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 Sequim, Washington. The brand helped pioneer Banana Technology — the mellow rocker profile that became one of the most influential shape innovations in snowboarding — and has maintained a distinctive creative identity ever since. GNU boards are designed with personality: the graphics are weirder, the shapes are less conventional, and the riders on the team reflect people who ride for the joy of it rather than the podium.

That philosophy doesn't mean the gear is soft — GNU's construction quality and Mervin's patented technologies are legitimate performance assets. Magne-Traction serrated edges grip on ice and firm Australian groomed runs in a way conventional edges don't. The Banana rocker profiles handle variable and soft snow naturally. The bio-based resins and sustainable materials are genuine commitments rather than marketing.

GNU Technology

• Magne-Traction — GNU's patented serrated edge technology. Seven points of edge contact vs the two on a conventional snowboard. The result is significantly better grip on hard-packed snow and ice — directly relevant to Australian resort mornings when the groomers haven't softened yet.
• Banana Technology — GNU's reverse camber (rocker) profile. The board curves upward at both ends from a flat or slightly concave centre. Natural float in powder, catches fewer edges, surfy and playful in soft snow. GNU was one of the brands that proved rocker worked.
• C2 and C3 profiles — hybrid camber-rocker combinations that combine the pop and edge hold of camber underfoot with the float and forgiveness of rocker in the nose and tail. The most versatile profile option in the range.
• Bio-based resins and sustainable construction — Mervin Manufacturing has used bio-based and plant-derived materials in their construction process for over a decade. Genuine environmental commitment from a brand that was doing it before it was a marketing talking point.

Who GNU Is For

GNU suits 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. Magne-Traction means you don't give up grip for fun. For Australian riders who spend time on groomers but want a board that feels alive when you take it off-piste or find a natural hit, GNU is worth serious consideration.

GNU FAQ

What is Magne-Traction? GNU's patented serrated edge — seven contact points vs the standard two — giving significantly better grip on hard snow and ice. Particularly useful on Australian resort mornings when groomed runs are firm.

What is Banana Technology? GNU's rocker profile — the board curves upward at both ends, creating natural float in powder and a loose, surfy feel in soft snow. GNU helped prove that rocker boards worked.

Is GNU the same as Lib Tech? They're made in the same factory (Mervin Manufacturing) by the same founders using the same core technologies. Different brand identities and team riders — GNU leans more playful and creative, Lib Tech more performance-freeride. Both excellent.

Are GNU boards good for Australian conditions? Yes — Magne-Traction gives genuine grip on the firm groomed runs that characterise Australian resort mornings. Banana Technology and hybrid profiles handle variable and soft Australian snow well.

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