Measure your body weight before choosing a snowboard for the season. A majority of snowboard sizing guides are based off the rider's body weight. A snowboard that corresponds with your bodily dimensions will provide better stability and control. The weight of the snowboard itself can also affect your success on the slopes.
Rider Weight
The snowboard comes in a multitude of sizes to accommodate the weight variations of beginner, intermediate and expert boarders. If you an above average weight for your height, a longer board will help you to maintain a balanced stance during hairpin turns. According to the snowboarding experts at Shred-O-Pedia, a rider with a body weight of 140 to 170 lbs. should ride a snowboard that features a length of 155 cm. Upgrade the length of the board by a few centimeters if it begins to vibrate at high speeds.
Board Width
The width of the snowboard will directly affect your ability to shift your body weight between the heel and toe-edge. Choosing a waist width that matches your body weight will prevent painful slide outs on the snow. Certain snowboard companies offer wide model boards for riders with an above average body weight. While the average waist width of the snowboard ranges between 24 and 25 cm, wide model snowboards can have a width of more than 26 cm. According to REI, wide boards help you to stay afloat while riding through powdered snow.
Board Weight
An overweight board can hinder your ability to execute the simplest of turns and maneuvers. The slope style snowboard has the lightest construction which is ideal for jumping long distances and sliding over ledges and rails. Downhill snowboarders, also commonly referred to as boarder-cross riders, utilize a heavier board model. The downhill snowboard often has a thick wooden core that helps to increase the weight of the board. The heavier the snowboard, the higher the speed capabilities.
Gear Weight
Your snowboarding gear can weigh you down while traversing the mountain slope. High-end snowboarding gear is made out of lightweight woven fabrics such as polyester and nylon. When choosing a snowboard helmet, avoid models made from fiberglass as these can place increased weight on your neck leading to lower back pain. Choose a lightweight helmet with a polycarbonate outer shell to stay comfortable and protected on the slopes. Select bindings made from aluminum or titanium to decrease the overall weight of your setup.
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