Author: Tristan Parker
Tristan Parker loves surfing and snowboarding. He’s worked at top companies, bringing his energy and creativity to every project. Whether on the waves, slopes, or at work, Tristan thrives on new challenges and adventures.
The Best Surf Style Snowboards for Wave-like Performance and Maneuverability
Whether sun or snow, surf-style snowboarding is catching on, blending the breathtaking thrill of surfing with the zen-like chill of snowboarding.
These boards aren’t here just to look good. They’re meticulously designed to give you the same free-flowing feeling you get on a wave, but on the snow. Think smooth carves, quick twists and turns, and a whole new thrill to snowboarding!
In this article, we’re taking a look at six surf-style snowboards that will seriously up your snowboarding game. Each one offers something unique, whether it’s better flexibility, kick ass looks or extra mobility. Let’s find your perfect ride and get ready to carve up those slopes!
Now, let’s check out our first contender and see what makes it a standout choice. Not sure what board you need, try our snowboard calculator tool that will select the best board for your needs or our comprehensive snowboard size chart guide.
My Picks For The Best Surf Style Snowboards in 2024
Each snowboard in this collection has been carefully chosen for its flexibility, stability, and control, ensuring an exhilarating riding experience. While we haven’t tested every board ourselves, our selections are informed by a range of sources, including our own rides, recommendations from instructors, seasoned riders, and insights from snowboard shop professionals. Our goal is to inspire and guide you in finding a board that perfectly matches your style and aspirations.
1. The Jones Mind Expander
The Jones Mind Expander is loved for its innovative freeride and all-mountain performance. It offers both freestyle playfulness with free ride power, offering a versatile, exciting experience. Riders love its effortless float in powder and precise carving on packed snow, turning every ride into an adventure. Its unique design inspires a fresh perspective, making familiar runs feel new and thrilling each time.
Key Features
- Wave-like Performance: Smooth, fluid ride like surfing in deep snow.
- Maneuverability: High agility for tree runs and open slopes.
- Flex and Feel: Playful, responsive flex for varied conditions.
- Durability: High-quality construction for adventurous riders.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Distinctive artwork and sleek contours.
Specifications
- Shape
- Spoon-like nose and tapered tail
- Profile
- Rocker nose with flat to mild camber underfoot
- Materials
- Eco-friendly top sheets with carbon stringers
- Base
- Sintered 9900 base
VV Rating
Who Is It Good For
The Jones Mind Expander is perfect for intermediate to advanced snowboarders who crave creativity and versatility. Ideal for those who enjoy playing on the mountain, it boasts ability in both powder and natural features. Eco-conscious riders will appreciate its sustainable materials. If you mix free riding with freestyle and need a board for various snow conditions, the Mind Expander will blow your mind.
The Good
- Excellent floatation in powder, with good grip on harder snow.
- Its flexible and innovative design encourage creative riding.
- Eco-friendly construction aligns with the values of environmentally-minded riders.
The Bad
- The unique shape and flex may take some adjustment and practice.
- Not specifically designed for serious carving at high speeds.
- The softer flex might not suit riders who prefer a stiffer, more aggressive board.
Best Overall
2. The Jones Storm Chaser
The Jones Storm Chaser is perfect for thrill-seekers chasing adventure while prioritising performance. Known for its innovative design, it carves precise lines and handles deep powder with unparalelled ease. Riders love its surf-like feel on the slopes, combining quality and reliability. This is your go-to board for pushing the boundaries and enjoying an exhilarating ride.
Key Features
- Wave-like Performance: Surf-like experience on snow.
- Mobility: Agile for effortless tight turns
- Flex and Feel: Responsive and adaptable.
- Durability: Built to endure tough elements.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Sleek, eye-catching design.
Specifications
- Shape
- Directional, surfboard-inspired for seamless carving
- Profile
- Hybrid camber
- Materials
- Lightweight wood core with carbon stringers
- Base
- Sintered base
VV Rating
Who Is It Good For
The Jones Storm Chaser is ideal for snowboarders who love the thrill of surfing and snowboarding combined. It’s great for those who know what they are doing and want to take their ride to the next level. This board is also perfect for powder enthusiasts and backcountry adventurers, as it excels in deep snow as well as open spaces. Its versatility makes it a top choice for pushing yourself and the limits on the slopes.
The Good
- Excels in deep powder, providing float and control.
- The innovative shape enhances turning precision and overall agility.
- Robust and built to last, making it a wise investment for serious riders.
The Bad
- May be less suitable for beginners due to its aggressive traits. You do need experience first.
- Not the best for highly packed or icy conditions.
- The unique shape might take some getting used to for traditional riders.
Best Powder
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3. The Bataleon Surfer
The Bataleon Surfer is celebrated for its unparalleled float in powder and eye-catching design, making it a favorite among seasoned snowboarders. This 2025 model continues to deliver a true surf-like experience on the snow, with each turn feeling like riding a wave. Ideal for powder-filled days and endless runs, its smooth, forgiving ride makes it a standout choice for those who love both surfing and snowboarding.
Key Features
- Wave-like Performance: Mimics surfing on snow.
- Maneuverability: High agility for navigating tight spots.
- Flex and Feel: Dynamic flex adapts to style and terrain.
- Durability: Built tough for backcountry and powder.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Unique, eye-catching graphics.
Specifications
- Shape
- Deep swallow tail
- Profile
- Medium camber with uplifted side bases and Pow 3BT™
- Materials
- Ultra Light Woodcore with AirRide™ technology
- Base
- Hyper Glide S sintered base
VV Rating
Who Is It Good For
The Bataleon Surfer 2025 is perfect for intermediate to advanced riders who thrive in powder and deep snow. It’s designed for those who understand the nuances of snowboarding and seek a board that offers the fluidity of surfing. With cutting-edge design and technology, it’s a standout board that performs exceptionally well and looks spectacular.
The Good
- Exceptional performance in powder with unmatched float.
- Innovative shape and profile for creative and expressive riding.
- Tough construction for various conditions.
The Bad
- Specialized shape may not be as versatile on groomed runs or hard snow.
- Premium price point.
- Requires a confident rider to fully harness its potential, possibly excluding beginners
Most Premium
5. The Burton Pow Wrench
The Burton Pow Wrench is applauded for its ability to handle deep powder and its ultra-responsive design. Riders appreciate its playful nature and ease of movement in numerous snow conditions. Popular among those who want a laid-back yet responsive board, it moves with you from the first run. The Pow Wrench makes every day on the mountain feel like a thrilling powder day, even in less than perfect conditions.
Key Features
- Wave-like Performance: Smooth and floaty for powder rides.
- Maneuverability: Quick, easy turns for varied terrain.
- Flex and Feel: Soft yet stable for playful maneuvers.
- Durability: High-quality materials for longevity.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Classic design with modern touches.
Specifications
- Shape
- Directional with significant taper
- Profile
- Flat with slight nose rocker
- Materials
- Durable and lightweight components
- Base
- Extruded base
VV Rating
Who Is It Good For
The Burton Pow Wrench is ideally suited for intermediate to advanced riders who are happy to spend time on the powder and face some challenges. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a freestyle approach to free riding, allowing for both spontaneous tricks and relaxed cruising. The board’s versatile nature makes it accessible to those looking to transition into more powder-heavy riding without feeling overwhelmed by a stiffer, more aggressive setup.
The Good
- Incredible float in powder, making it ideal for those epic snow days.
- Highly suitable for creative riding and experimentation.
- Robust construction ensures it can withstand repeated use in the most diverse conditions.
The Bad
- Not the best option for highly aggressive riders looking for a stiff, powerful board.
- Its specialized focus on powder might limit its performance on very hard or icy conditions.
- The extruded base requires more frequent maintenance which can become costly.
Best Value
5. The Nidecker Mosquito
The Nidecker Mosquito is loved by riders who value speed and agility. Known for its quick responsiveness and meticulous turns, it feels as if you are cutting through ocean waves. Perfect for weaving through trees and narrow trails, it combines the speed of alpine boarding with the fluidity of surfing. Snowboarders value its high performance and stylish design, making it a top choice for an exhilarating ride.
Key Features
- Wave-like Performance: Dynamic, surf-like ride.
- Maneuverability: Agile for technical rides and maneuvers.
- Flex and Feel: Responsive flex to rider input.
- Durability: Robust build for demanding conditions.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Sleek, modern, minimalist design.
Specifications
- Shape
- Compact and tapered
- Profile
- Progressive sidecut with camber
- Materials
- High-quality composites
- Base
- Ultra-dense sintered base
VV Rating
Who Is It Good For
The Nidecker Mosquito is tailor-made for advanced riders who live and breathe speed and precision. Its design caters to those who enjoy more difficult challenges such as navigating through tight forested areas or performing quick, sharp turns. This board is particularly well-suited for more adept snowboarders looking to push their limits and explore new heights of their riding capabilities. It’s also a standout choice for riders who prioritise high speeds without compromising on control or comfort.
The Good
- Excellent for quick, sharp maneuvers and high-speed runs.
- The compact design makes it ideal for tricky terrains and challenging slopes.
- High-quality design and materials ensure long-lasting durability.
The Bad
- Not the best choice for beginners due to its aggressive and technical nature.
- May not perform as well in very deep powder due to its shorter length.
- Its specialized design might limit its versatility across different snowboarding styles.
Best for Agility
FAQ
A surf style snowboard is designed to mimic the feeling of surfing on snow. These boards typically feature design elements like directional shapes, rocker profiles, and flexible constructions that allow for fluid, wave-like movements on the slopes.
Surf-style snowboards are ideal for riders who enjoy a playful, fluid riding style and often ride in powder or soft snow conditions. They are particularly popular among intermediate to advanced riders who want to add a surf-like feel to their snowboarding.
While surf style snowboards are generally recommended for intermediate to advanced riders due to their unique shapes and flexible characteristics, there are models that are forgiving and suitable for beginners interested in this style of riding.
Surf style snowboards excel in powder and softer snow conditions where their design allows for excellent float and maneuverability. They may not perform as well on very hard or icy conditions due to their softer flex and rocker profiles.
Choosing the right surf style snowboard depends on several factors including your riding level, typical snow conditions, and personal preferences in board feel and handling. Consider the board’s shape, flex, and intended use (e.g., powder, all-mountain) when making your decision.
