A snowboard comes in countless shapes and sizes, so how do you determine what size to buy? The traditional way to go about it will be to see if the board height is between your chin and the tip of your nose. While this is common and a great guide, it’s not the only thing to consider when determining how to size a snowboard.
How to Size a Snowboard Correctly
The advanced snowboard technology has made the traditional ways of sizing a snowboard outdated. So, what else should we consider when sizing a snowboard? Well, for starters, the height. And then the snowboarder’s weight, along with the type of boots they choose to wear and how good they are at snowboarding.
Weight
Even though height plays an important role in determining what size snowboard you end up buying, the main focus is on the weight. Therefore, it is the most important factor to consider.
Why?
Companies make snowboards keeping in mind a certain level of flex. The weight of the rider greatly influences the flex. If the snowboarder is a bit heavy, then the board will flex more than it should. And if the snowboarder is skinny, the board will not flex at all.
Before buying a board, one needs to be very sure how well the board can take their weight. Otherwise, there can arise issues of false commitments on the part of the rider. Each board has a different weight range, and within the given range, the board will perform as aimed, so don’t make any hasty decisions.
Here’s what will happen when the board is either too short or too long:
- If you’re heavier than the board can handle, it will bend more than it should.
- If you’re lighter than the board, you won’t apply adequate pressure to make the board flex.
Height
A rider who’s taller will be best suited for a board that compliments their height. A shortboard will not work for them. It will be too short for their stance width, and this will stop them from setting their stance width the correct way.
On the other hand, if the rider is very short, then a longboard will not give them the best snowboarding experience. They will not be able to go as narrow as they would like to and will most definitely feel that their too much board to control.
Boot Size
Your boot, as you may know, is the most important gear when it comes to snowboarding. It is also a great determinant in figuring out how wide your board needs to be. Therefore, you need to be sure to buy a board that is equivalent to your boot size.
If your feet are large, you need large boots, which automatically means you need a wider board. On the other hand, if you have a smaller foot, you will need a smaller boot and thus a narrower snowboard.
A wider board gives you the advantage of a more open surface area and a better glide. In contrast, a narrower board gives you better turns and flexibility.
Skill Level
The ability to snowboard influences the length of the board. If you’re a beginner snowboarder, starting your snowboarding journey from a longer board is not recommended. If you buy a shorter board that compliments your height and weight, it will work better in the initial days. Since a longer board is more challenging to control, first-time snowboarders go snowboarding with shorter boards.
Intermediary and pro-level riders can opt for longer boards since their ability to ride allows them better control over the board. These slightly longer boards will be steadier when controlling speed down a hill. In addition, the longer board are apt for freeriding as they allow a steady and firm glide.
Snowboarding Style
What you enjoy doing when you get on a snowboard helps in picking the right snowboard.
Riders often ask themselves what they will be doing on the mountain today before they go there. It is a great practice so that you know what to prepare for.
If you are an above-average free rider and wish to cruise down the mountains at full speed, taking a longer board with you will help you stay afloat and guarantee a great snowboarding experience.
On the other hand, if you’re a freestyle rider and wish to go to the nearby terrain where you’ll be cutting through trees and making speedy turns, it’s best to go with a shorter board.
Each rider has a different style, and this helps put them into different snowboarding categories. In addition, it allows the rider to choose from a board category where they seem to vision themselves. The categories include freestyle/park, all-mountain, big mountain, etc.
Our Final Thoughts
Our guide will help you understand the importance of certain factors that you need to consider when buying the right size of board for the perfect snowboarding experience. First, understand that you need to buy a board that is just right. You can’t make do with a snowboard as it can be very dangerous and risky. Depending on all the above factors, each rider will have a different board than others.
