stumbled onto this today, I feel vindicated; http://splitboard.com/poles-not-just-for-the-skintrack/
couple of my own fav points
"Growing up with the mid 90’s snowboard scene embedded pretty deep inside, my impressions of poles mixed with snowboarding was, you’d have to be a kook to ride with ski poles in your hands. Over the years and with more and more time in the backcountry, poles have slowly become a fixture in my hands."
"As a snowboard guide there is no going down to my knees or sitting in the snow. This is and has always been a huge pet peeve of mine. In the backcountry or in any big mountain setting..."
"Aaah but resting on them like skiers do, now there is a definite bonus!!! I now have 20% more energy throughout my day!"
'You will start to look at terrain a bit differently as to what line you can take as a snowboarder. If you do find yourself in a pinch or a bit too low, you have the poles to help you slip out or over something that otherwise would of meant hike or a commitment to something you didn’t really want to ride!"
"With poles in my hand I’m constantly feeling the snowpack,,,"