– Capita Kazu
– Capita Navigator
– GNU Mullair
– Never Summer Westbound
These boards will let you charge, but I also found to be nimble at slower speeds, and good float in powder.
Hi Nat,
I really appreciate what you do – please don’t stop & I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
I want to share one of my concerns…
I’m willing to buy a board which bombs the slope, going well on uneven terrain, but also has a good flow on pow. After reading this post I’m close to choose YES Hybrid, but still thinking of Mervin boards and it’s Magne Traction technology…
And here is the concern: basing on your experience – does Magne Traction really makes that big difference when carving and riding on icy slopes/uneven terrain?
Thanks!
Hi Peter
Thanks for your message.
I do find that magnetraction does improve edge-hold in hard/icy conditions. It’s certainly not the only factor – there are other things – like a board with more camber tends to have better edgehold in hard/icy conditions over a board with more rocker (all else being equal) – and of course how sharp the edges of the board are – and the edge bevel also play a bit part. But in my experience magnetraction makes a difference. However, that said, YES boards with Mid-Bite and Underbite tend to work well in hard/icy conditions too.
If I had to say, all else being equal on a board, then maybe magnetraction slightly more edgehold in icy conditions, but there’s not a lot in it, IMO – and I wouldn’t use it as deal breaker, unless you really need a tie breaker between two boards. Like, if you were like, I like these two boards equally, and these two boards are the perfect size/dimensions for me, then you could use it as a final tie breaker, but otherwise wouldn’t put too much on it. Certainly if you need good edge-hold in ice, then are some boards I wouldn’t look at, but between YES and Mervin it’s not a big difference, IMO.
Also, keep in mind that not all Mervin boards are the same in terms of edge-hold in icy conditions. For example, I found the Hybrid better in icy conditions than the GNU Hyperkyarve. I think part of that is just that the Hybrid has more camber.
Anyway, hope this helps with your decision
hi Nate:)
current board Burton Flightattendant 162w
height 185cm
weight 117kg
problem. I feel it gives away way to easily on hard and icy snow
im an old experienced rider , snowboard used to be my life and I have done a fair bit of competitions and so on. even tho im now a fat and old dad I do really know how to ride.
before the attendant I used to ride a Burton supermodel 162 and I really liked it. however that was not only twenty years ago I am now also almost 40 kg heavier. so I haven’t been riding much in a long time. But im trying to get back in the saddle again, mostly riding with my son. I like to ride fast and make long and tight carves. maybe hit some powder if I find it. hit side edges and so on.. Now looking for a new board
but the attendant gives away to easily, I don’t know if the problem is the construction of the board with its taperd tail or its just the board thats to short for my old and fat bodyweight.
all the sizcharts I’ve seen online sugests boards 166-170. maybe im living in denial but do I really need that long board?
I’ve been thinking about the Burton custom x 166 w
or the hometown hero 165 w.
or jones flagship 165w . but since I have Burton channel bindings I rather not switch them out im pretty stuck with Burton.
or do you think I need an even longer board?
best regards from the very north of Sweden.
Petter
Hi Petter
Thanks for your message.
I think going longer is going to be a good idea. I don’t think you need to go as long as 170 though. But I would size up to around 164-166. If you think that Taper is playing a role, then I would be leaning towards the Custom X 166W – as the Hometown Hero and Flagship both have more taper than the Flight Attendant.
If you wanted to keep a bit of taper, there are some other options that grip better in hard/icy snow. I think Custom X would work for what you’re describing, but if you wanted some other options in a more tapered shape but with better hard/icy conditions grip, I would be happy to give some examples.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
I can’t explain how crucial this site has been in helping me find the right board! Really appreciate all the work you’ve done here.
I have narrowed down my options to Burton Flight Attendant or Skeleton key (open to other Burton recs! )
Context:
– Typically ride west coast (will be living in Tahoe, trips to Jackson / Big Sky)
– I am coming from a Burton Custom Twin flying V from 2017.
– Absolutely love the pop and appreciate some of the forgiveness but the board is super chattery at high speeds. I rarely ride switch anymore aside from the occasional 180.
– I think its time to move toward something more directional. I want something for all mountain.
Riding style:
– I love side hits/popping off rollers or anything haha
– Not much park but will probably hit jumps mainly straight airs with a grab and the occasional spin.
– A lot of fast riding, I would say I do more riding straight with skidded turns than I do big carves.
– I will definitely do some hiking this year.
H / W:
– I am 6ft
– but weigh like ~140
– So I fear that the FA at 156 will be too much board for me and the 152 will be too short.
Both seem like great boards but I feel stuck in the middle. The skeleton key is seems to be too soft while the FA seems too stiff. I fear I’ll loose agility with the FA in tighter trees / moguls. But I fear that the skeleton key will be too playful and not stable enough (and potentially not as poppy).
I am planning on keeping the old custom twin (but still for the sake of traveling think I would like to find a solid all around board). Sorry for the long question, I cant thank you enough!
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message.
Definitely understand your concerns and how you want to get it right.
The Skeleton Key is pretty stable for it’s flex – and it’s not super soft. So I wouldn’t be too worried about it’s stability at speed. And the FA isn’t super stiff either. Although if you were to go 156, it would feel stiffer at your weight than what I would feel it, so if you are concerned about it being too stiff, I would be a little wary of going 156. The Skeleton Key in a 154 is also likely to feel a little stiffer than 5.5, IMO. Not by much, but maybe more like a 6/10 for you. So, from that respect, I would be leaning towards 154 Skeleton Key over 156 FA. The 152 FA I think would be doable – on the shorter end for you. I would predict that would feel more like a 7/10 for you in that size. But I would be concerned about width for that size. If you could let me know your boot size, that would really help for sizing.
The Hometown Hero is another option from Burton that might suit what you’re describing too – and has a flex in between the FA and Skeleton Key (by my feel).
But yeah if you can let me know your boot size, that would be great.
Thank you for the fast reply!
My current boot size is 11.5 and I have the Malavita Bindings.
Hi Jason
With 11.5s, the 152 and 156 FA are going to be too narrow for you, IMO. If you’re coming from a narrow board (not sure what size your Custom Twin is), and you’re confident on something that narrow, then you might be OK, but otherwise, they are definitely on the narrow side, IMO. The 159W FA is going to be too big, so there’s not really a suitable size for the FA, IMO.
The Skeleton Key is a wider board, so the 154 Skeleton Key would give you a bit more leeway there. But it’s still borderline for 11.5s. Again, if you’re coming from something relatively narrow and are comfortable with it, then it might be doable – more doable than the FA, IMO. For reference the 154 Skeleton Key will be roughly 266mm at the inserts versus the FA 156 at around 258mm at the inserts.
For the Hometown Hero, the 156W would be a good width, IMO. The length works too. On the bigger side, but being slightly softer than the FA, might be OK and might be good to have a longer board in the quiver. What size Custom Twin do you have?
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.