Fun in the snow with polyurethane: Baykomm - Bayer Communication Center

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Fun in the snow with polyurethane

Snowboards with a core made of Baydur® polyurethane from Bayer can take a few knocks: excellent shock absorbency, a long lifetime and superb lightness are some of the unmistakable features of these modern boards.

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One fine winter's day in 1929, Jack Burtchett, a keen American skier, climbed a snow-covered hill with a wooden board under his arm. Having reached the top, Jack stood on the board and slid down the hill. The sport of snowboarding was born.

Since then snowboards have changed considerably, and today's versions are lighter, faster and more controllable, so that even a beginner can master them with a bit of skill and training. This progress is largely due to one single material: polyurethane. Today's snowboard has integral skin polyurethane foam inside, warranting excellent mechanical stability, good shock absorbency and a long lifetime even in the lowest temperatures. Baydur® from Bayer is the material of choice for snowboards.

However, to get the most out of this sport, beginners would be well advised to obtain expert advice when buying a snowboard: the right size, for instance, is vital. Stood upright, the correct size board should reach no higher than your nose and no lower than your chin. Moreover, there are now a large number of different varieties. A freestyle board is often a good start for a budding snowboarder.