How to buy a Snowboard

The Board


  • Buy a board that's classified as a Freeride board.

That advice may seem a little simplistic, but anything else, such as an alpine or freestyle board is too "terrain-specific" for someone new to the sport. A good Freeride board will allow you to enjoy the whole mountain from groomed runs, to powder, to the park without holding you back. That way you'll discover, via your own experience, what kind of rider you are.

The good thing is that there are a million different kinds of freeriding boards to choose from, so your choice has not been limited.

Basic Guidelines


Length
  • Stand the board up and it should come to between just below your chin and your nose.

If you're a heavier person, plan on riding fast, or will be riding an area known for deep snow, go on the longer side (your nose). If you're a lighter or more conservative sportsperson, choosing a board that reaches your chin will be a little easier to turn and get used to. Smaller boards are also more manageable for rookie freestylers learning park and pipe moves.

Width
This is very important, especially for people with big feet!

  • With the board lying on the shop floor, place your back foot over the insert holes and look at it. If your toes and heel can't fit on the board without them hanging over the edge, look for a wider board.

If you don't get a board that's wide enough it will feel like you're throwing out an anchor every time you try to turn. There are a lot of wider boards on the market and believe me, it's worth the extra shopping effort to avoid 'toe drag'. Women or kids with smaller feet should also look for a board that is designed for them. Although not as bad as toe drag, having a board that's too wide for your feet is a lot more work to turn and will seem heavy and sluggish to a smaller person.