How to Calculate Weight for Snowboard Size

If you have a snowboard that is too long, wide or heavy for you, you will find the snowboard difficult to control; get a snowboard that is too short, light or narrow and the board washes out, leaving you on your butt in the snow. When selecting your ideal snowboard size, several criteria need to be used, the least of which is weight. Other things to consider are your height, style of riding and foot-shoe size.

Instructions

    • 1

      Get your current weight with your snowboarding clothing and boots on. Convert your height into inches. For example, if you are 6 feet, 2 inches tall, multiply 6 times 12 for a total of 72, then add the other two for a total of 74 inches.

    • 2

      Look on the back of the snowboard, or between the binding holes to find the weight rating, width and length of the snowboard. For example, 200-240 lb./68 cm/165 cm.

    • 3

      Select a board at least 168 cm if your weight is between 200 and 240 lb. Larger boards are stiffer for any rider, but the added length and width allow large riders to achieve the needed float on the snow.

    • 4

      Go with a larger weight rated board if you are an "all-mountain" rider. All-mountain riders frequently encounter deep-powder and nongroomed snow requiring extra width and weight rating to keep them above the deep drifts.

    • 5

      Select a wider snowboard if you have a shoe size larger than size 10, men or women. Larger feet distribute weight over the board differently and require a wider, and heavier rated snowboard. As a general rule, go up one board size larger for feet larger than size 10.

    • 6

      Choose a shorter and lower weight rated snowboard if you ride park and free-ride terrain. Terrain park riders require more agility on the board and this means a shorter and lighter board is best.

    • 7

      Choose a board slightly heavier in rating and longer if you are an intermediate or pro level rider. Your aggressive riding means you have better control over a board. Using a larger board means more speed, more float and more aggressive riding.