Remember, too, that a portion of camber helps for the ups as well as the downs. The profile distributes pressure more evenly throughout the skin and the edges will provide better bite should you find yourself needing to make a nervy traverse in walk-mode.

The top sheet too has been optimised for the unavoidable wear and tear of scuffs and dings that occur from a season’s worth of vertical ascents and kick turns. Polymide is eco friendly and made from castor beans, and should save you a few trips to the workshop during the Riva’s lifetime. Things have also been bolstered up along the edges with Weston’s UHMW PE Sidewalls, not only protecting the core from impact, but adding some additional torsional strength to board.

“The Riva excels in every department”

It’s that kind of attention to detail that make the Riva stand out from much of the competition. Split specific considerations, like creating a tail-heavy board to assist with kick turns, or reinforcing the insert area with flax fibre give you the confidence to trust your equipment out in the backcountry.

If you need more convincing, all Weston snowboards come complete with a massive four-year warranty. A bold statement from a snowboard brand for sure. But the Riva’s construction perfectly juggles brains with brawn to create a properly trustworthy steed and reliable workhorse.

“The Riva has such a broad scope in terms of its handling in different terrain, although it’s really reserved for more experienced splitboarders”

Weston’s commitment to supporting and growing the backcountry community runs deep in the brand’s ethos. Every snowboard and splitboard in their line is committed to some form of giveback. At the bare minimum, they are 1% For The Planet supporters, but many of their products support specific backcountry initiatives. The women’s Riva Splitboard is one such example, where sales proceeds go towards their partnership with the AIARE and Backcountry Babes to create a scholarship fund for women’s backcountry avalanche education.

The Riva has such a broad scope in terms of its handling in different terrain, although it’s really reserved for more experienced splitboarders, and probably a bit overkill for someone starting out on the trail for the first time. That said, there are plenty more options out there, not least of all from Weston. But if you’re simply looking for the best, you needn’t look much further than here.