In 2003, we had one rockered option available - the beloved Volant Spatula; this year we offer over 150 rockered models in our rocker skis and rocker snowboards categories for every level of rider. We've been amped for years on the concept and can't wait for everyone to experience a rockered ride.
This article describes exactly what rocker is and what type is best suited for your riding style or terrain. Tune in as we break it down real simple.
What is Rocker? There are three ingredients ski / snowboard shape:
Camber – Camber is the traditional shape for skis and snowboards. Camber is a slight arching upward curve with the bend or curve upward in the middle. A good example of camber is the Burton Custom Snowboard. Camber provides excellent turn initiation and handling on on-piste slopes. Rocker – Rocker (also called reverse-camber) is just as it sounds – camber turned upside down. This term is borrowed from watersports where rocker is common. A good example of a ski that has Rocker in the tip and tail is theVolkl Gotama Skis. Rocker skis and snowboards offer superior float in the powder and are now used all over the mountain. Rocker is no longer just for powder. Flat – Flat is often found between the tip and the tail of the ski/snowboard. It is horizontally level or even. The base is flat like a pancake. Completely flat technology can be found in the K2 Zero Snowboard. These three properties: camber, rocker, and flat are combined in a variety of ways to create an array of choices for both skiers and snowboarders.
Important note - You will hear rocker referred to many ways, including but not limited to: reverse camber, inverse camber, banana, early rise, s-rocker, gull wing, three stage rocker, negative camber,
R.C. Technology, Rocker 6, elf shoe, chilly dog, and of course, my favorite, the Young-Whippersnapper's-Powder-Slaying-Weapon.
So where is the rocker? – Rocker technology differs by manufacturer as well as type of ski/snowboard. Rocker in skis and snowboards may be located in the tip and/or tail. Many skis and snowboard feature some medley of rocker, flat, and cambered sections to achieve the desired ride. You will find skis and boards with one of these or all three.
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 crud. The feel is smooth and just like when you surf, wakeboard or waterski, rocker helps you to stay on top of the snow. On skis, no need to do all that ridiculous bouncing and leaning back to keep your tips up in the powder. On a snowboard, your tip sits up higher out of the snow so you can avoid those face plants over your nose. Since your tips are already in an upward position you are able to maintain a more balanced riding stance and you don’t have to lean back to float as you do on a traditional shaped ski or snowboard. Cliff drop landings are super soft with rocker. Like a pillow! You don't even feel it!
- Rocker is more maneuverable - Rocker technology moves the contact points on the ski or board, basically shortening your effective edge. Your ride becomes more nimble and maneuverable, which allows you to pivot more easily and you’ll no longer catch edges like crazy. You can slash the snow, slide sideways to scrub speed, smear and butter turns. Turning more quickly works great when you are in the trees.
- Rocker makes park riding a dream - With rocker technology your skis/board is pre-pressed which makes riding presses in the park easier. Lock onto and slide rails with rocker boards. You can actually hit the butter box with style since your ride is less catchy. The less catchiness nature of the ski/board allows you to initiate your spins early and gives you greater ability to recover more easily from off axis landings.
- Rocker offers tons of style points - Everyone looks at you funny in the lift line and asks why your skis or snowboard are sticking up in the air and not sitting on the ground. You just tell them rocker will change your life.
Who should/can ride rockered skis and snowboards?
Everyone can ride rockered skis and snowboards and have fun. That is a beautiful thing about rocker technology. You can be a beginner or advanced rider, young or old, and benefit from riding rocker skis or snowboard. Even Shilo Jones (evo’s president) can ride rocker! Rocker is an easier and more fun ride. Just remember there are many variations in rocker type, go with the style that will fit the type of riding you want to do.
Where does rocker technology excel on the mountain?
There are a variety of different blends of rocker technology available between skis and snowboards that excel specifically in certain conditions – everywhere from pipe and park to hard pack or the deepest powder.
