GNU Snowboards

The GNU story

GNU (pronounced G-NEW) was founded in 1987 by Mike Olson and Pete Saari alongside Lib Tech as part of the Mervin Manufacturing collective in Washington State. The brand helped pioneer Banana Technology, the mellow rocker profile that became one of the most influential shape innovations in snowboarding, and has kept a distinctive creative identity ever since. GNU boards are designed with personality: weirder graphics, less conventional shapes, and a team of riders who ride for the joy of it rather than the podium. That playfulness does not mean the gear is soft, though, since Mervin's patented technologies are legitimate performance assets.

What is Magne-Traction and does it help in Australian conditions?

Magne-Traction is GNU's serrated edge: seven points of edge contact instead of the two on a conventional board, which grips hard snow and ice in a way a smooth edge cannot. That is genuinely relevant here, because Australian resorts freeze overnight and stay firm well into the morning, and man-made snow sets harder again. A board that holds an edge on that surface is more useful on a typical Australian morning than one tuned purely for soft snow.

What is Banana Technology?

GNU's reverse-camber (rocker) profile, where the board curves upward at both ends from a flat or slightly concave centre. It gives natural float in powder, catches fewer edges, and rides surfy and playful in soft snow. GNU was one of the brands that proved rocker worked, and it remains central to the brand's feel. The C2 and C3 profiles combine camber underfoot for pop and edge hold with rocker in the nose and tail for float and forgiveness, which is the most versatile option in the range.

Who is GNU for?

Riders who want a board with genuine character: all-mountain performance with a surfy, creative feel rather than a serious, focused freeride intent. The playful rocker profiles and imaginative shapes reward creative riding, and Magne-Traction means you do not give up grip to get it. For Australian riders who spend time on groomers but want a board that feels alive off-piste or off a natural hit, GNU is worth serious consideration.

How does GNU compare to Lib Tech?

Same factory (Mervin), same founders, same core technologies (Magne-Traction, bio-based construction), but a different personality. GNU leans more playful and creative; Lib Tech more performance-freeride. Both are excellent and it comes down to which identity and shapes suit you. If you are cross-shopping, we will talk you through the differences honestly.

Buying GNU in Australia

Authorised Australian dealer, so genuine product with full warranty. Free shipping on orders over $90 and same and next-day dispatch from our Richmond store. Come in and we will match the right GNU shape and profile to how you ride.

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