The question snowboard vendors often hear is “What’s the right snowboard length for me?” However, there is no definitive answer, even if you arrive at the store armed with all the right information, including your height, weight and an understanding of your centre of gravity.
The only way to truly know the perfect board length is by renting or borrowing before you buy. But since a test drive isn’t always possible, here are five criteria to help you make a choice when you’re in the store.
1. Your height
The length of your snowboard should be in proportion with your height. The taller you are, the more space you need between your feet in order to have a comfortable stance on the board. Most manufacturers offer a variety of lengths for this reason.
2. Your weight
Your weight is more important than your height when it comes to snowboard length. That’s because the board needs to evenly distribute your weight to slide easily over the snow. Thus, a fairly heavy person using too short a board will lose speed and control because the board will tend to sink into the snow.
3. Your gender
For the last 15 years or so, snowboard manufacturers have been designing separate models for men and women. This has nothing to do with aesthetics but rather with weight distribution and how a board absorbs energy during carving and landing. The major difference is in snowboard length.
4. Your riding style
Two riders who are exactly the same weight and height may have completely different needs in terms of length. An avid freestyle snowboarder will prefer a shorter, easier-to-manoeuver board, while a downhill speed ace will achieve maximum performance with a longer board. If you’re new to the sport and don’t yet know your preferences, or just want to stay as versatile as possible, choose a standard size.
5. Your experience
It’s in a beginner’s best interest to opt for a shorter board, because it’s going to be easier to master the basic techniques. A seasoned snowboarder may like the challenge of a longer board that reaches spectacular downhill speeds.
All in all, every rider is different, and it's your job to find the ideal specifications for your board. Have fun experimenting!
