How to Choose Your First Snowboard

As the snowy season nears in the northern hemisphere, snowboarding emerges as a favored winter sport. For beginners entering the world of snowboarding, this article serves as a guide to choosing your first snowboard. It will discuss the essential basics and provide insights to kickstart your winter snowboarding journey.

Snow terrain

Before embarking on any snowboarding adventures, it's crucial for riders to understand the various types of snow terrain. Each offers a distinct snowboarding experience and demands specific technical skills.

1. Groomed trail

Groomed trails are the most prevalent type of terrain, featuring a smooth, carefully maintained surface typically found in snowboard resorts. This type of terrain, shaped by snow groomers, is an ideal setting for beginners and intermediate riders. It offers a predictable environment to practice fundamental maneuvers and perfect turns.

2. Powder

Venturing into fresh deep untouched snow areas off-piste or in remote spots offers a unique snowboarding experience. Riding through this powder snow feels like floating, but it's thicker and harder to control. It requires a wider softer snowboard and different techniques than groomed trails, needing weight and balance adjustments for a smooth ride.

3. Moguls

Moguls are snow mounds formed by snowboarder traffic. Riding over moguls demands skill in maneuvering, controlling edges and absorbing shocks while navigating bumps.

4. Open space/tree lanes

Tree runs are ski areas interspersed with trees where snowboarders can navigate through open spaces and above the timberline. Maneuvering in these tight spaces demands agility, quick reactions and precise turns to evade obstacles. Negotiating tree runs also requires adaptability to changing and unconsolidated snow conditions.

5. Terrain park

A terrain park or snow park is a designated section in a ski area with freestyle features like jumps, rails, boxes and u-tubes. It's perfect for practicing tricks, jumps and freeride moves, demanding knowledge of safe approaches and landings on various park features. Skiers are able to focus more on skill, creativity and balance while maneuvering in these parks.

6. Steep Slopes

Riding on steep terrain with sharp grades presents a challenging and demanding experience for snowboarders. Negotiating these slopes necessitates precise speed control, taking sharp turns and having a strong sense of balance to avoid falls.

7. Backcountry terrain

Off-piste refers to the undeveloped terrain outside snowboard resorts and designated runs, often encompassing remote mountains, forests and deep snow-covered areas. Riding in these areas can offer a thrilling experience, but it also presents more unknown risks and challenges. Engaging in wilderness riding means you’ll need specialized instruction covering survival, navigation skills and more. Carrying essential equipment like beacons and probes becomes critical for safety in these terrains.

8. Variable Conditions

Varied terrain includes a mix of snow conditions like powder areas, flat sections and icy spots. Adapting your riding style becomes essential to effectively respond to these changing conditions.

Understanding different snow terrains helps snowboarders adjust their technique, snowboard setup and posture accordingly, enhancing their snowboarding enjoyment as they gain experience. Beginners may find it better to start snowboarding at supervised indoor areas or snowboard resorts for their first time.

How to pick your first snowboard

When selecting your first snowboard, choose one that aligns with your snowboarding preferences and the type of snowboarding you plan to do. Several criteria should guide your decision-making process. Here are key factors to consider when purchasing your first snowboard:

1. Snowboard size
2. Snowboard type
3. Snowboard profile
4. Snowboard shape
5. Other snowboard features (sidecut radius, flex and base material, etc.)

Snowboard size

Finding the correct snowboard  is crucial for your snowboarding adventures. Manufacturers often provide different size references, making it essential to select board sizes based on each brand's specifications. The suitable size relies on factors like the rider’s weight, height and riding style and their preferred terrain type.

Snowboard length:  

Weight and Height

Manufacturers offer sizing charts that align the snowboard's specific length with the rider's weight and height. Typically, heavier riders may prefer longer and stiffer boards for enhanced stability, whereas lighter riders might find shorter and softer boards easier to control. Consulting the sizing chart is a useful initial step in selecting the appropriate board length.

Riding style 

Various riding styles may necessitate specific board lengths:

• Freestyleand park riders typically favor shorter boards for better maneuverability and easier execution of tricks.
• Freerideand powder enthusiasts might opt for longer boards to enhance stability and float on deep snow.

Skill level

Board length choice can vary based on skill level:

• Beginners often find shorter boards easier to control and maneuver.
• Advanced riders may lean towards longer boards for enhanced stability, especially at higher speeds.

Width

The right snowboard width is critical, particularly for riders with larger foot sizes. Boots that significantly overhang the edges of the snowboard can cause toe and heel drag, resulting in reduced control and difficulties in turning. It's essential to select the appropriate snowboard width for your boot size to ensure a proper fit on the snowboard.

Effective edge

The effective edge refers to the length of the metal edge making contact with the snow during a turn. A longer effective edge offers improved stability and edge grip, whereas a shorter edge allows for quicker turn initiation.

For beginners, relying on the manufacturer's recommendations for height and weight is optimal for choosing board size, while using your shoe size helps determine a suitable board width. Additionally, considering the length dimension of the effective edge can serve as a useful reference during the selection process.

Types of snowboards

The snowboarder's riding style significantly influences the type of snowboard they should choose. To select the appropriate snowboard type, riders must consider the specific snow conditions and terrain that they intend to navigate.

1. Freestyle snowboards:Tailored for park riding, jumps, stunts, and freestyle maneuvers. Typically shorter, more flexible, and often featuring a twin-tip shape, enabling riders to move effortlessly in both directions.

2. All-mountain snowboards: Versatile boards adaptable to various terrains and snow conditions. They provide a balanced blend of features, allowing riders to comfortably navigate groomed trails, powder, and park runs alike.

3. Freeride snowboards:Primarily crafted for backcountry terrain, powder, and off-piste riding. Generally, longer, stiffer, and designed with a directional shape, enhancing stability and floatation in deeper snow.

4. Powder snowboards:Tailored for deep snow riding, typically featuring a wider nose tapering towards the tail. Some may have setback bindings to improve float and maneuverability in powder.

5. Split boards:Specifically crafted for backcountry snowboarding, these boards may be divided in half, resembling skis. They can be used for uphill climbs, akin to touring gear. Upon reaching the summit, they reassemble into snowboards for downhill riding.

6. Alpine or carving snowboards: Geared towards high-speed carving on flat slopes. Typically, longer, narrower and stiffer to ensure precise edge control and stability at increased speeds.

The characteristics within each category differ based on make and model, providing a diverse array of options to suit the various preferences and skill levels of snowboarders. Advancements in snowboard technology have, occasionally, blurred the distinct boundaries between these types. For beginners unsure of their preferred snowboarding style, selecting an all-mountain snowboard is advised as it accommodates a wide range of terrains and snow conditions.

Snowboard Profile

The board profile refers to the shape of the snowboard when viewed from the side. Various board profiles impact performance, traits and suitability for different terrains and riding styles.

Camber

The camber is the slight upward arch in the middle of the board between the bindings, with contact points near the tip and tail.

 Features:

      - Offers exceptional edge hold and stability.

      - Provides heightened pop and energy, suitable for aggressive riding and carving.

      - Enables precise, responsive powerful turns.

Rocker

Also termed as reverse camber, the rocker profile has an upward curvature from the center towards the tip and tail, resembling a banana shape.

Features:

      - Improves powder float by minimizing edge catching.

      - Offers a forgiving riding experience, making turns easier and providing a more relaxed feel.

      - Reduces edge contact, potentially impacting stability at higher speeds.

Flat or zero camber

This profile maintains a completely flat base between the bindings without any upward or downward curve.

Features:

      - Combines attributes from both camber and rocker profiles.

      - Offers stability and balance for versatility across various terrains.

      - Presents a suitable compromise between edge hold and forgiveness.

Hybrid camber profile

Many snowboards integrate various profiles to form a hybrid or blended camber design, like camber-rocker-camber or rocker-camber-rocker.

Features:

      - Customization of specific features across different board sections combines advantages from both camber and rocker profiles.

      - Offers potential benefits such as improved powder float, better edge control, and enhanced versatility.

Choosing a snowboard profile depends on your riding style and skill level and the type of snow you'll be on. Camber profiles offer precision and are more aggressive, while rocker profiles are forgiving and great for freestyle or powder riding. Hybrid profiles combine benefits from different types. For novices, rocker profiles are often more suitable due to their forgiving nature. Trying out different profiles helps find what fits best for your style and preferences.

Snowboard shape

Snowboard shape is the outline of the board when viewed from above. The shape of a snowboard plays an important role in determining how the board will respond to different terrain, snow conditions and riding styles.

1. Directional shape

Directional snowboards exhibit a noticeable difference between the nose and tail. Typically, the nose is longer, wider and occasionally more pointed than the tail.

Features:

      - Enhances floatation in powder due to the longer nose, aiding navigation in deep snow.

      - Offers stability at high speeds and improved control for carving.

      - Primarily crafted for one-directional riding, ideal for freeriding and all-mountain terrain.

2. Twin shape

Twin shape snowboards are symmetrical, featuring equal length, width, and shape at both the tip and tail.

Features:

      - Offers balance and symmetry, allowing riders to perform tricks equally well in both regular and switch (backward) directions.

      - Ideal for freestyle riding in terrain parks and halfpipes, and suitable for riders who enjoy riding in the switch position.

3. Directional twin Shape

Blends features of both directional and twin shapes, showcasing a symmetrical shape with a slightly elongated or wider nose.

Features:

      - Combines the versatility of a twin board with improved powder performance and stability at increased speeds.

      - Suited for riders seeking bidirectional capability with enhanced directional stability.

4. Asymmetrical shape:

Asymmetrical boards feature distinct shapes at the heel edge and toe edge to accommodate the body's natural asymmetry.

Features:

      - Enhances edge control, particularly in turns, such as heel-side turns.

      - Improves balance and maneuverability, especially during carving.

Selecting the appropriate board shape depends on your riding style, skill level and terrain preference:

• Freestyle riders: Often favor symmetrical twin shapes for their versatility in riding transitions and executing tricks.
• Freeride/all-mountain riders: May opt for either directional or directional twin shapes due to their adaptability across various terrains and stability in powder.
• Beginners: Might find stability and ease in turning with directional or directional twin shapes.

Experimenting with various snowboard shapes and considering your favored riding style and terrain can help you choose the right board, enhancing your snowboarding experience.

Snowboard Flex

Snowboard flex is how stiff or soft a snowboard feels from tip to tail. It impacts how responsive, stable and overall comfortable the board is while riding. Picking the right flex depends on your riding style, preferred terrain and how you want the board to perform.

1. Soft flex

   Soft flex snowboards are forgiving and easy to maneuver, enabling simpler turns, especially for beginners. They offer a playful surf-like feel, perfect for freestyle riding, park tricks and rocker maneuvers. Additionally, their ability to absorb vibrations and shocks ensures a smoother ride on uneven terrain.

2. Medium flex

   Medium flex snowboards strike a balance between stiffness and flexibility, offering versatility across different riding styles and terrains. They combine stability, control and maneuverability, making them a popular choice for all-mountain riding. With a good compromise between fun and responsiveness, these boards cater to a wide range of snowboarding preferences.

3. Stiff flex

Stiffer snowboards offer greater stability and precision, especially at higher speeds. They have less sideways flexibility, providing better grip and strong turns. Perfect for aggressive riding, carving and handling tough terrains, these boards stay stable in rough conditions and at faster speeds.

How to choose snowboard flex

•  Beginners: Softer flex boards are often suggested as they're forgiving and easier to control, aiding skill development.
•  Freestyle riders: Often favor softer flex boards due to their fun and trick-friendly nature in the park.
• All-mountain riders: Mid-sized flex boards offer versatility across various terrains and conditions, catering to diverse riding styles.
• Freeride/aggressive riders: Prefer stiffer flex boards that provide stability and responsiveness for high-speed riding, carving and tackling challenging terrains.

When thinking about snowboard flex, it's important to consider what kind of riding you prefer. Trying out different flex levels can help you find the most comfortable one that matches your style and skill level.

Snowboard sidecut

Snowboard sidecut refers to the edge's curvature from the tip to the tail, a vital part of the board design that impacts turning. Knowing the sidecut helps understand a snowboard's maneuverability and turning abilities.

The sidecut radius measures the size of this arc. If the curve forms a perfect circle, it's the radius of that circle. A smaller radius means sharper tighter turns, while a larger radius results in wider, smoother turns.

How snowboard sidecut affects your riding

Turn initiation:

A deeper sidecut radius, or more pronounced curvature enables quicker and easier turn initiation. This design allows the snowboard to engage its edge earlier in the turn.

Turn shape and control:

The sidecut impacts turn shape. A smaller sidecut radius creates shorter, sharper turns, perfect for navigating trees or swift maneuvers. Conversely, a larger radius generates longer, sustained turns, offering stability and control, especially at higher speeds.

Terrain adaptability:

Various sidecut designs cater to distinct terrains and riding styles. Boards with a particular sidecut radius excel in specific conditions. For instance, deeper sidecut boards thrive in terrain parks whereas shallower sidecut boards perform better in powder or open spaces.

Edge hold:

The sidecut influences how effectively the board's edge stays in contact with the snow. A deeper sidecut typically offers improved edge retention, enhancing control and grip, especially on icy or hard snow surfaces.

Ski manufacturers use different sidecut designs and technologies to match snowboard performance with various riding styles and terrains. Some boards have multiple sidecut radiuses or hybrid designs, blending different sidecut shapes along the board's length for better versatility.

When selecting a snowboard based on sidecut, think about your riding style and terrain preference. Deeper sidecuts offer improved maneuverability for park riding and quick turns while shallower sidecuts offer stability and smoother turns, ideal for freeriding or carving.

Conclusion

When picking a snowboard, choose the right one based on the design features such as size, type and profile. Trying different combinations of curvature, flex, and shape helps find a comfortable board matching your style and terrain. Seeking advice from an experienced rider or snowboard store can offer valuable insight. With more skiing experience, you'll become better at selecting boards tailored to your preferences and riding style.