About Youth Snowboards
Snowboarding is no longer a sport for just adults. As the sport has become more popular, children are getting involved and manufacturers have begun developing boards intended for these younger riders. Purchasing a snowboard for a child is much like purchasing one for an adult, as the skill level, riding style, and weight must be considered when making the decision of what board is right for the child.
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Types
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Nearly every major snowboard manufacturer, including Burton, Ride and Rome, produce snowboards targeted for the youth market. Some of these models, like Burton's Custom, are smaller versions of adult boards, while others are boards specifically produced for the needs of the young rider.
Size
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Snowboards are sold by length in centimeters., with boys' snowboards measuring between 120 centimeters and 145 centimeters, while girls snowboards are generally 120 to 140 centimeters in size. While the difference in sizing is not substantial, there are diffences in the construction accounting for the weight and foot size differences of the sexes, especially as they age. Some board manufacturers produce decks in sizes as small as 90 centimeters for toddlers.
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Features
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The feature set of the youth snowboard is nearly the same as that of an adult board. Metal edges help the rider make turns, and the board can be flat, have camber (edges of the board are curved slightly upward) or rocker (edges curved slightly downward) edges. Bindings for youth snowboards are the same as adult snowboards except for the size. They are screwed into the base and not part of the board itself. Some manufacturers, such as Ride, do offer pre-packaged deals where the bindings are included.
Considerations
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Parents planning to purchase a snowboard for their child should expect him to grow out of it rather quickly. It may be advisable to purchase a board that is slightly bigger than what the child needs in order to maximize the board's usable life. Consult with your local ski and snowboard shop on what setup will be best for the child's skill level and riding style. Also make sure that the boots fit correctly; the wrong sized boots can put the child at risk for injury.
Warning
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Snowboarding is a dangerous sport, with a risk for injury. The child should not be left unattended at any time. Many ski resorts require the presence of a parent or guardian until a certain age. Additionally, the child should not be permitted to ride on more difficult terrain until she has mastered the basics. Unlike skiing, snowboarding does not have a method where an adult rider can use a "training leash" to control the child's descent.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit saut snowboard image by philippe Devanne from Fotolia.com
