Burton Family Tree Backseat Driver

Yes, you should wear standard snowboard boots. While the board is binding-free, the traction pad on the top sheet is designed to grip the rubber soles of snowboard boots, giving you the control you need to carve and turn.

The Backseat Driver is specifically designed for powder surfing in the backcountry or your own backyard. Most resorts do not allow binding-free boards on chairlifts, so you will primarily be using this for hiking or side-country access.

Without bindings, you lose the ability to leverage your feet for high-speed carving, which forces you to rely on subtle weight shifts and balance. It mimics the feeling of surfing, making it perfect for low-angle powder fields where you can focus on flow rather than aggressive edge control.

Yes, it includes a leash for safety. Since there are no bindings to keep the board attached to your feet, the leash is essential to prevent the board from sliding away if you take a spill in deep snow.

The Backseat Driver is approachable for beginners because it has a soft flex and a very forgiving, surfy feel. However, because it requires good balance and weight distribution to steer, it is best suited for those who are already comfortable on snow and want a fun, low-stakes way to explore powder.