Choosing the correct snowboard width: A proper snowboard width will allow your boots to hang over the edge of the board just enough to give you full control over the board for turning. Too much overhang and your toes will catch and down you'll go. The waist of the board should fall within the ranges listed here, depending on your boot size.
Snowboard Width and Boot Sizes
| US Men's Boot Size |
< 7 |
8 - 9.5 |
10 - 11.5 |
11.5+ |
| Board Width |
240 - 245 mm |
246 - 254 mm |
255 - 259 mm |
260+ mm |
What is the correct length for your board?
Choosing the correct length depends a large amount on personal preference. It used to be that the recommended length depended solely on your height as the rider - choose the board that comes up to your chin and you're ready to ride! Not anymore. With so many variations in board type, flex and style, the right board length is the one that matches your height, weight AND riding style. This table will get you started:
Snowboard Sizing
| Rider Height |
Rider Weight |
Board Length |
| 4'10" |
110 - 120 lbs |
128 - 136 cm |
| 5' |
115 - 130 lbs |
133 - 141 cm |
| 5'2" |
125 - 135 lbs |
139 - 147 cm |
| 5'4" |
135 - 145 lbs |
144 -152 cm |
| 5'6" |
140 - 155 lbs |
149 - 157 cm |
| 5'8" |
150 - 165 lbs |
154 - 162 cm |
| 5'10" |
160 - 175 lbs |
159 - 167 cm |
| 6' |
170 - 185 lbs |
160+ cm |
| 6'2" |
180 - 195 lbs |
160+ cm |
| 6'4" |
190 - 205 lbs |
160+ cm |
Then, keep these in mind when choosing your board length:
- Larger/heavier riders should choose a longer board to give them more surface area in contact with the snow and keep them riding high.
- Newbies should consider a mid-to-shorter board in your range to give you greater maneuverability as you learn.
- Park/Freestyle riders should aim toward the shorter boards.
- All Mountain, Freeriders and powder riders should go for a longer board in their range to provide more 'float' on the soft snow.
What KIND of snowboard should you buy? We're not gonna lie. You could ride any board in any snow in any terrain, you're just sliding down the mountain after all. But once you ride a fat rocker in bottomless pow, or a shorter, popier board in the park, you'll see how awesome it is to ride a board that's made for the specific riding you're doing.
If you like to ride the whole mountain, from powdery tree runs, to side country booters to packed groomers to laps in the park, and you don't want to spring for 5 different specialty boards, then an all mountain snowboard is for you. These versatile boards are made for anything and they're perfect for riders who are just getting started, all the way to advanced riders. With an all mountain snowboard you'll get a mix of both rocker and traditional camber for the perfect combo of powder-mashing glide and precision arcing on groomers.
Shop for All Mountain Snowboards
Perfect for the terrain park, freestyle snowboards are usually on the shorter side making them better for rails, jibs, boxes, tree trunks and riding switch. These boards usually have a true twin shape and are crafted with technology and materials that give them a certain playful springiness that feels awesome on take-offs and landings. Many freestyle boards combine rocker and camber together so you can spread some butter on the hill!
Shop for Freestyle Snowboards
If you crave the freedom of deliciously untracked off-piste terrain, freeride snowboards are designed for riders that spend most of their time off the groomers. Perfect for the backcountry, from mellow tree runs to big mountain descents, these boards have a stiffer flex and can be ridden in longer lengths. Many freeride boards have a directional shape for top performance in one direction.
Shop for Freeride Snowboards
