Abstract: A sliding apparatus includes one or more stiffening plates mounted to the top surface of the sliding apparatus. The plates serve to stiffen localized areas on the snowboard in order to change the flexion and torsion characteristics of the snowboard in that localized area. The location of the stiffening plates can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of riding stances and orientations. The stiffening plates can be utilized on a symmetrical sliding apparatus to provide asymmetrical flexion and torsion characteristics in order to accommodate the asymmetrical stance of the rider. The stiffening plates can also be adjusted to enable a ski or snowboard to perform well in both soft snow conditions and hard packed snow conditions. The stiffening plates can be positioned within a recessed channel in the top surface of the sliding apparatus in order to prevent snow from being forced under the stiffening plates during use.

Abstract: A snowboard includes one or more stiffening plates mounted to the top surface of the snowboard. The plates serve to stiffen localized areas on the snowboard in order to change the flexion and torsion characteristics of the snowboard in that localized area. The location of the stiffening plates can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of riding stances and orientations. The stiffening plates can be utilized on a symmetrical snowboard to provide asymmetrical flexion and torsion characteristics in order to accommodate the asymmetrical stance of the rider. The stiffening plates can also be adjusted to enable a ski or snowboard to perform well in both soft snow conditions and hard packed snow conditions.