Public Snowboards F/W 2026/27 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboards F/W 2026/27 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Public Snowboards
Interviewee: Joe Sexton Owner / Founder

How would you describe the 2024/25 snowboard season in terms of market performance and consumer demand?
I think the the snowboard season is shaping up well all things considered. I believe there was a little hesitation with the tariffs and the global economy, but the customer has proven that they want to snowboard and that is awesome to see

What major trends are shaping the snowboard market (pricing, consumer preferences, rider demographics, retail shifts)?
I like to think there is a little bit of pushback on big corporate brands. People are seemingly wanted to support brands and stories that feel authentic and resonate with them.

From changing consumer behavior to tariffs and supply chain stress, what’s been the biggest challenge for your brand recently?
Basically, exactly that! Haha, being a small brand and navigating these challenges has been difficult to say the least, also the timelines everything shows starting earlier has led to some added pressure.

BRAND FOCUS

What is your brand’s core mission or philosophy, and how does it influence snowboard design and development?
PUBLIC was founded with the idea that there should be more community in snowboarding. When I started the brand, I really wanted customers to feel connected and a part of what we are doing. These philosophy trickles into all aspects of the brand, from the team riders we pick to the graphics to the shops we work with.

How has your brand’s role in the snowboard market evolved in recent years?
I am not sure what our role is in the snowboard market, I like to think we are a core snowboard company that cares about what we put out and the people we work with.

Who is your target rider for the 26/27 season, and how has this profile changed compared to the past?
Anyone that likes what we are doing, we don’t set out to target a specific kind of rider, we want to make snowboards that people connect with, and if they connect with it… then that is our target rider.

Which product ranges or categories do you expect to drive the most growth in 26/27?
Our freeride category has a lot of room to grow, so that is exciting as well as our apparel and headwear has had some solid growth.

SNOWBOARD SPECIFIC

What trends or developments in construction, shapes, and innovation are guiding your 26/27 snowboard range?
We are adding more wide boards to our line, we heard a lot of riders and retailers wanting more wide boards, so we are listening to that.

What new materials or material innovations are you using — inserts, edges, cores, sidewalls, resin, glues, base material, top sheet, wax, or others?
Nothing new there, if it isn’t broke don’t fix it

How are you incorporating sustainability and ethical production into your boards (materials, processes, lifecycle, packaging)?
We always work with factories who prioritize sustainability, also making sure no materials go to waste and shipping in recyclable materials

What design directions are you taking — graphics, patterns, collabs, or signature editions?
We have a special collab coming out with an awesome Pro Skateboarder

Are you focusing on particular rider groups (freeride, freestyle, all-mountain, women’s-specific, youth, beginner) for 26/27?
Not really focusing on any particular rider groups

Key Products:

2026 JibGurl:
Danyale ‘JibGurl’ Patterson’s pro model returns for this season! The JibGurl model is a directional twin board with a traditional camber profile, and a graphic story that is very clearly hers. We are delighted to expand our product line to include a women’s specific board. Get ready to look cute on the slopes!

Public-Jib-Gurl

2026 Outreach:
Totally flat, and slightly set back – the Outreach is the quiver killer you’ve been looking for. Lightweight, and nimble, this board offers that ‘skating with loose trucks’ feeling you need when you’re riding whatever the mountain can throw at you. From tree runs, and park laps, to pow days and springtime slush sessions, the Outreach is guaranteed to satisfy all your needs without breaking the bank. Available now for PUBLIC consumption.

Public-Outreach

2026 General Select:
Everything you loved about the General PUBLIC but now offered in a more beefed up version. The General Select has carbon and aramid stringers for added pop and durability.

Public-General-Select