How To Choose a Snowboard

Snowboarding is an increasingly popular fun winter activity, and it's pretty easy to learn the ropes of the sport so that you are soon surfing over those mounds of new-fallen snow.  Beginners would do well to do a little homework before purchasing the best Snowboard for their abilities.

It's a good idea to personally visit a local sporting goods story in your area that carries snowboards so you can actually see and feel the various models available, along with testing out the accompanying boots and bindings for comfort and fit.  Salespeople who are already seasoned snowboarders can help guide you in making the right choice.  Also, check for any sports expos in your area, because these often feature free snowboarding demos.

Your choice of snowboard will be influenced by your expertise.  Are you a recreational snowboarder, someone who only gets out a few times a year?  Is your expertise at the intermediate level, building your skill at the park and on the pipe yet avoiding difficult or steep terrain? Have you been snowboarding consistently for several years and know how to tackle challenging terrain?

There are three main types of snowboards to consider, all made of wood.  All-Mountain snowboards are the most popular and versatile of the three, characterized by a softer flex, and are easy to use most anywhere.  All-Mountain are also better for performing tricks, with most having a directional shape and directional flex pattern.

Freeride snowboards appeal heavily to experts and males. It's a stiffer, longer board that's suitable for deep powder. Freeride boards allow for greater stability even at high speeds and better control on technical terrain.

Freestyle boards include two categories, pipe boards and park boards, with both boards being classic twin-tip boards. Pipe boards have sharp edges for getting the job done in icy snow and rugged terrain. Park boards are the softest and shortest of all boards, for easier maneuverability around non-snow surfaces.

Additional boards that address special needs include Powder Boards for riding in deep fresh snow, Split Boards designed for back-country boarding with movable bindings, Wide Boards for riders with larger feet, Women's Boards built to accommodate the female form and Kid's Boards which are small and manageable for children.

Choose a shorter board for recreational riding and more easy maneuverability in the pipe or park, and longer boards for better flotation and speed. Look for an extra wide board if your feet are larger than 10.5.  Soft boards are more bendable and forgiving; stiff boards use more muscle but are built for speed.