Buying a Snowboard

Buying the right snowboard can seem intimidating. There are weird sizes, acronynms and designs. Here are the basics:

Snowboard Size - Length:
• First: look at your height and weight.
• Second: look at your riding style.
• Third: look at the conditions you will be riding on most of the time.

Snowboard length is measured in centimeters. A 156cm snowboard will sometimes be abbreviated as a 56. As a baseline, for someone of average weight for their height, he/she should choose a snowboard that comes somewhere between their collar bone and chin. You will need to add size if you are heavy for your height or reduce size if you are light for your height.

Your riding style will also affect your choice. If you ride strictly freestyle (in the park or pipe), you will want a shorter board which is easier to spin and manuever. It is also a good idea for first time or beginner riders to buy their board a little shorter.

The conditions you ride in will also affect your choice of length. Icy or solid conditions will favor shorter boards, while loads of powder will suit longer boards better.

Snowboard Size - Width:
• Foot size

Width is pretty easy, it relates directly to your foot size. The larger your feet, the wider the board you will need. The best way to find your width is to stand on the board with your snowboard boots in your usual riding stance. Your feet should be flush or barely larger than the board. Too large and you will experience toe and heel drag. Too small and you won't be able to apply adequate pressure on the edges.

Luckily for you large footed ladies and gentlemen, there are several options available besides wide boards, which can be like riding a bathtub. Many companies are now making medium width boards, which are slightly wider than a regular board. There are also several boot companies which are making boots with smaller footprints like the Salomon Fusion series. You can find boards available in both medium and wide sizes under the categories->width section.

Snowboard Style:
• Where do you like to ride

Style is pretty self explanatory. Do you like to cruise the mountain or hit jumps and rails in the park? These choices will determine whether you buy an all-mountain, freestyle or freeride board. We would recommend an all-mountain board for the first time buyer, which will let you explore all the terrain available.