When thinking of bamboo the first thought that comes to mind might very likely be a tropical jungle? It probably wouldn’t be snow sports, but that isn’t stopping a few companies from utilizing bamboo as a material for making snowboards.
And why not? Bamboo is a fast growing grass that offers a great deal of rigidity and strength. And unlike other materials it is quick growing and makes for a nice natural look. It’s been used for floors for years, and now is hitting the slopes.
Among those using the material is California based Arbor, which has been using the material to make clothing. By integrating bamboo in the process the company can reportedly reduce the reliance on chemically treated fiberglass and petroleum-based resin by up to 20 percent, making a board that is better for the environment but also lighter in the process.
Across the country, Boston-based Bean is looking to produce a board with no plastics at all, made just from bamboo. It seems to be a trend that is likely only going to grow fast – kind of like bamboo!
Arbor Official Website
Bean Official Website
[Via Boston.com: Snowboards made in Boston]
[Via Transworld Business: Arbor Snowboards: 2012/13 Snowboard Preview]