How to pick the right snowboard size

Riding the park? Hitting the rails? Riding deep powder? Carving corduroy? Whatever your persuasion is on the hill the right board size is fundamental to enjoying your time on a snowboard. Before purchasing a new board – or even renting one – its important to think about snowboard size.

The correct snowboard size is going to depend on quite a few variables, including; your riding style, the type of terrain you want to ride, height, shoe size, and weight. Here are a few tips to consider before purchasing or renting your next plank:

Listen to the experts

If you’re new to snowboarding, talk to an expert at a shop or a snowboard instructor. They can help you choose the right snowboard size and type that is best for you. If you’re going to lay out money for a new board, seek out a shop that will let you demo a few different boards and get a feel for the difference.

Forget aesthetics

Each new year snowboard companies seem to bring out some really cool looking snowboards. While they might look cool in the showroom when you’re standing in the lift line, its not going to help you snowboard better. Look past the cool graphics and aesthetic gimmicks.

Length

Start with a height comparison. Standing upright place the snowboard upright next to you. This will generally determine the type of board suited to different styles and riding terrain:

• A long board will sit at eye-level to above your head – normally used for deep powder and speed
• A medium-sized board will sit between your nose and chin – a good fit for all-mountain terrain, park and powder friendly.
• A short board will be shorter than your chin – normally shorter boards are best for freestyle and park use because they are easy to turn.

Width

Snowboarders with small feet will be able to turn a narrow board easier than a wider board. Riders with larger feet will generally have to choose wider boards to prevent toe and heel drag – when the heel or toes carry over the edge of the board and will cause you to crash. One way to get around toe or heel drag is to put lifter plates under bindings to provide leverage.

Weight

Shorter and light weight riders may want to choose a more flexible board and a shorter size than normal. Tall riders and those carrying a bit of weight might want to choose a longer, stiffer board for more stability.

Remember that this is a guideline. Each rider is different which is why you should try and demo a new board before laying out the cash.

Posted by Brendon on July 7th, 2009 in Snowboard Tips

Brendon @cherrypow

Hi, I'm Brendon, editor and one of the co-founders of CherryPow. When work isn't calling I'm planning the next snow adventure and writing about it.