Spring is hands-down one of the most fun times of the season. The days are longer, the sun's out, and the snow softens into playful, slash hungry slush. Whether you're lapping park, hunting side hits, or just cruising, spring riding definitely brings a whole new energy to the mountain—and your snowboard setup should match.
1. Go Softer and More Playful 🌀
Spring conditions are made for freestyle fun. You don’t need the stiff, aggressive board you might use mid-season for hard pack, ice or big mountain lines. Look for boards labeled as freestyle or all-mountain freestyle—especially those with a medium to soft flex (around 3–5 out of 10). You can ride a stiffer board, although you might get tired quicker.
Try These:
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🌈 Platinum Flare: A soft-medium flexing park board that can still rail a turn and press with ease. Built to shine in the park and also take a beating. (Cody Hallquist, below.)
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🧪 Swirl Potion: Flat camber is great in spring conditions, mahalo you spongers. But seriously, this soft-medium flexing twin has the right width and shape for ultimate spring surfing.
2. Hybrid is Friend 🌊
Slush can be unpredictable, and a board with a flat/rocker hybrid profile helps you float on. It reduces edge catch and adds a looser, surfy feel—perfect for staying nimble. Go find that spring mini pipe ASAP.
Try this:
🎥 Wampeater Drive-In: With its playful rocker-hybrid shape, this board is built to party in the park and destroy slush lines. Spring vibes in full effect.
3. Go a Little Wider (If You Need To) 💡
Don't let sticky snow bog you down—especially in the afternoon sun. A slightly wider board gives you more surface area to stay afloat and keep that buttery smooth ride. This is especially true if you’re riding low-elevation resorts where slush piles up fast.
4. Keep Your Base Clean & Slick 🧼
Spring snow isn’t just soft—it can be pretty grimey. Between pollen, tree sap, dirt, and mystery sludge. A gunked-up base slows you down and makes your board feel sticky or sluggish—especially during those warm, slow afternoons.
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Wipe down your base after riding — Especially if you’re riding near trees or low-elevation runs, a quick rub with a base cleaner or damp rag can stop grime from building up.
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Use a base cleaner occasionally — If you notice your board looks yellowed or grimy, a citrus-based cleaner can bring it back to life.
Your board is your best spring-time wingman—treat it right and it’ll keep you gliding through the slush like butter on a hot pan.
5. Embrace the Chaos & Have Fun 😎
One minute it's sunny and slushy, the next you’re riding through mashed potatoes & dodging puddles. The key? Don’t expect perfection—just enjoy the ride. Spring isn’t about peak performance or perfect groomers. It’s about catching a few more laps with your crew before summer and sessioning that one side hit until it melts.
Let go of the idea that every day has to be "good snow" and lean into the unpredictability. Some of the best memories come from the sloppiest spring days.