Choosing the right snowboard is an essential part of the learning process. An oversize board will cause your child to have difficulty learning elementary skills such as turning and braking. Snowboard companies offer numerous youth size models to accommodate the small stature of novice riders. Choose a snowboard that corresponds with your child's physical dimensions.
Height
Many youth model snowboards are sized based on the height of the rider. Measure the height of your child with a tape measure before heading to your local snowboard shop. The House recommends a snowboard with a length of 115 to 125 cm for a child with a height of 4 feet 4 inches. Perform a simple test by holding the snowboard vertically in front of your child. The length of the board should correspond with the height of your child's chin.
Weight
The weight of your child is another deciding factor when selecting a youth model snowboard. Children who weigh more than average may need a wider board for increased stability. A board that is too narrow will cause your child to sink into the snow during high-velocity turning maneuvers. Young boys who weigh about 40 lbs. should ride a snowboard that has a length of 100 cm. Shred-O-Pedia recommends a 120-cm board for boys who weigh 50 to 80 lbs.
Shoe Size
Take your child's shoe size into account when shopping youth model snowboards. Instead of measuring your child's foot, measure the boots that your child will be riding in. Extend a piece of measuring tape from the heel to the toe of your child's boot. Regular-size snowboards generally have a waist width of 24 to 26 cm. If your child's snowboard boots are smaller than a size 8, choose a snowboard that has waist width of 18 to 23 cm.
Riding Style
Many young riders enjoy the style of all-mountain snowboarding, as it allows you to tackle numerous types of terrain. If your child has yet to determine his favorite genre of snowboarding, an all-mountain board is the best option. All-mountain boards feature a versatile design that can adapt to both groomed trails and fresh powder. The length of youth model all-mountain boards ranges from 90 to 142 cm. According to REI, some 99 percent of novice riders use an all-mountain board.
Member Comments