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

In 2003, we had one rockered option available - the beloved Volant Spatula. Now we offer hundreds of various 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. The time is now! This article describes exactly what rocker is and what type is best suited for your riding style and terrain.
 

There are many terms for rocker out there, like reverse camber, early rise, and mustache (mustache?). That is why we are here to summarize it in more general terms. Tune in as we break it down real simple.

How to Choose Ski Rocker Type

How to Choose Snowboard Rocker Type

What is Rocker?

There are three main types of ski / 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 for skis and snowboards. Camber is a slight upward curve in the middle of a ski or board, with the contact points - where an unweighted ski or 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 an 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. Cambered skis are great for skiers riding the hard snow of Vermont and the East Coast, as well as those look for a more traditional feel.

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 skis and snowboards offer superior float in the soft snow and increased ease of turn initiation with less chance of "catching" an edge. This is great for skiing deep powder in areas like British Columbia and ski areas in Colorado. As skis in general get wider, rocker helps keep the new shapes maneuverable for a wider range of skiers. Wide ski and board shapes designed primarily for powder are often rockered. 

Flat

Flat is often found between the tip and the tail of the ski/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. Completely flat technology is more common with snowboards than with skis, and it is much more common to see skis that are almost flat underfoot with rocker in the tip and sometimes tail. 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 or ways in today's ski and snowboard shapes. It's common for a freeride ski to have a rockered tip, camber underfoot, and a flat tail. 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 skis and 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 crud. The feel is smooth and just like when you surf, wakeboard or waterski, rocker helps you to stay buoyant and on top of the snow. On skis, there's no need to do all that ridiculous bouncing and leaning back to keep your tips from going under. On a snowboard, 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 nimble and maneuverable, allowing your to pivot and "slarve" without catching edges. You can slash the snow, slide sideways to scrub speed, smear and butter turns. The increased mobility works great when you are in the trees or tight chutes.

Rocker makes park riding a dream

With rocker technology your skis/board are pre-pressed which makes riding presses in the park easier. The less-catchy nature of a rockered ski/board allows you to initiate your spins early and gives you greater ability to recover from off-axis landings and under-spun airs.

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. Just tell them rocker will change their life.

Who should/can ride rockered skis and snowboards?

Everyone can ride rockered skis and 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 skis or snowboards. Even Jerry Chevassus can ride rocker! 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.

With the possible exception of icy, pure competition environments, there are rocker profiles meant to excel in every type of skiing and snowboarding, from freeriding to powder to park and pipe. Try it, you'll love it.