One of the biggest misconceptions about choosing the right snowboard size is that it should be based on your height. While this may seem to be intuitive, in fact, it fails to take into account another important factor, which is your weight. If you do not choose the right snowboard taking your weight as a factor, you will end up not being able to control the snowboard or will have difficulty moving it.

Hence, the first stage in calculating the right snowboard size is to use a recommended rider weight/length chart provided by most manufacturers, which gives the recommended board length based on weight. For example, if you weigh between 95 to 145 pounds, the recommended snowboard length is 151 cm. On the other end of the spectrum, if you weigh 155 pounds to 205 pounds, you should get a snowboard measuring 166 cm.

The logic behind this is that lighter riders need shorter boards since these are easier to control. On the other hand, if you are heavier, your board should be longer and less flexible because it will perform better for you. The rider of average height should have an intermediate-sized board that comes up to your chin to eyebrows when the end of the board is placed against the ground. These boards provide sufficient control for riders in all sorts of terrain, from steeps to parks.

Flex Patterns

Another consideration when choosing a board is how flexible it is. There are two types of snowboard flexibility:

1. Torsional Flex. This refers to the board’s flexibility across its width, which defines how well it will handle on its edge. Too much torsional flex would make it harder to initiate a turn while too little would make it difficult to keep the snowboard on its edge when completing a turn.

2. Longitudinal Flex. This refers to the flexibility of the board from end to end. A more balanced flex will let a snowboard make a turn evenly while an unbalanced flex allows the rider to move from one edge to the other faster since it accelerates more quickly.

If you are just starting out in snowboarding, a shorter and more flexible board is recommended since it will turn faster at slower speeds than a longer board. On the other hand, if you have more experience, you may want a stiffer board that you can keep under control more easily at higher speeds. In addition, those with smaller frames should get softer boards while heavier riders will need stiffer boards.

Snowboard Widths

It is also very important to choose the right width of the snowboard. The correct width is determined by your boot size, since when you stand on the snowboard, your toes and heels should protrude just slightly over the edge, which allows you to apply leverage to the board. But if your boots extend too far over the side of the board, you’ll fall when they hit the snow while you’re making a hard turn.

General guidelines for boot size vs. snowboard width:

– Narrow – below size 7;

– Regular – size eight to just below 10;

– Mid-wide – size 10 to 11.5;

– Wide – above 11.5.

Snowboard Shapes

Finally, you should consider the shape of the snowboard based on your riding style and the terrain you plan to ride in.

1. Directional Shape. These boards are intended to be ridden primarily in one direction; hence, they are stiffer in the tail end and softer in the nose. They are used commonly by freeriders and all mountain riders.

2. True twin. These boards have symmetrical measurements, with tail and tip sizes exactly the same as well as having identical flex patterns. These are used by freestyle riders and those who ride in terrain parks.

3. Directional Twin Shape. Combining features of the first two types of boards, this snowboard has tip and tail measurements that are similar but with different flex patterns, with the tail less flexible than the tip. This board is best for riders in all-mountain and freestyle terrains.

Know more about http://www.snowboardsizing.org and be safe and comfortable on your ride. Learn more at http://www.snowboardsizing.org/category/snowboard-sizing-chart/.

Know more about http://www.snowboardsizing.org and be safe and comfortable on your ride. Learn more at http://www.snowboardsizing.org/category/snowboard-sizing-chart/.

Author Bio: Know more about http://www.snowboardsizing.org and be safe and comfortable on your ride. Learn more at http://www.snowboardsizing.org/category/snowboard-sizing-chart/.

Category: Sports
Keywords: snowboard sizing, snowboarding, snowboard, skiing, winter sports, extreme sports, sports, recreation