Like pizza, music, architecture—anything defined by how one makes, or does a thing—snowboarding is done differently all over the world. And in recent years many small board brands have popped up in long overlooked geographical corners, offering unique product designed with the regional dialect in mind.
On the whole, North American snowboarding has long been defined by innovation and aggressive progression, powerful riding styles, and an endless variety of terrain, with some wacky creativity tossed in. In direct opposition to this, is Japan, a country long associated with some of the most consistent and high quality snow on earth, yet little industry influence. Though for decades a handful of OG surfers have been building an under the radar community around riding mountains like waves.
Snowsurfing is exactly what it sounds like—a fun-focused, slow-paced and soulful approach to snowboarding defined by effortless styles, surfy turns, and exaggerated carves. Beyond that Europe has a number of its own flavors too, focused on precision turning and serious manufacturing. All told, the following 8 brands make up what we feel are the most exciting snowboard brands in the intetnational scene right now.