Snowboard Sizing

Finding out the correct snowboard sizing

Snowboard sizing is a big question when people first start learning to snowboard and even bigger when they go to purchase a board. Here we will give you a basic guideline for choosing the size of your snowboard.

Before everything else, you must understand that there are 3 basic characteristics that determine snowboard sizing. They are the length, width, and flex of the board. What determines the correct values for these factors are your height, foot size, and weight.

The length of a snowboard is measured in centimeters and can be classified into three categories: short, medium, and long. Although it sounds very obvious, each category has different characteristics when it comes to the speed and maneuverability of the board. A short board would be one that comes up to around your collar bone to your chin when standing it up on end. A medium sized board would come up to about your nose and a long board can extend beyond the top of your head. The general rule is that as a board gets longer, it becomes harder to maneuver while achieving a higher top speed.

Next in snowboard sizing is the width of the board. In snowboarding, you want to be able to apply pressure to the edges of the board in order to control it. This is why it is essential that you find a board where your feet will come very close to the edges of the board. It is ok for your boot to go slightly over the edge. However, if your toes go too far over the edge, you might experience "toe drag" which is when your toes start to catch snow while turning. This may send you flying into the ground for a mouth full of snow so be careful and choose your board wisely.

Last but not least in snowboard sizing is the flex of the board.The flex of the board refers to its stiffness with a higher rating usually meaning stiffer. Although the flex is not actually a size with a corresponding value, it is still very important when choosing a board. For heavier riders, a higher flex is recommended so that the board doesn't bend as easily when riding.

One thing to remember is that these are just general guidelines on snowboard sizing and personal preference will heavily influence your choices. But if you are a beginner and don't have a clue as to what size board you should be riding, this guide offers you a good idea. For more information on snowboard sizing, please check out the links below.

And be sure to check out our pages about Snowboarding Pictures, Snowboarding Tips, Burton Snowboards, Lamar Snowboards, and Sims Snowboards elsewhere on this site.