How to Select an All-Purpose Snowboard
The all-purpose or "freeriding" snowboard is for both beginning and advanced riders and allows for everything from floating down a powder run to spinning some tricks.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Helmets
- Snowboard Bag
- Snowboard Bindings
- Snowboard Boots
- Snowboard Clothing
- Snowboard Goggles
- Snowboard Hats
- Snowboard Leash
- Snowboards
- Waxes
Instructions
-
-
1
Consider your height. While ski length varies directly with your height, snowboard lengths follow a much looser scale. Adults typically ride a freeriding board between 150 and 165 cm; children ride boards of 100 to 140 cm. When stood on end, the board should reach somewhere between the center of your chest and nose.
-
2
Measure your feet. Width is an important factor in selecting a snowboard because overhanging toes and heels can hinder turning. Feet sized 11 and over usually require a wide board.
-
-
3
Consider your build. Small, light riders may benefit from a flexible snowboard to compensate for a lack of weight. Larger riders should look at longer, stiffer boards to keep them afloat above soft powder. Beginners generally benefit from the easier maneuverability of more flexible boards.
-
4
Be aware of board construction materials. Snowboard cores can be made of wood, composites or experimental hybrids. Wooden cores are usually more responsive and durable.
-
5
Contact your local board shop or an online merchant for assistance in finding the board best suited to your specifications. Start thinking about colors and graphics only when you have narrowed down your board choices.
-
6
Rent a "demo" board before purchasing, if possible. Renting a demo for a few days is a good idea, especially if you're not certain which board type you want.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Your dominant foot should be anchored on the front of your snowboard. To determine which foot is dominant, stand with your feet next to each other, side by side. Have a friend give you a gentle shove in the back; the foot you instinctively move forward to break your fall is the dominant one.
Step-in bindings are dominating the market these days over the older strap-in types; ask your vendor about the possibility of trying them. Thanks to a rigid boot and metal attachments on the soles, snowboarders can click in and go without having to strap in.
Resources
More Like This
Comments
View all 10 Comments-
JimShorts
Jan 07, 2007
funny, whenever i go boarding, i've noticed that very few people have those step-in binding that you claim are "dominating the market" and rei and other places only carry a few of them as opposed to dozens of strap models. -
JimShorts
Jan 07, 2007
funny, whenever i go boarding, i've noticed that very few people have those step-in binding that you claim are "dominating the market" and rei and other places only carry a few of them as opposed to dozens of strap models.
-
Aug 08, 2006
A few more things -If you're a big chunker (like me) make sure to get a big board. With a large shovel (front end of a board). If you got big feet (like me as well) get a wide or double wide board. For a size 12-13 boot, about 28 cm wide.
-
Nov 22, 2005
Step-ins are inferior when compared to strap-ins. Although stepping in is sometimes quicker, it is not worth it. Step-in bindings usually don't provide as much ankle support as strap-ins, and your boot may pop out more easily. Also, the step-in bindings get snow stuck in them, making stepping in take longer than strapping in. I definitely recommend strap-in bindings.
-
Nov 22, 2005
Some Burton bindings are made of a plastic-like material, but most of it (like the baseplate) is made of a bullet proof material and has a lifetime warranty. Also, Burton's high end bindings are made of carbon fiber, so in other words Burton bindings are the best.
