Snow skates
The first snow skates were introduced in the 1960s and
were considered the first snowboard to ever hit the market. They transitioned
to a separate sport when the current model for snowboards began being
manufactured. These differ from the snow skate in that they are equipped
with bindings that secure a rider’s feet.
Modern snow skates are made in two varieties: the single and the bi-deck.
Both varieties have waterproof grip tape on the top to provide the rider
with greater control, and a textured back to help with speed and maneuverability.
Single deck snow skates are the most popular and commonly used consisting
of a skate deck look alike that has minor adjustments in dimensions
to a regular skateboard.
The bi-deck snow skates are a combination of a single deck snow skate
on which the rider stands, and additional blades, which resemble skis
on the bottom. Riders of both varieties can be seen at snow skate parks,
which are shrinking in size and prevalence, or much like skateboarding,
in other urban and rural public spaces.