For kids, the winter holidays are a time of great joy and excitement. The long wait makes them eager to do as many winter activities as they can. Whether it’s having fun in the terrain park with their friends or sliding down the snow slopes with their family, kids love some winter fun. Of course, snowboarding is one of the most popular winter activities to enjoy. Kids of all ages indulge in this to make their winter more memorable.
Like all sports, snowboarding requires the right gear and equipment, which means getting the right size snowboard for your kid.
Finding the Correct Size Snowboard
Height and weight are both key factors that are considered while choosing the correct size snowboard for kids. However, the traditional practice has been that a kid’s snowboard should be somewhere between their chin and chest. But now, there are various snowboard sizing charts, calculators, and formulas. However, a children’s snowboard size chart should be used to get a better idea of what the length of your child’s snowboard should be. These charts are meant to guide deciding what board is best suited for your child based on the measurements. Since every child has a different measurement, there will be a different board for each.
How to Choose the Correct Length
It is best to keep the snowboard size chart in front of you and then compare the height and weight of your child accordingly.
- Start by measuring the height and weight of your child.
- Now look at the size chart and locate their height on it.
- Match their height with the parallel snowboard length.
Board Length by Weight
Weight is the most crucial factor when choosing the correct length for your snowboard. It is crucial to have a board that cooperates with your body weight. It will allow you to ride better and not worry about losing control or falling. If a heavier child gets on a board that is too short, then there are higher chances of losing control.
The same is the case for a lightweight kid but has a longer board; there will be balancing and controlling issues. The child will face a tough time and not have any fun.
Board Length by Height
Height is usually the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the length of the board. It is the first measurement taken by snowboarders when deciding what length board to buy. Various methods have been developed to size snowboards.
Apart from the traditional method, snowboarders use snowboard sizing calculators and sizing charts. The results from these methods should be used as a starting point to pick out a new snowboard.
If the Child Is Between Two Heights
If your child happens to be between two of the listed heights, it is best to find their weight and tally it to the chart. If they are light for their height, then size their snowboard close to the shorter end of the range, and if they are slightly heavy for their weight, make sure to opt for a board on the longer end of the range.
Sizing down Kids Snowboard
A few reasons to size kids’ snowboard shorter and closer to the chest are:
- The first and most apparent is that their weight is lighter than usual for their height.
- If your kid is just beginning their snowboard journey.
- Your kid likes to ride slow, making short and quick turns.
Sizing up Kids Snowboard
Key reasons as to why a kid’s snowboard should be longer and closer to their nose:
- Their weight is more than average for their height.
- Your kid rides fast
- Kids are constantly growing. Some parents size up so that the kids can use the board for years to come. Doing this, however, will limit the fun your child has.
Skill Level
There are types of children who go snowboarding each year. For some, it’s the first snowboard purchase, but for many, it’s yearly practice. The snowboard size should also be bought in keeping in mind the ability level of the child.
Beginner
For a beginner, it best to go according to their weight, length, and width requirements for a snowboard. Softer boards can help beginners as they can get the child down the hill quicker by flexing softer. Stiffer boards require more effort and muscle.
As for the length of the board, shorter boards are easier to tackle and will allow you more control. It is easy to make turns, and you can easily catch up to your friends.
Intermediate
If your child has been doing this for a few years now, then they are probably well aware of how to control their board and have a good enough ability to ride the snow by now. Therefore, they can continue using the same board or buy a new one according to their measurements.
Advanced
Your child is a pro; they know the drill. Thanks to the years of experience, they’ll have no problem picking out the right gear for them. Now you can easily focus on other details rather than the snowboard. Overall abilities can be polished to have more fun.
Our Final Thoughts
Even though height and weight are the most important determinants, there are other factors to consider. For example, the riding style of the child (if the child has been snowboarding for a few years) and the type of board the manufacturer has made (the tech specs of each board) should also be kept in mind. Remember, whatever board you choose for your child, safety should be the top priority.
