How To Choose The Correct Snowboard Length
Traditionally people would choose their snowboard length based on their height but ultimately that doesn’t really make sense. Imagine two people of equal heights, however one weighs 70kg, and the other weighs 90+ kg. Due to the difference in weight, it would make riding the same snowboard feel much different. Then throw into the mix the riders terrain preferences… if one wanted to ride park whilst the other wanted to ride powder then riding the same length of snowboard would not work. Below I break down the things that really matter when choosing the correct size of snowboard to ride.
WEIGHT
The most important aspect to consider when choosing snowboard length is the weight of the rider. This is so important that snowboard manufacturers put a handy weight range on the back of every board. Below is the information for my snowboard from Prior Snowboards. Each brand will produce a snowboard size chart or snowboard size calculator for the boards in their range.
Looking at the snowboard sizing guide above you can see that each size has a recommended weight range. Taking weight into consideration we can work out how to choose the correct size snowboard. The reason we rely on weight and not height is that each snowboard has a set flex pattern (Learn More - Snowboard Flex).
If you are below or towards the bottom of the weight range you will find the snowboard harder to press and manoeuvre. Being too light for the board will prevent you from using your body weight to apply the correct pressure to the board. This will make learning ground tricks and butters quite difficult. On the other hand, if you are above or towards the top end of the weight range you could put too much pressure on the board whilst flexing. This could result in the snowboard snapping or breaking if landing backseat of a jump. Being over the recommended weight range for the board will cause the board to flex more and make it less stable at higher speeds.
In an ideal scenario, you want to be in the middle of the recommended weight range for the snowboard. This will give you the best on-snow experience and you will feel the board ride as it was intended to be ridden.
The recommended weight ranges on the snowboard sizing charts are not a definitive answer to the question. Here are some reasons you may wish to size up or down your snowboard.
TYPE OF SNOWBOARDER AND SNOWBOARD LENGTH
The type of snowboarding you do will influence the size of snowboard you should ride. This is why people who snowboard frequently often have a quiver of boards in different lengths or sizes so they can ride a board well-suited to the conditions or type of snowboarding they are doing that day.
FREESTYLE
Freestyle snowboarders may choose to ride a shorter snowboard. A shorter snowboard will be easier to spin and press, whilst it will also feel easier to initiate turns and sharp movements. By opting for a snowboard that is a few centimetres shorter you will find your park riding will be easier to progress. Be wary of going to short, as if you are well above the weight range you may snap your snowboard.
FREERIDE
The opposite applies to freeride snowboarders who will value stability and float over manoeuvrability. By opting for a snowboard that is a few centimetres longer a freeride board will feel fast and stable allowing you to rip around the mountain. A longer board will have a longer edge meaning that you will have more edge in contact with the snow helping you maintain grip. Do not go for a board that is far too long for you as you may find this difficult to initiate turns on.
ALL-MOUNTAIN
All-mountain snowboarders should aim to stick to the recommended weight ranges as these will allow the most versatility. If you are an all-mountain freestyle then opt 1-2cm shorter but no more. If you prefer freeride than 1-2cm longer.
HOW ABILITY INFLUENCES SNOWBOARD LENGTH
Ability can be a key factor in snowboard length choice and it can have a big impact on your enjoyment. When I first learnt I was given a 162cm snowboard which was far too long. I found for learning that it was better to use a shorter board as they were easier to turn. Building confidence is important in the initial stages of snowboarding and riding a board that is too long for you can really put a dampener on the enjoyment factor. It is ok for a beginner to ride a snowboard where they are slightly above the weight category as they are unlikely to be doing anything extreme to snap or break the board.
After the beginner stage, there is little reason to consider snowboard length dependent on ability as the other factors such as weight and riding style take priority.
HEIGHT AND SNOWBOARD LENGTH
As mentioned in the intro to this post height is traditionally the method used to determine snowboard length, however, it is outdated and shouldn’t be used as the determining factor. Height if anything should be used as a starting point and should then be refined using the rider’s weight and riding style.
Particularly short or tall people should pay attention to the length of their snowboard as they want to ensure they can fully adjust their stance into a comfortable position. A tall snowboarder on a shorter board may end up with too narrow a stance whereas the opposite may apply to a short rider on a longer board.
IS IT BETTER TO GET A LONGER OR A SHORTER SNOWBOARD?
Ultimately the answer to this question really depends on the type of snowboarding you want to do and your ability. Short snowboards will be easier to turn, making them great for beginners. A longer board will be more stable and have more contact with the snow ensuring they are perfect for carving. Advanced snowboarders who favour park may choose to downsize their board by around 2-4cms. Similarly, snowboarders only interested in freeride may opt for a board that is longers by 2-4cm.
STILL UNSURE?
As always thanks for reading and if you are still unsure feel free to get in touch via the socials or the comment section. Make sure to check out our Snowboard Buyers Guide where you will find all the information regarding how to buy a snowboard.