Date: March 21, 2022
Updated: March 22, 2024
One thing that you should do is choose your snowboard setup correctly. Selecting the perfect tool for the task is critical, whether you’re learning to snowboard or mastering the sport. It’s not as simple as choosing a board that appears to be the proper size. There are a few more details to consider while selecting a board that will improve the rider’s experience.
Snowboards come in various lengths and widths, all of which are marked on the board. So, whether you’re getting your first snowboard or your fifteenth, the key to picking the appropriate snowboard for you boils down to knowing the width, length, and type of terrain you’ll be riding 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:
| Rider Height (in) | Rider Weight (lb) | Rider Height (cm) | Snowboard Size (cm) |
| 4’10” | 110-120 | 147 | 128-136 |
| 5’0″ | 115-130 | 152 | 133-141 |
| 5’2″ | 125-135 | 158 | 139-147 |
| ‘4″ | 135-145 | 163 | 144-152 |
Anatomy of a Snowboard
Snowboard Sidecut Radius
It’s the radius your board would have if the curve of the edge were extended all the way around. A smaller sidecut radius indicates a smaller circle.
Edge: Serrated vs Smooth
Some have serrated edges, which cut into the snow like a knife and provide more edge grip and control than non-serrated edges.
Tip Width
It is the width of the tip at its widest point.
Tail Width
It is the breadth of the snowboard at its widest point.
Waist Width
It is the board’s width at its narrowest point. Snowboards with narrow waist widths can be rolled from edge to edge faster than snowboards with wider waist widths.
Core
It is the material that your snowboard’s middle is made of. Wood, or a blend of several types of wood, is commonly used as the core material. Snowboard cores can alternatively be made of foam and other materials.
Binding Mount Pattern
The binding mounts are where your bindings are attached to your snowboard. Most recent snowboards include a 2×4 design compatible with all modern bindings.
How Wide Should My Snowboard Be?
The width of a snowboard is traditionally calculated at its narrowest point, and It should be the same size as 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.
Changing the angle of your bindings, trying bindings that allow you to raise your toes above the edge of your board, or purchasing boots with the lowest footprint, will all 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, beginners are frequently advised to use a somewhat shorter board than a more experienced rider.
Riding Style
If you’re a freestyle rider, go 3 to 6 centimeters shorter (depending on preference), and if you’re simply interested in freeriding, go 2-4 centimeters longer (also depending on 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 is made to work in a variety of snow situations and terrain. They are known for their flexibility and are at home in groomers, powder, park runs, and practically anything in between.
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 executing tricks. A gentler flex will also let you fine-tune those tricks for maximum style and swagger.
Freeride Snowboards
Freeride Snowboard is usually on the longer side of your board’s size range. It is made for riders who spend most of their time off groomed trails and in various terrain. They feature a stiffer flex than freestyle snowboards and are ridden in larger sizes.
Splitboards
Splitboards are for extreme freeriding. Splitboards are developed for backcountry riders and split into uphill riding with climbing skins.
Get The Right Size & Length at Virgin Islands Ski Rentals
Now that you’ve hopefully figured out your length range, it’s time to find the correct size snowboard. At Virgin Islands Ski Rentals, we want to assist you in finding the right snowboard suitable for your 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