How To Pick Your Snowboard Height & Length – Snowboard Size Chart

Updated: September 15, 2024

So, you're a snowboarder. Congrats on choosing a rad sport.

Before you can rip it like Sean White, the most important thing is choosing your snowboard setup correctly. Selecting the perfect tool for the task is critical, whether you're learning to snowboard or mastering the sport.

Choosing a board that appears to be the proper size is not as simple as it seems. You should consider a few more details while selecting a board that will improve your on-snow experience.

Snowboards come in various lengths and widths. Whether you're buying your first snowboard or your fifteenth, choosing the right one is important. You need to know the anatomy of the board, and type of terrain you will ride on.

What Size Snowboard Should I Get?

The size chart shows board length estimates based on height and weight. After getting your standard length, you can modify the length based on your preference (and ability level). A snowboard size chart is an easy way to understand what snowboard size is right for you.

Snowboard Size Chart:

Anatomy of a Snowboard

Snowboard Sidecut Radius

The radius represents what your board would have if you extended the curve of the edge all the way around. A smaller sidecut radius indicates a smaller circle.

Edge: Sharp vs Smooth

Some have sharp edges that cut into the snow like a knife. This gives better grip and control on ice. Less sharp edges are better for powder. This shouldn't be a huge determining factor, as the board can be tuned and de-tuned based on the conditions.

Tip Width

The width of the tip - the end that's in front of your front food, at its widest point measures.

Tail Width

The tail (the end in the back) width of the snowboard at its widest point measures.

Waist Width

The board's width at its narrowest point measures. Snowboards with narrow waist widths allow riders to roll from edge to edge faster than snowboards with wider waist widths.

Core

The core is the material that makes up the middle of your snowboard. People commonly use wood, or a blend of several types of wood, as the core material. Manufacturers can alternatively make snowboard cores from foam and other materials. 

Binding Mount Pattern

The binding mounts are where your bindings are attached to your snowboard. Most recent snowboards include a 2x4 design compatible with all modern bindings.

How Wide Should My Snowboard Be?

Traditionally, people calculate the width of a snowboard at its narrowest point, and it should match the size of your boot. Snowboard boots should typically dangle just slightly over the edges of your board; too much or too little can cause problems. If your boot size is too small for your snowboard, toe and heel drag will result in a lack of edge control.

You can improve your ride by changing the angle of your bindings. Try bindings that let you raise your toes above the board's edge. You can also buy boots with a low footprint to help.

Ability Level & Riding Style

These two factors also influence the length of a board.

Ability Level

Start with a shorter board if you're a beginner (3-5cm shorter). When assessing length, intermediate and up should disregard ability level. Controlling a longer board is more complicated. As a result, experts frequently advise beginners to use a somewhat shorter board than a more experienced rider.

Riding Style 

If you enjoy hitting the park (freestyle), choose a board that is 3 to 6 centimeters shorter. If you prefer riding terrain like Travis Rice in Natural Selection (freeride), select a board that is 2 to 4 centimeters longer. Your choice may depend on your personal preference.

How Do I Know What Snowboard is Best for Me?         

While you may use any snowboard on any terrain, several boards are designed to help you get the most out of your time on the slopes.

All-Mountain Snowboards

The all-mountain board is designed to handle anything you can throw at it. It works in a variety of snow situations and terrain. Known for their flexibility, they perform well in groomers, powder, in the park, and almost everything else.

Freestyle Snowboards

They're usually a little shorter and have more bend than a standard length deck. The shorter size makes it easier to fling the board around when throwing tricks. A gentler flex will also let you fine-tune those tricks for maximum style and swagger.

Freeride Snowboards

Freeride snowboards are usually on the longer side of your board's size range. This product suits riders who spend most of their time off groomed trails and in variable terrain. Freeride snowboards have a stiffer flex for more control on deeper and steeper runs.

Splitboards

Riders usually use splitboards for extreme freeriding. Developers design splitboards for backcountry riders, allowing them to split into uphill riding with climbing skins.

These boards allow riders to ascend slopes the same way as alpine touring or telemark skis. Once riders reach the top, they take off their climbing skins.

They put their board together and adjust their bindings for downhill riding. Then, they ride down. To "earn your turns," this is the way to do it.

Get The Right Snowboard Size at Virgin Islands Ski Rentals

Now It's time to find you the correct size snowboard. At Virgin Islands Ski Rentals, we want to assist you in finding the right snowboard suitable for your size and riding style. We're here to make your next outdoor adventure in Colorado great. Book your snowboard rental online and save 10% when you visit us in Silverthorne, CO.

Image Source: Joey Reuteman / Shutterstock