Family Tree Channel Surfer Flat Top Snowboard – In-Depth Buyer’s Guide
The Family Tree Channel Surfer is all about fun, flow, and versatility. It’s designed to channel the classic feel of surf on snow — think smooth, effortless turns, playful presses, and cruising through any terrain with style. Featuring Burton’s innovative Flat Top camber profile, this board blends rocker and camber zones for a ride that’s catch-free but still energetic.
Whether you’re carving groomers, slashing side hits, or popping small jumps, the Channel Surfer is a chill, approachable ride with just enough snap to keep things interesting.
🏂 What It Feels Like to Ride
Riding the Channel Surfer is like carving smooth waves on snow. The Flat Top profile combines rocker between the feet with camber zones near the tip and tail, making it forgiving yet lively. You’ll notice a catch-free, loose feel when initiating turns, but plenty of edge hold when you need it.
The flex is medium-soft, which means it’s easy to press, butter, and maneuver — perfect for laid-back riders who like to mix freestyle flair with all-mountain cruising.
🎯 Who It’s For
- Beginner to intermediate riders who want a fun, playful board that can handle a bit of everything.
- Riders who love surf-inspired riding, smooth turns, and buttery presses.
- Anyone looking for a catch-free, forgiving feel without sacrificing control.
❌ Who It’s Not For
- Hardcore freeriders or big mountain chargers who need stiff response.
- Park rats looking for super pop and aggressive camber.
- Riders seeking a board built specifically for powder or steep tech lines.
⚙️ Technology & Construction
- Flat Top™ Profile – Rocker between the feet for smooth turn initiation with camber zones near contact points for stability.
- Directional Twin Shape – Symmetrical flex with a slightly longer nose for versatility.
- Super Fly II™ 700G Core – Lightweight and lively wood core.
- Squeezebox Core Profiling – Adds pop and response.
- Triax Fiberglass – Balanced flex with torsional control.
- Sintered WFO Base – Fast and durable.
- The Channel® System – Allows stance adjustment and compatibility with most bindings.
🎨 Graphics & Visuals
The Channel Surfer’s graphics typically embody a retro surf vibe, with cool, flowing artwork, natural hues, and a vibe that screams “laid back good times.” The board’s shape and design complement the aesthetic — sleek, clean, and functional.
🧭 Shape & Profile
- Shape: Directional Twin — Balanced for freestyle and freeride moves.
- Profile: Flat Top — Rocker between feet with camber zones near the tip and tail.
- Flex: Medium-Soft (4–5/10) — Playful and forgiving, great for presses and buttering.
🧪 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | 6 | Decent float for moderate powder but not a powder specialist. |
| Groomers | 8 | Smooth, easy carving with forgiving edge hold. |
| Park/Freestyle | 7 | Good for small jumps, presses, and casual jibbing. |
| Jumps | 6 | More playful than poppy — best for style over big air. |
| Rails/Boxes | 7 | Soft enough to butter but not a hard jibber. |
| Trees | 7 | Nimble and smooth, easy to navigate through trees. |
| Icy Conditions | 6 | Moderate grip, not ideal for super icy or technical conditions. |
| Overall | 7.0 | Fun, versatile all-mountain board with a surfy feel. |
🛍️ Top Competitors
- GNU Head Space
- Similar playful, surfy feel with Magne-Traction edges.
- Lib Tech Skate Banana
- A classic rocker board with a forgiving, catch-free ride.
- Jones Mountain Surfer
- Surf-inspired shape with directional rocker and all-mountain versatility.
💬 Final Thoughts
The Family Tree Channel Surfer Flat Top is perfect for riders who want a board that’s as much about style and flow as it is about versatility. It’s forgiving enough for those still getting comfortable on the mountain but has enough pop and response to keep things interesting.
If you’re chasing that smooth, surfy feel on snow, and want a board that plays well in a variety of terrain without demanding too much, the Channel Surfer should be on your radar. It’s a great all-rounder that’s easy to ride, fun, and full of personality.