Pure Backcountry Snowboarding
Splitboards
Choose your Sandy Shapes Splitboard
The Sandy Shapes splitboards are specifically developed for snowboard-mountaineering and are a true freeriding dream. Our line consists of four different splitboard models in multiple sizes for any condition and riding style: directional, tapered, swallow-tail, or twin-tip.
A collection of finely crafted wooden splitboards, designed for those who not only love Backcountry Snowboarding, but also climbing with skins and descents in powder all while caring about sustainability and the conservation revolving alpine environments.
What is Splitboarding
Splitboarding is the ultimate expression of freeriding, a discipline that combines ski-touring, mountaineering, and off-piste snowboarding.
Not many people know this, but the first known splitboard design was patented by an Italian rider: Nicolò Manaresi from Bologna in 1990. The design was published in the Italian magazine “SKATESNOWBOARD” in the same year. Immediately after, in 1991, Brett “Kowboy” Kobernik, a Utah Avalanche Forecaster, realized the prototype of what would become the first splitboard model to be commercialized, this by Voile in 1994.
What is a Splitboard, and how is it made
A splitboard is a snowboard that can “split” in half, longitudinally allowing the rider to walk uphill using climbing skins, just like with touring skis.
It sounds very simple, but splitboards are complex equipment. To keep the two halves together during the descent, they are equipped with closing clips and hooks. While to allow the ‘touring’ mode, they are provided with additional internal edges and extra mounting holes, these for attaching the bindings in walking mode.
Splitboard Bindings
To practice splitboarding, it is necessary to have specially dedicated bindings.
These include a mounting in ‘touring mode’ that allows the free movement of the heel while walking and a mounting in ‘riding mode’ which, once you reach the top, will enable you to safely join the two halves of the board and enjoy the descent.
More than any other freeride snowboarder, splitboarders will be able to reach unspoiled mountain terrains, enjoying unique natural landscapes and untracked powder slopes and couloirs.
Splitboards Vs Snowboards
Pros
A splitboard will allow you to climb faster. Not having to carry your board tied to your backpack will allow you to keep the same pace as your freeskier friends and, most importantly, save you precious energy for the descent!
Cons
Featuring 4 edges, clips, and hooks, a splitboard is on average heavier, stiffer, and more expensive than a standard snowboard, and only suitable for riders who already have good technique and experience.
Using a splitboard is undoubtedly faster, more agile and less tiring than using snowshoes. The two halves of the board offer much more surface to move without sinking into the fresh snow too much. The skins allow you to move safely on steeper slopes and to edge better in the traverses, while it is also possible to use dedicated rampants in ice conditions.
For the above reasons, if you’re serious about backcountry snowboarding, a splitboard is the right board for you!
FREERIDE PROFILE
The Sandy Shapes’ Freeride profile is a hybrid camber profile characterized by a wide nose with a sweet and progressive rocker, and a tail with a shorter and tighter curve.
Specially developed for freeriding, this profile guarantees excellent float in powder, helping the rider sink the tail and keeping the nose out the snow without making excessive efforts.
The camber section under the feet makes these kind of boards reactive and manoeuvrable in all snow conditions.
Virtuosa Split
Virtuosa Split is a real big mountain splitboard for experienced riders with a mountaineering approach, developed for demanding tours, steep slopes and challenging rides.
It’s characterized by a directional, but not extreme shape and a good setback, with a wide nose, a generous center and a slim tail.
Virtuosa Split
159 cm – 169 cm wide
for steep slopes & challenging rides
MICROCAMBER
In our Microcamber profile, the arch extends in the binding area, becoming flat before reaching the tip and tail. It rises up with a very wide radius, making these boards highly responsive and accurate.
The camber section under the feet makes this kind of board reactive and maneuverable in all snow conditions.
Zingara Split
The Split version of the Sandy Shapes Zingara is an all-mountain twin splitboard, suitable for both experienced and beginner splitboarders. The twintip shape and medium flex make it manoeuvrable and versatile, while its microcamber grants performance even on ice and difficult terrains. One of the best all-mountain splitboards you will ever ride.
HOW TO USE A SPLITBOARD
Climbing Setup
- Remove the bindings
- Split the board by opening the clips and hooks
- Clean the soles, apply the skins evenly and clip them in position
- Apply the bindings in climbing position
You can now grab your poles and start walking, making some long strides by pushing forward your skis rather than lifting them in a stepping motion.
Riding Setup
- Remove bindings, crampons and skins
- Slide-in together the two halves of your board, make sure that all the clips and hooks are properly closed, and that the inner edges are tight together
- Apply the bindings in riding position as per your preferred freeride stance
Now choose your line and enjoy the ride!
WOMEN’S SPLIBOARDS & SIZING
Considering dimensions, manoeuvrability and flex, our splitboard models most suitable for women are the 153 cm Fantastica Split and both the 153 cm and 159 cm Zingara Split:
Fantastica Split
Zingara Split
SPLITBOARD SETUP & ACCESSORIES
- Splitboard bindings
- Climbing skins
- Splitboard Crampons
- Freeride boots
- Adjustable telescopic or foldable poles
- Backcountry backpack and Safety Kit (more below)
You can always ask for suggestions & recommendations for your personal Splitboard setup.
“No friends on a powder day”?
Well, let us say that isn’t a good idea.
And this for two good reasons:
Freeriding takes place in a natural environment without human intervention or control, and which therefore can expose you to objective and significant risks and dangers.
Don’t just think about avalanches, but also about ice, holes, drops, and obstacles.
Splitboardinrequires good preparation, knowledge of the mountain, and awareness of one’s limitations.
The must have, a safety kit for every freeeride session including 3 fundamental items:
Get out there and enjoy the Mountain with adequate respect. Just like a surfer does in the Ocean. Sandy
ALL OUR SPLITBOARDS
ALL THE CATEGORIES
Freeride, Freestyle, Carving or All-Mountain, whatever your snowboarding style is, we got you covered.
