Rocker Guide - What is "Rocker" and why does it matter?

There are many terms for rocker out there, like reverse camber, early rise, and dual camber. That is why we are here to summarize it in more general terms.

What is Rocker?

There are three main types of snowboard profile: camber, rocker, and flat. Many modern shapes use a combination of more than one of these.

Although camber has been around since long before rocker, we classify it as a type of rocker for purposes of simplicity. Rocker is also known as reverse camber, so think of camber as reverse rocker.

Camber

This is the traditional profile. Camber is a slight upward curve in the middle of a board, with the contact points - where an unweighted board contacts the snow - close to the ends. Camber requires more precise turn initiation and offers superb precision with plenty of power on groomed terrain and harder snow. The rider's weight puts it even and concentrated pressure on the edge from tip to tail, resulting in increased edgehold and better "pop." Racers and high level park riders often prefer camber.

Rocker

Rocker (also called reverse-camber) is just as it sounds – camber turned upside down. All skis and snowboards, rockered or cambered, when put on edge and weighted in a turn achieve reverse-camber. Cambered skis and boards produce more pressure on the snow at the tip and tail since they have to flex further to achieve this curve. The term rocker is borrowed from watersports where rocker is common. Rocker snowboards offer superior float in the soft snow and increased ease of turn initiation with less chance of "catching" an edge. Wide boards shapes designed primarily for powder are often rockered on the nose.

Flat

Flat is often found between the tip and the tail of the snowboard. Flat means flat – if you lay the ski or board on a table with no weight on it, there won’t be any space between the base and the table. Flat makes easy transitions, with better edge grip than rocker and better maneuverability than camber.

These three profiles - camber, rocker, and flat - are combined in an infinite number of ways in today's snowboard shapes. It's not unusual for a snowboard design to use double camber (one under each foot) with rocker at either end. Shapes continue to progress each season, with the end result being better boards for every application.

Why is rocker so awesome? What does it do for you?

Rocker offers increased float in the powder!: With rocker, your tips will float up in powder and slush. The feel is smooth and just like when you surf, wakeboard or waterski, rocker helps you to stay on top of the snow. Your tip sits up higher out of the snow so you can avoid those face plants over the nose. You're able to maintain a more balanced riding stance which saves energy and improves your reaction time.

Rocker is more maneuverable: Rocker brings the tip and tail up and off the snow, shortening the contact length of the edges and making turns easier. Your ride becomes more maneuverable, allowing your to pivot without catching edges. You can slash the snow, slide sidewayz to control speed and butter turns. The increased mobility works great when you are in the trees or tight chutes. But less effective edge means less edge hold.

Who should/can ride rockered snowboards?

Everyone can ride rockered snowboards and have fun. That's the beautiful thing about rocker technology. You can be a beginner or advanced rider, young or old, and benefit from riding rocker snowboards. Rocker is an easier and more fun ride. Just remember there are many variations in rocker type, so go with the style that fits the type of riding you want to do.

Where does rocker technology excel on the mountain?

With the possible exception of icy, pure competition environments, there are rocker profiles meant to excel in every type of snowboarding, from freeriding to park and pipe.