What snowboard size to choose?
Just as for choosing your ski size, several criteria are taken into account to choose the perfect size for a snowboard. Whether for you or your children, we have therefore written a small guide to help you see more clearly. And of course, by opting for snow rental with Sport 2000, you can also get advice in store and choose the board that suits you!
In summary
Choosing the right snowboard size is essential to enjoy a comfortable, stable and level-appropriate ride. The ideal length depends on several criteria: your height, your weight, your body type, your skill level and the intended use (piste, freestyle, freeride or all-mountain). As a general rule, a snowboard measures approximately 10 to 25 cm less than your height, but this indication must be adjusted according to your profile. A board that is too short will lack stability, while a snowboard that is too long will be more difficult to handle, especially for beginners.
Choosing the right snowboard size: why is it essential?
Opting for a suitable snowboard size is crucial to ensure optimal gliding on the slopes. The length of the snowboard influences directly stability, maneuverability, and performance depending on your body type, your level, and the type of terrain practiced.
A snowboard that is too short will lack stability at high speed, while a model that is too long will be difficult to control, especially for beginners. A well-chosen size facilitates turns, offers better balance and improves riding comfort. Finally, it allows you to fully exploit the specific features of your board, whether it is oriented freestyle, freeride, or all-mountain. Taking the time to choose well means maximizing pleasure and safety!
What criteria to find the ideal snowboard size?
Generally speaking, it is accepted that you should choose a snowboard that measures 25 to 10 cm less than your height. But this leaves a wide range of choices, and a few centimeters more or less can make all the difference. So we'll tell you a little more about the criteria to take into consideration, besides your height, to find the right length for your board.
Your weight
For the same height, two snowboarders who do not weigh the same will not have the same needs in terms of board length. For example, for a man who is 1.70 meters tall, the recommended board length varies from 151 to 159 cm depending on his weight. The higher the weight, the longer the board should be.
Men's or women's snowboard
Body type not only takes into account the height/weight ratio, but also gender. For a similar height and weight, it is generally advised to opt for a board 2 to 5 centimeters shorter for a woman than for a man.
Your riding level
Your snowboard level can also impact the choice of snowboard size, even if it's only by 1, 2, or 3 cm. You can indeed opt for a slightly larger snowboard when you have a confirmed or expert level. Beginners will be more comfortable with a "small board" adapted to their body type, as it will be easier to control.
Snowboard usage
Last important point: the terrain you ride and the use you make of your snowboard. The recommendations are not the same if you mostly ride on slopes, if you want an all-mountain snowboard, if you mainly practice freeride, or if you are a rider who enjoys freestyle.
For freestyle, it is preferable to choose a rather small board (which reaches a little below the chin), for maximum control and reactivity. For freeride on the other hand, a slightly larger snowboard than for groomed slopes is recommended. The width of freeride snowboards is also a bit more important, so as to have optimal flotation in powder snow.
What size for a child's snowboard?
The rules are a little different when it comes to choosing the size of a child's snowboard. Generally, for children from 90 cm to 1.20 m, the board should be about 10 cm shorter than them. The older they get, the larger the gap between their height and the snowboard can be, without exceeding 25 cm.
To avoid making a mistake, keep in mind that the snowboard should reach the chin level to suit your child, girl or boy.
Take advantage of Sport 2000 advice for a suitable snowboard size
All the technical criteria to consider can make choosing the snowboard size a bit complicated. But rest assured: whether for purchase or rental, the Sport 2000 store teams will be able to give you informed advice based on your body type, your practice, and your level.
To make things easier and save time in-store, pay attention when booking your snowboard online. Choose the profile that corresponds to the snowboarder (man, woman, Junior – child from 6 to 12 years old – or Teen), as well as the level (red snowboard for beginner and intermediate rider and black snowboard for the most experienced).
Don't forget to fill in your personal information when you add equipment to your cart: height, weight, size, age and level, and possibly shoe size if you choose a snowboard + boots pack. This way, the ski technicians will have the useful information to offer you the most suitable snowboard from the available sizes.
It will also be possible to be guided on other criteria for choosing a board, such as width, binding types, camber, flex, style, etc. You will thus have the ideal board to ride down the groomed snow of the slopes, glide on off-piste powder, indulge in freestyle, or benefit from great versatility with an all-mountain snowboard!
Get equipped in store for skiing and snowboarding
Online rental gives you access to a wide choice of equipment (skis, ski boots, poles, snowboards, boots, etc.), but what about clothing and accessories ? Almost all Sport 2000 stores have a sales area, with a selection made from the best outdoor brands for men, women, and children. Snowboard pants, ski jacket, beanies, hiking shoes, backpacks, technical underwear, gloves, etc.: you will easily find what you need in store when collecting the equipment rented online!
