The snowboard deck comes in a variety of widths and lengths to meet the needs of beginner, intermediate and expert boarders. While height should be taken into account when choosing a board, other factors such as weight and shoe size are more pertinent. A snowboard that doesn't correspond with your body type can make even the most elementary of maneuvers cumbersome to complete.
Adult Boards
Choosing a snowboard that corresponds with your height doesn't have to be a difficult task. While certain snowboarders may refer to the manufacturer's size guide, others utilize a basic fitting test. According to the snowboard specialists at REI, you can hold the snowboard vertically in front of you to determine if it matches your height. The top edge of the snowboard should sit between your nose and chin. When shopping for a backcountry model, the top edge of the snowboard should correspond with the height of your nose.
Kids Boards
Selecting the appropriately sized snowboard will allow beginners to learn the elementary techniques with ease. Snowboard companies offer youth models that correspond with the smaller height of beginners. According to The House's Snowboard Sizing Chart, kids 4 to 5 feet tall should ride a snowboard that has a length of 109 to 130 cm. When choosing a youth model snowboard, height is important as young riders may have a similar weight yet a great difference in stature.
Weight
While two snowboarders may have an identical height, there can be significant differences in the weight of the riders. According to Snowboards.net, the majority of snowboard sizing guides place more importance on body weight than height. If you have an above-average weight for your height, you'll need a snowboard that features an extended waist width. A waist width that is too narrow for your body weight will cause you to sink into the snow.
Shoe Size
When selecting a snowboard, your height doesn't matter as much as the size of your shoes. While your height should correspond with the length of the snowboard, your shoe size should correlate with the waist width of the board. Your boots may catch in the snow during hairpin turns if they hang over the toe-edge of the snowboard. A snowboard that is too wide for your feet will decrease your ability to transfer energy between your boots and the edges of deck.
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