The K2 Simple Pleasures is an new Freeride stick for the 2018 season. K2 have gained quite a reputation over the last few years with their short and stubby, surf inspired freeride boards, and Simple Pleasures follows on from the popular Cool Bean and Party Platter.
Considering it's size, Simple Pleasures is a real mountain charger and feels so stable underfoot, even in the choppy spring conditions. The board's big powder nose does not affect speed performance on the groomers and even though the board is chubby, it is still very manoeuvrable.
Having said that, we found that the tail was not very forgiving and we had to really attack and commit to the carves to get anything back in return. But, when we did, carving was a joy to behold.
This is quite a stiff board so beginners and fair-weather boarders stay away, but it will suit the mountain slayers and powder hounds that want a more playful freeride board than the usual charger sticks.
In powder, the Simple Pleasures board is a dream, with a floaty, surfy sensation. Great fun for those big, open powder turns.
The board had reasonable pop and was stable in the air, so perfect for cliff drops and side hits. Forget about taking this into the park though unless you just want to hit the kickers or take it into the pipe. Not a chance for presses, benches and general jibbing around.
We tested the Simple Pleasures board out using K2 Lein AT bindings, which were very responsive and worked well as a combo with the board.
