How to Select a Freestyle Snowboard

Height, weight and shoe size are important factors in choosing the right freestyle snowboard.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Credit Cards And Loans
• Freestyle Boots
• Snowboard Bag
• Snowboard Bindings
• Snowboard Leash
• Snowboards

1. Consider your height. Adults typically ride a freestyle board between 130 and 160 cm; children ride boards of 100 to 140 cm.
2. Stand the board on end. It should not extend above the center of your chest. A short length allows for easier spinning, tricks and grabs.
3. Measure your feet. Width is an important factor in selecting a snowboard, since overhanging toes and heels can hinder turning. Feet size 11 and over usually require a wide board.
4. Check your weight. This is also an important factor in selecting a snowboard. Here are some estimates of rider weight and appropriate board lengths: 70 to 130 pounds: 144cm; 80 to 140 pounds: 148cm; 90 to 170 pounds: 153cm; 100 to 190 pounds: 158cm; 130 to 200 pounds: 160cm.
5. Check its core. Snowboard cores can be made of wood, composites or experimental hybrids. Wooden cores are usually more responsive and durable.
6. Contact your local board shop or an online merchant for assistance in finding the board best suited to your specifications.
7. Rent a demo board before purchase, if possible. A test-drive can help you decide which board is best for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Start thinking about colors and graphics only after you've narrowed your board choices.
• Freestyle boards are ridden with soft boots and freestyle bindings, both of which allow for increased mobility. They come in a wide range of designs and styles. Bindings with minimal straps and low backs (the plate behind the heel) offer lots of mobility - an advantage when trick riding. However, too loose a binding can make precise carving very difficult. Experiment with different combinations of bindings and boots to find a setup best suited to your riding style.
• A rider of more than 150 pounds may encounter problems when attempting to ride a freestyle snowboard in fresh powder. Because of their short length, freestyle boards will sink below the surface and make riding very difficult.