When purchasing a new snowboard for a beginning snowboarder, several factors need to be considered to provide the right elements that allow maximum efficiency and a good learning platform. Many companies produce boards of various flexibility that allow new riders to ease into more advanced boards, often made to be stiffer, as they continue to learn the sport.
Whether you're shopping online or in stores, there a few things to look for that will allow you to make the best choice for your snowboarding needs.
Step 1
Measure the height of the snowboarder. Standing on its tail, the nose of the board should reach somewhere between the rider's chin and nose. Longer boards require more effort to turn.
Step 2
Measure the weight of the snowboarder. Weight is distributed over the length of a snowboard, so a tall rider who weighs 120 lbs. should ride the same board as a shorter rider who weighs the same.
Step 3
Measure the snowboard boot size of the snowboarder, and look for boards that can accommodate the size. Board width is commonly called its "waist," and is an important factor that is often overlooked. Boot toes and heels should overhang as little as possible when mounted in the bindings, and should be close to the "waist" of the board.
Step 4
Consider the athletic ability of the snowboarder. As new snowboarders' skills develop, they "grow" into a board, so choosing a more advanced board may be a wise choice for a beginner with good athletic ability.
Step 5
Consider the age of the rider and the future use of the snowboard. It may be a good idea to select a size that a child rider will grow into. Younger riders tend to progress quickly as well, so they may grow into boards designed for more advanced snowboarding.
Step 6
Consider the intended use of the snowboard. Saving a few dollars and purchasing a lower-quality snowboard may not be in your best interest if you plan on using it a lot. Stay with name brands and look at their basic models, where construction and the quality of materials will long outlast a cheaper mass production board.
Tips and Warnings
- Many companies like Burton have special boards with learning in mind. Their LTR boards (Learn To Ride) are concave with edges that rise a minimal amount off the surface of the snow to allow for rocking or leafing without catching an edge and falling, common with beginning snowboarders. Softer boards with a high degree of flexibility are also good for learning, allowing a less abrasive ride and less response to a new snowboarder's unstable tendencies. Many riders advance quickly, so it might be wise to choose a board above the rider's current skill level.
- New snowboards come with very sharp edges which can catch on snow, causing the rider to fall. Dulling the edges is a good practice for new snowboarders, and is easily done by running a file over the edge a few times to remove the sharp angle.
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