When you're a beginner, it's challenging to discern whether you're struggling due to your snowboard or your skill level. While you can technically learn on any board, some are more beginner-friendly than others, potentially making the difference between enjoying the sport and feeling frustrated on the slopes. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right beginner board and make your first mountain experience less vexing.
Determine the Correct Length:
The length of a board is somewhat dependent on a rider's preference and the type of riding. Generally, riders engaging in more park riding prefer a shorter board, while those into freeriding favor a longer one.
During the learning phase, a shorter board demands less aggression for maneuvering. It's advisable to lean toward a slightly shorter board until you determine your preference. Choosing a board based on the rider's weight, rather than height, is a good starting point to ensure sufficient power to control the board.
Here's a rough snowboard size chart based on weight, but remember, taller riders should opt for a longer board, and shorter riders for a shorter one:
Rider Weight (lbs.) | Board Length (cm) |
89-112 | 130-139 |
112-135 | 140-149 |
135-158 | 145-159 |
158-181 | 155-169 |
181+ | 155-160+ |
Always check the manufacturer's size chart before purchasing, considering both rider weight and boot size to ensure the right width. Too narrow a board can catch boots on the snow, while a too-wide board can hinder turning.
Camber vs. Rocker:
The age-old debate: camber vs. rocker. While this might sound confusing at first, it's crucial to understand the differences. Most boards today are camber-rocker hybrids.
A camber board, when on the floor, bows up in the center, providing more contact with the ground at the rider's feet. It requires less aggression on groomers, making it excellent for beginners.
A rocker board, conversely, has the center touching the ground and bows up where the bindings are, resembling a banana. It offers less ground contact at the rider's feet, demanding more aggression to turn on groomers. While it makes avoiding edge catches easier, it can lead to unintentional turns or spins for beginners.
In short, a true camber board or a camber-rocker hybrid is recommended for beginners. Even if you progress quickly, a camber board won't hold you back. You can explore a true rocker after mastering the basics.
Flex:
Flex refers to how easily each binding (foot) can move independently. For beginners, a softer (easier to flex) board is generally preferable over a stiffer one. A softer board requires less aggression to maneuver but may be less stable at higher speeds. Conversely, a stiffer board demands more aggression but offers better stability.
For beginners on a camber board (or rocker-camber hybrid), a medium-soft flex is recommended. Too-soft flex on a camber board can feel like a wet noodle. Check the board's flex rating when purchasing.
Additionally, keep in mind that flex varies between gender-specific boards. Women's soft flex is slightly softer than men's soft flex due to differences in size and power. Women should aim for a medium-soft women's or a soft men's board, while men can go for a medium women's or a medium-soft men's board.
Research:
Not all boards are created equal. Stick with well-known, mainstream brands for your first board. Once you're more experienced, you can experiment with off-brands. For now, it's best to start with something reputable.
If purchasing a used board, try to find the board on Google Images. Even for older models, you can often discover a picture leading to an old article or listing with information about the board's flex rating, camber type, etc.
Choosing a Beginner Snowboard:
Purchasing your first board is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Consider factors such as the correct length, camber type, flex rating, and brand reputation. Do your research, especially when buying a used board. Stick to a reputable brand offering the features you need. Finally, be patient. The perfect board will come along; you just need to wait for it.