Custom Splitboards

Built by hand. Designed for the backcountry.

At Aotea Shapes, we design and build custom splitboards for riders who earn their turns. Each board is handcrafted in New Zealand, shaped around your touring objectives, riding style, and the terrain you spend the most time in.

From long-distance missions to steep alpine lines, our splitboards prioritise efficient climbing and confident, composed descents. We take the same rider-led approach as our custom snowboards, with additional focus on weight distribution, torsional control, skin compatibility, and long-term durability — because in the backcountry, reliability matters.

Our Custom Splitboard Approach

We design from the ground up — not from a fixed mould or catalogue shape.

Every project begins with a conversation to understand how and where you ride. We’ll work with you to define:

• Primary terrain (rolling tours, steep alpine, trees, mixed conditions)
• Riding style (playful, directional, aggressive, technical)
• Touring priorities (weight efficiency vs downhill power)
• Boot size, stance geometry, setback, and preferred board feel

From there, we design a splitboard that makes sense for how you move through the mountains — uphill and down.

Design & Construction Considerations

Splitboards place unique mechanical demands on construction. We account for these at every stage of design and build.

Key considerations include:

• Shape & Sidecut — Stability on the descent and predictable tracking when split
• Flex Profile — Balanced longitudinal flex with controlled torsional stiffness
• Camber / Rocker — Tuned for skin grip, edge hold, and soft-snow performance
• Weight Distribution — Efficient touring without compromising ride integrity
• Skin & Hardware Compatibility — Designed around modern splitboard systems

Every board is pressed, finished, and quality-checked by hand in our workshop.

Why Choose an Aotea Shapes Splitboard?

Bespoke by Design
No stock shapes. No off-the-shelf compromises.

Built for NZ Conditions
Designed around the snowpacks, terrain, and riding styles we know best.

Downhill Integrity First
We prioritise ride quality on the descent — without ignoring touring efficiency.

Crafted, Not Mass-Produced
Small-batch construction with a focus on longevity and repairability.

Materials & Finish Options

Material choices are guided by performance requirements rather than trends. Depending on your priorities, options may include:

• Core constructions tuned for weight, dampening, or power
• Fibreglass layups selected to meet specific flex targets
• Durable edge and base configurations suited to backcountry use
• Custom topsheet finishes and graphic treatments

Final decisions are always guided by function first, aesthetics second.