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The Good Ride 2026 Snowsurf Favorite Snowboards

 

Welcome to the 2026 Freeride Favorite Snowboards list that comes from more extensive testing and comparing than any other list you will read. 

2026 Snowsurf Favorites – A Best Of List by The Good Ride

What Is A Snowsurf Snowboard To The Good Ride?

As a lifelong ocean surfer, I see it as a board that rides really set back near the tail, as you do on most short boards in the ocean. These often float like dedicated pow boards but also offer an enjoyable turn on groomers. They generally shine with a positive stance width, and they do a great job emulating the kind of turns you would do on a wave. Just like surfboards, there are all kinds of snowsurf rides out there.

Why Should You Trust This List?

If you don’t know about me (James Biesty), I’ve ridden Close to 1,000 snowboards. And while I love all kinds of snowboard designs, I’m also a lifelong surfer. Surfing was my first passion before snowboarding, and even though I live in the mountains now, I still surf the river wave here in Bend, and surfing will always be a large part of my life.

Not A Pay To Play List

I also put out honest, objective reviews after extensive testing and comparison. No one else does that, and of course, this is no pay-to-play list. These boards earned this spot only by how they ride.

Stranda Tree Surfer $949 (Damp Snowsurf with a Freeride)

Ability Level: Advanced  to Experts but Committed Intermediates Can Give It A Try

Size 159 & 162

Shape: -15 mm Taper, Very Directional Split Tail & Very Set Back

Setback On Sidecut:-22mm @ 53cm

Setback On Board: -6.125” @ 20.5” Set All The Way Back From The End Of The Tail  & -9.75″ From the V in the Split Tail All The Way Back

Camber Profile: Directional Camber with mild early rise in the tail & Considerable Rocker Before The Nose

Flex: Medium Stiff With a Little Softer Nose

Positives/Swipe Right

• Turns Really Quick For Its Width
• Very Damp but Still Has Good Pop
• Really Great Low Angle Pow float
• Still Super Fun To Carve On Groomers
• Really fast base
• Xtra Mini Disc Friendly Set Back Inserts

Negatives/Swipe Left

• Not many sizing options
• 5cm between sizes

Summary

The Stranda Tree Surfer is damp, has a fast base, super easy float, and rapid turn initiation for its width and flex. It also has less of a swallowtail feel than most swallowtails. It’s a great board to ease into a riding position, as it accommodates a slightly ducked stance. I love taking the 162 out on deep days but it really surprised me at how well both the 157 and 162 can turn on groomers as well. They accelerate through a turn really well and really have a thrilling carve to them. This is one of my personal favorites, and my only issue is that after riding both the 157 and 162, I can’t decide which I prefer.

Full Stranda Tree Surfer Review

Buy from Stranda –  $949.99 (List Price) Telos DST Buy it Now

 

Burton Smooth Operator $849 (Great Pop, Float, and Good Dampness)

Ability Level: Committed Intermediate to Expert

Size 160 & 164

Shape: -10 mm Taper, Very Directional Swallow Tail & Very Set Back

Setback On Sidecut -12.5mm @ 21.25″

Setback On Board: -10.65” @ 21.25” Set All The Way Back From The End Of The Tail All The Way Back

Camber Profile: Directional Camber With A Little Early Rise Before The Spoon Nose

Flex: Medium Stiff With a Softer Nose

Positives/Swipe Right

• Super Fun To Turn/Carve On Groomers
• Upper Tier / Easy Pop
• Great in Pow
• Still Super Fun To Carve On Groomers

Negatives/Swipe Left

• Not the best in hard snow, but doable
• Base Glide Should Be better at $900

Summary

Burton’s take on snowsurf means this board doesn’t have that tapered feel on groomers because it’s the same width over each insert, but in pow that taper comes alive, and this still rides really set back. This has such a lively but not overly chattery flex that really does have a smooth turn to it. And while it’s hard to get Sade out of your head when you’re turning this, it’s one really fun ride on groomers and looks like it would be amazing in powder. After riding the 160 and 164, I would love to have a 164 in my quiver, and it could give me similar float to the 3D Fish but with a much better turn on groomers so I could use it a lot more.

Full Burton Smooth Operator Review

Buy From Blauer Board Shop – $899 Buy it Now

 

 

Soul Shift $700 (Amazing Pop Without Chatter – One of My Favorite Snowsurf Rides I’ve Tried)

Ability Level: Committed Intermediae To Expert

Size 159

Shape: -35mm of Taper / Very Set Back / Very Directional Swallow Tail

Setback on Sidecut: ??
Setback On Board: -7.75″@ 21.75″ From the Tail & -12 from The V In The Swallow Tail All The Way Back

Camber Profile: Directional Camber with Lifted sides near the tip/tail and a Big Spoon Nose

Flex: Medium/Stiff with a softer nose and Excellent Pop

Positives/Swipe Right

• Amazing Pop & Drive
• Amazing Board To Carve
• Minimal Chatter For All This Pop
• Spoon Tech makes it forgiving but not Washy
• Near Excellent Pow Float
• Incredibly Versatile Pow & Groomer Surfer

Negatives/Swipe Left

• Only 2 Sizes

Summary

The Soul Shift is not that well-known, but it truly is special. Davy, our big guy reviewer, and I both love this board, and it’s one of our personal favorites. If we could only have one snowsurfer, this would be it. It has more camber pop and drive than any other board on this list, and it’s even more special that it has minimal chatter. The spoon nose and tail bleed into the effective edge, which I usually don’t like. However, this lifted tech works almost intuitively with no learning curve. It makes this more forgiving and better to turn without feeling waxy, and it’s such a fun ride in all conditions.

For 2026, they improved the pop without adding any more chatter and made it even better than in past years. It even has a black base now which we greatly prefer. The only issue is that sizing is limited, so if you can’t find a Shift in your size, you can always go with the Korua Dart, which is an honorary mention. However, after lots of same-day comparisons, both Davey and I found the Soul Shift to be the better daily driver.

Soul Shift Full Review

We Don’t Have An Affiliate Link But You Can Buy It At Soul – $700 Buy it Now

 

Salomon Wolle Nyvelt Fish $699 (Medium But Poppy Flex / Air Friendly For Snowsurf)

Ability Level: Advanced To Expert Riders, but maybe a committed intermediate

Size 157

Shape: -20mm Taper / Very Set back/ Very Directional Swallow Tail

Setback On Sidecut: -15mm @ ??

Setback On Board: -5.325″@ 22” From The Tail and -725” @ 22″ From The V In The Swallow Tail All The Way Back

Camber Profile: Directional Camber With Early Rise In The Nose

Flex: Medium  / Softer Nose / Great Pop

Positives/Swipe Right

• Fast Base
• Easy Pow Float
• Super Fun Groomer Turner
• Great For A Turny Rider
• Great For Medium Speed Carves

Negatives/Swipe Left

• Not For Harder Chargers

Summary

Ever since they added recycled ABS to the outside of the sidewalls, the Salomon Wolle Nyvelt Fish has transformed into a still very poppy but much more manageable ride in all conditions. It’s got a fast base, super-easy float, and a really Springy, fun turning experience. I also really appreciate this somewhat mediumish flex that really makes this fun to turn at any speed.

Full Salomon Wolle Nyvelt Fish Review

Buy From Evo – $699 Buy it Now

 

 

Weston Japow $659 (More Than Just A Pow Board)

Ability Level: Intermediate to Expert
Size 159 & 164

Shape: 25mm Taper / Very Directional / Very Set Back Swallow Tail
Setback On Sidecut 0mm @ 21.6” on sidecut

Setback On Board: -11.625” @ 22.5” All The Way Back (I think 22″ on the 159)

Camber: Directional Camber with Rocker Before The Nose

Flex: Medium Nose/ Medium Stiff Everywhere Else / Semi-Easy To Butter / Good Pop

Positives/Swipe Right

• Amazing Float
• Great High Speed Groomer Carver
• Very Durable Top Sheet
• Great for Deep High Speed Open Pow Runs
• Still Easy To Turn For Its Length
• Amazing Low Angle Pow Ride

Negatives/Swipe Left:

• Swallow Tail Can Feel Too Soft In Pow

Summary

The Japow is an amazing low-angle pow board, but it’s also a really special board to turn on groomers, and not a lot of people talk about that. It has a powerful, down-the-line turn that picks up speed. In powder, it becomes much easier to maneuver, but you can still light it up in wide-open terrain. It has a fast base, a very durable top sheet, and it’s an excellent choice for those who want that Step Up feel on snow, but with a swallowtail shape. After riding and loving a159 and 164, I’m now really 169 curious about those ultra-deep, low-angle days I see at Bachelor. If you want to tear down a wide open Volcano when it’s deep, it’s hard to do better.

Full Weston Japow Review

Buy Direct From Weston $649 Buy it Now

Buy From Evo – $649 Buy it Now

 

 

Nidecker Beta $619 & Beta APX $519 (Versatile Front Foot Driver & Best For Getting Air)

 

Ability Level: Advanced to Expert
Size 157 & 162

Shape: -10mm Taper / Very Directional / Pretty Set Back
Setback On Sidecut 40mm-50mm @ 21.25” on sidecut

Setback On Board: -5″ @ 22″ All The Way Back & -6.75” measured from the Center of the quasi swallow tail on the 157

Camber: Directional Camber with a little Rocker Before the tail and more before the Spoon Nose

Flex: Medium-Stiff / OK To Butter / Great Pop for the Beta APX and Good Pop but More Dampness For the Beta

Positives/Swipe Right

• Great Front Foot Carver
• Really Fun High Speed Groomer Carver
• Really Good For Getting Air
• Changes to a slashy Turny board In Pow
• Beta Is Best For Uneven Snow, and APX is best for perfect to ok groomers.

Negatives/Swipe Left:

• Not good for back foot carvers

Summary

The Beta APX has lots of camber and pop, but still manages chatter very well for a high-end version of a regular model. It has a very satisfying, lively, drivey, front-footed, down-the-line turn to it on groomers. Then, in powder, the spoon nose and taper come together to make this feel much more turny and slashy. It’s a little less setback on board vs. most of the snowsurfers on this list, but it’s better for getting air because of that. If you want something cheaper, you can go with the low-cost favorite, the regular Nidecker Beta. It’s got a little less pop and a slower base, but it’s more damp in all conditions and comes at a good price.

Full Nidecker Beta APX Review

Full Nidecker Beta Review

Buy The Beta From Blauer Board Shop – $519 Buy it Now

Or Buy The Beta APX From Evo $619 Buy it Now

Buy the Beta APX or Beta Direct From Nidecker $519-$619 Buy it Now

 

 

Gentemstick Barracuda $1,150 (Amazing Base & Excellent Good Conditions Ride)

Ability Level: Wealthy Intermediates to Experts

Shape: 420mm Taper / Very Directional Set Back Swallow Tail

Setback on Sidecut: -20mm @ ??
Setback On Board: -10.5” @ 22” All The Way Back on Board

Camber: Mellow Directional Camber With Considerable Rocker after The Front Insert

Flex: Medium Stiff/ Easy To Butter / Great Pop For Such A Mellow Camber

Positives/Swipe Right

• Super Light and Poppy
• Super Fast Base
• Near Exceptional Pow Float
• Very Forgiving

Negatives/Swipe Left

• Can Be Bucky and Chattery
• Not Many Size Options

Summary

The Gentermstick Barracuda is a very light and poppy ride that isn’t the best in uneven snow, but when you get this in good conditions, it just comes alive and truly shines. The base is special and has effortless glide in good conditions. Of course, it’s such a fun board to turn in pow, but it’s also a really fun groomer board too. Same with the Barracuda HP if you want something a little stiffer and narrower.

It’s been a while since I rode these, but I still think of them fondly. If I were headed to Japan, this would be a board I’d want to have in my quiver when I’m there, and I like it so much more personally than the Rocket Fish and Chaser models. I feel like I have more tail behind me and more stability vs. those rides. It’s such a special board that I don’t mind the chatter and sometimes bucky nature it can have in uneven snow. If you want something stiffer and narrower, check out the Gentemstick Barracuda HP, which I hold in just as high esteem as the regular Barracuda.

Full Gentemstick Barracuda Review

Buy From Evo – $1,150 Buy it Now

 

 

Jones Storm Chaser $699 (Shorter Wider Snowsurf with Grip & Float)

Ability Level: Advanced to Expert

Shape: -20mm Taper / Very Directional / Very Set Back Swallow Tail

Setback On Sidecut:-20mm @ 23.6”

Setback On Board -6.75” @ 22.8″ All The Way back on board. -9.75″ From Center of the Swallow Tail. 

Camber: Directional Camber With Lots of Early Rise Before The Nose & A Lot of Spoon In the nose. 

Flex:  Med-Stiff / Ok To Butter / Easy Pop

Positives/Swipe Right:

• Best Grip On This List
• Really Fun to Turn And Carve With the Back Seat Camber
• Really Fun Short/Wide Take On Snowsurf
• Really good mid-angle (considered low to Jones) pow board

Negatives/Swipe Left:

• Doesn’t keep its speed well in really deep, low-angle pow
• Not the best in Bumps

Summary

This shorter/wider snowsurf shape is the only board on this list with a disrupted sidecut that actually grips like a champ on hard snow. So if you like short, wide swallow tail twins in the ocean, you might really like the Storm Chaser on snow. It, of course, floats and turns super well in powder with all that rocker and spoon nose, but now that it has back seat camber, its groomer performance is really underrated. I actually like this just as much on groomers now as I do in pow. It truly has an all-conditions ride for those who want a more back-foot-weighted turn.

Full Jones Storm Chaser Review

Buy From Blauer Board Shop – $699.00 Buy it Now

 

 

Korua Pencil Classic $599 (Floaty/Turny/Carvy)

Ability Level: Advanced to Expert

Shape: 290mm Taper / Very Set Back / Very Directional
Setback On Sidecut -35mm @ 21.65″
Setback On Board: -7.125” @ 21.65″ All The Way back on board

Camber: Directional Camber With  Early Rise Before The Nose

Flex: Med-Stiff / Ok To Butter / Great Pop but with a little effort

Positives/Swipe Right:

• Near Exceptional Hard Snow Grip & Stability
• Really Good Float
• Fun To Turn In Any Condition
• Easy/Good Pop

Negatives/Swipe Left:

• Base Needs Constant Waxing

Summary

This is last on the list, but very far from being the least. What I love about the Pencil is how it reminds me of boards I loved for surfing imperfect right point breaks that would accelerate down the line with a lot of front foot weight to help me beat a section. This loves a down the line turn, but also isn’t bad at all for medium radius turns, or even a circle carve. It also floats super well and I actually prefer this more than the dart in low to medium angle pow Because it floats almost the same and keeps its speed better.

For 2026, you now have three options—Classic, which is the most damp, and what I’m referencing here. Then, for a little more money, you can go with Brushed, which is a little lighter and has a little easier flex. Then, for a lot more cash, you can go Plus, which is stiffer, has a faster base, and more pop, but is the least damp of the three. I’ve ridden the 159 and 164. I absolutely loved the 164, and I felt the 159 was too small, and you definitely want to ride this longer than you usually would. My only complaint is I wish they had a bigger size for bigger riders like they do with the Dart and the Café Racer.

Full Korua Pencil Review

 

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, that’s the freeride list for 2026, and I hope this helps. There are many boards out there, so don’t feel that this list or any list is the gospel on what to buy. Check our reviews, use our comparison tool,s and see what works best for you.

What If Your Board Didn’t Make The List?

There are many great snowsurf snowboards, but many brands are hard to source. Many are small, in another country, or both. It’s okay if yours didn’t make this list; it could still be a strong board. If you want to know why yours didn’t make the list, visit thegoodride.com to see if it’s there and learn why. If I didn’t review it, please comment here, or better yet, use the review request form on the good ride, and I’ll do my best to get on it.

I was not paid to create this list, and it reflects an honest, objective perspective with no brand oversight. If this review helped, we’d appreciate it if you support objective content by:

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