Picking the Right Snowboard
Posted by Anne-Flore on 11/3/2010
1) What type of riding do you want to do?
Freeride-I plan on mostly riding the entire mountain, I like to go off the groomers and play in the trees, hit natural kickers, and explore the entire mountain.
Good Freeride boards:
Freestyle- I spend most of my time in the park, hitting rails and jumps, ollieing onto and over things, spinning and showing off my tricks in the park.
Good Freestyle Boards:
Freecarve- I just want to go fast down groomers, I don’t plan on exploring too far off of the groomers, and want a board that will be stable for doing speed runs.
Good Freecarve boards:
2) How do I know what size is right for me?
Short Length Boards (sits between your collarbone and mouth )- If you have never ridden a snowboard or this is your first board, you don’t quiet feel comfortable linking turns and want a board that is going to be easy to maneuver get something on the shorter size. Also if you want a board that will be easy to spin, turn quickly, Ollie and play in the park a shorter board will be easier to move around.
Medium Length Boards (sits between your chin and nose) - If you feel comfortable initiating turns, and have started exploring off of the groomers, or onto jumps or rails go with a medium length board. This is the most standard sizing for most snowboards. Just keep in mind if you are planning to spend most of your time in the park stay on the shorter end of this spectrum for easier maneuverability.
Long Length Board (Sits between your nose and the top of your head)- Long boards are good for carving, and going fast, as well as in powder. With a long board you will lose some of your maneuverability but gain stability for high speed travel and it will help you float better in powder because of the extra surface area you get and the longer tip that allows you to get more lift in deep snow.
2) Do I need a wide board?
If your feet hang over the edge of the board and touch the snow when you ride you should look into getting a wide board. Wide boards are the same as their ‘regular width’ counterparts only slightly wider to accommodate larger feet. Generally speaking if you are a Women’s size 8+ or a Men’s 9+ shoe size you may consider a wider board. Your stance on the board will affect whether or not you need a wide board, as well as the type of boots you have. The more angled your stance the less likely you will need a wide board, and most newer boots have a much more compact shell and will not stick out as much as older boots.
3) Do I want a stiff board or a soft board?
Stiff boards are best for freeride and freecarve styles of riding. The stiffness of the board will help make it more stable on uneven terrain and at high speeds. A stiff board will help dampen smaller bumps at high speeds which will make it feel much more stable for this type of riding.
Soft boards are ideal for beginners and freestyle riding. A soft board is easier to initiate turns with, it will flex under your feet which will allow the board to ollie much easier than a stiff board. The soft flex makes a board much easier to maneuver and do tricks with but will not be as steady at high speeds or on bumpy or uneven terrain.
Why should I get a Women’s Board instead of a Men’s Board?
Women’s boards are not a cheaper prettier version of the men’s boards. These boards are designed for lighter bodies with slightly less muscle mass to have the same feeling while riding as the men’s boards with the equivalent amount of weight and pressure. The women’s boards are often designed by pro women riders as their ideal boards. Women’s boards are perfect for most female riders, as well as teenage boys who want to rip on the mountain but are not yet big enough to fully control the men’s boards. Taller or heavier women may prefer riding men’s boards to get the stability they are looking for.
If you have any other questions or would like to talk to one of our experts please feel free to call us at (209)258-7508 or e-mail us at retail@kirkwood.com
