YES First Basic Snowboard: Full Guide

Introduction

The YES First Basic is the perfect entry point into snowboarding — and despite the name, it’s anything but boring. Designed to take beginners from wobbly first turns to confident all-mountain cruising, this board delivers a forgiving, easy-to-control ride without sacrificing the kind of progression-friendly features that keep it fun well beyond your first season. It’s approachable, playful, and versatile enough to keep in your quiver even after you’ve moved past the “beginner” label.

Who It’s For

  • Beginners and early intermediates who want a smooth, confidence-building ride
  • Riders looking for an affordable, no-nonsense first board that doesn’t feel cheap
  • Progressing snowboarders who want to dabble in park, groomers, and maybe even some light powder

Who It’s Not For

  • Aggressive freeriders or powder hunters looking for high-end performance tech
  • Riders who want maximum pop and stiffness for big jumps and fast carving
  • Advanced snowboarders who’d get bored on a soft, forgiving deck

Tech & Riding Style Breakdown

  • Shape: True Twin – symmetrical for easy switch riding and progression.
  • Camber Profile: CamRock – rocker in the tips for forgiveness and catch-free turns, camber underfoot for stability and edge hold.
  • Flex: Soft-Medium (3/10) – flexible, playful, and super forgiving for beginners.
  • Core: Full poplar wood core – lightweight, durable, and consistent flex throughout.
  • Edges: Radial sidecut – smooth, predictable turns without surprises.
  • Base: Extruded – tough, low-maintenance, and perfect for beginner-friendly riding.

The First Basic takes YES’s proven freestyle-inspired design ethos and tunes it down into something accessible and easy-going. It’s stable enough to help beginners lock in carves but forgiving enough that you won’t be punished for mistakes.

Competitors to Consider

  1. Burton Ripcord – Another beginner-friendly option with a forgiving, catch-free ride.
  2. K2 Standard – A simple, progression-ready all-mountain deck.
  3. Ride Agenda – A soft-flexing freestyle-inspired option for new riders.

Spec Box

  • Profile: CamRock (rocker tips, camber underfoot)
  • Shape: True Twin
  • Flex: 3/10 (soft)
  • Core: Full poplar wood core
  • Edges: Radial sidecut
  • Base: Extruded
  • Best For: Beginners, progression, easy all-mountain cruising

Conclusion

The YES First Basic does exactly what its name suggests — it makes your first steps into snowboarding smooth, forgiving, and fun. With a soft flex, twin shape, and beginner-friendly CamRock profile, it’s designed to build confidence while still letting you explore the whole mountain. And the best part? It won’t outgrow you immediately — this board has enough life to stick with you for seasons to come. If you’re looking for your first setup without overcomplicating things, the First Basic is as good as it gets.