How to choose the right snowboard?
The ideal snowboard size is determined by the rider's height, weight, and riding style. Most riders prefer the height of their board to be from their chin to the bridge of their nose. Also, the heavier they are, the longer should be the board. However, if you want to focus on freestyle riding, you can choose shorter boards. On the other hand, freeriders should consider picking a slightly longer board.
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Snowboard profiles
- Camber is the traditional snowboard profile. It is slightly arched, which provides a great edge and good manoeuvrability.
- Rocker (also known as Gullwing or Flat Out) is essentially a Camber board turned upside down. This profile has a downward curvature, which makes it great for riding in powder.
- Flat boards split the difference between Camber and Rocker. Compared with Cambers, they are more forgiving when it comes to turnability. At the same time, they offer a more precise edging capability than Rockers.
Board width
In order to eliminate heel and toe drag, make sure you choose a wide enough board. If your boots extend too far over its edge, they will hit the snow during hard turns, therefore cause you to fall. Riders with shoe sizes over 290 Mondopoint (12 US, 45 EU) or individuals of short stature should opt for wider boards.
Freeride / Freestyle / All-Mountain
The difference between these categories is subtle. You can ride any snowboard on any type of terrain, but the specialized boards will perform better on terrains they are designed for.
- Freeride snowboards are ideal for riding in powder snow.
- Freestyle snowboards excel in snowparks.
- All-Mountain snowboards are the most versatile, therefore a great choice for beginners.
Stiff or soft flex?
- Softer flexing snowboards are easier to turn, which makes them predominant in the Freestyle and All-Mountain categories. They are good for beginners, freestyle riders, and riders with lower body weight.
- Stiffer flexing snowboards are mostly used by freeriders. This is because they are very stable even at high speeds.
Snowboards for women
Women's snowboard designs reflect the fact that women have usually less body mass and smaller feet than men of the same height. Such boards are made narrower, thinner, and softer.
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