We're right in the middle of winter season, but when it ends and we can't surf due to distance or any other circumstance, we'll need to come up with something to keep enjoying the sport, won't we?
Creating a device to ride down all kinds of terrain without losing the thrills of snowboarding and surfing, in a field dominated by mountain biking, was the ultimate challenge for MBS's creators.
The mountainboard—or if you prefer, the all-terrain board—was designed and built by a group of young enthusiasts who refused to give up their favourite sport when the snow melted. In 1992, the first mountainboard model, a summer alternative, debuted in Colorado, USA. Thanks to this invention, many riders no longer had to bid farewell to snowboarding sensations by late April. With years of experience in the US, the skill level here far surpasses other European benchmarks. Jumps, radical descents, mud, dirt, grass, tarmac...
In our country, mountainboarding arrived thanks to Fitenia (a Madrid-based surf and snowboard shop) and now boasts a loyal following. The riding system is similar to snowboarding: a semi-flexed stance, weight forward, and turns executed by shifting weight side to side. The most noticeable differences lie in the terrain. From smooth, snowy slopes, we move to mountains in their rawest, most "untamed" state—bumpy, rocky paths where unevenness reigns. But it’s not all rough terrain; street-specific models exist too.
Gear
As with all extreme sports, there’s a minimum safety standard to avoid injury and premature abandonment of this thrilling new experience.
As an action-packed, high-risk sport where falls are inevitable, here’s the essential safety kit:
- Knee and elbow pads for impacts with the ground.
- Ankle-protecting trainers. The board’s bindings often rub ankles raw.
- Gloves help prevent cuts from rocks or debris.
- Goggles are never overkill in outdoor action sports.
- If you plan to go wild, wear a helmet—a skate or mountain bike one will spare you a scare.
Boards and accessories
The Grasshopper, one of the smallest models, is built for jumps. At 116cm long, it’s nimble and brakeless. Its 14-inch chromoly 4130 trucks lack a crossbar—unique in the range.
The Gremlin comes in two lengths: a 117cm short version (freestyle-focused) and a 152cm long one (easier, ideal for trail riding).
The Reactor bridges the gap between the entry-level Gremlin and mid-range Grasshopper. In fact, this was the first model to sell out at distributor Fitenia.
Finally, the top-tier Supercharger (1.5m long, just over 15kg) is built for fearless mountain descents. Notably, it features Rock Shox suspension—a heavyweight in mountain biking.
"The ABS"
Most models weigh 13–15kg. The brake uses a cable from the rear wheels to a standard bike-style lever (grip included). The system mirrors mountain bikes: internal brake levers with pads that clamp the wheels when the lever is pulled.
Grip
Wheels combine an air chamber and rubber tread. Models vary by tread type and diameter: Airliner (8", freestyle, great dirt grip); Spidertread (9", aggressive off-road tread); Enduro (9", all-rounder, best on pavement); and the Big Knobby (10", conquers the gnarliest mountain trails).
