How to Choose Snowboard Size

We come in all shapes and sizes. That's why snowboards come in all shapes and sizes. Well, not exactly. How to choose the correct snowboard size depends on multiple factors, including the physical characteristics of a rider, ability level, intended use of the snowboard, terrain it will assault and amount you are willing to spend.

Instructions

  1. How to Choose Snowboard Size

    • 1

      Determine the height of the rider. If you choose a board size that is too short or too long, stability, floatation and edge-to-edge weight transfer will be negatively affected.

    • 2

      Determine the weight of the rider. Riding a board that is not capable of withstanding the weight placed on it will prevent the board from properly "floating" through the snow. Likewise, impacting the ground after jumps or attempting to slide terrain park features could cause the board to snap.

    • 3

      Determine the rider's foot size. Without enough "waist-width," toe and heel drag will most likely occur, creating an uncomfortable and dangerous scenario. Too much waist-width is also detrimental, wherein slow and ineffective weight transfer from edge to edge will lessen responsiveness.

    • 4

      Determine the riding style. Are you a freestyler, all-mountain, in-bounds/on-piste freerider or backcountry snowboarder? A big-mountain, extreme rider won't want a board that's too short because of the variable conditions, but he might encounter deep, icy, crusty and/or wind-blown snow on the same run. Similarly, a freestyler in the terrain park will find it more difficult, and far less enjoyable, to nose press a box if the nose of the board extends too far.

    • 5

      Determine the rider's ability level. Thinking your abilities extend far beyond the actual scope can be dangerous and make you want to go home and snowboard on Xbox instead. Novice riders should choose a snowboard size shorter in length and perhaps a bit more flexible than more advanced riders. But "stiffness" and length are equally dependent on physical characteristics as ability.

    • 6

      Determine the rider's gender. Women-specific boards are made because there are few overweight women snowboarders. The materials are often lighter, lengths are shorter and flexion is softer than male-specific or unisex snowboard equipment.

    • 7

      Assess your budget. Although snowboarding is exponentially more affordable than skiing in terms of equipment expenses, choosing the wrong board size can prove to be a costly mistake. This determination often goes with ability-level assessment as well as riding style. Just because the board size might be shorter or narrower, this has little or nothing to do with overall cost. Normally, the type of materials used to make the board, not necessarily the amount of material, determine the cost.