If you're currently considering buying a snowboard, these tips will help you make a better decision. Aspects of the board itself, such as size, weight, and curvature, are combined with factors related to you, such as your foot size or your current skill level. With these five questions you should ask yourself, we'll try to clarify any doubts you may have. Let's get started.
What is your true level?
Don't spend a lot of money if you've never ridden a board or snowboarded before. In these cases, the best thing you can do is rent one and practice on it first to gain some skill and experience. And, above all, to make sure you enjoy this type of snow sport.
Once you've gotten the hang of the board, you can start by purchasing one similar to the one you used as your first board, or perhaps something better that will allow you to progress a little more quickly.
If you're at an intermediate level, there's a wide range of all-mountain snowboards on the market, based on different snowboarding specialties or specific submodalities. The ideal type of board will depend largely on your tastes.
And for the more advanced, they're sure to have mastered the technical characteristics of the board, such as flex and shape, since a small difference between boards in these terms represents a very different way of getting the most out of this sport for the most experienced.
What should be the size and weight of the board?
Height and body weight are determining factors here. Normally, a mathematical formula is used to calculate the board size: subtract 15% from your height if the difference between your height and your body weight is positive, and 12% if the difference is negative. For example, a person who is 170 centimeters tall and weighs 65 kilograms (170-65=5) would have to subtract 15% (25), resulting in a board measuring 145 centimeters. However, another person who is 170 centimeters tall and weighs 75 kilograms (170-75=-5) would obtain a base result of 150 centimeters by subtracting 12% (20).
Of course, also keep in mind what you're going to do with the board. Riders more inclined to ride powder snow will need slightly larger boards. Those who prefer to focus on freestyle tricks will do better with slightly smaller boards.
And the curvature?
It depends on the type of snowboard you plan to try and your level as a snowboarder. There are basically three types of camber: Camber, Rocker, and Flat.
The Camber design is characterized by offering the most speed. The Rocker camber is more maneuverable and suitable for freestyle. The Flat camber has no camber and is a hybrid.
Do you have big feet?
If you have feet larger than a size 44, make sure they don't stick out over the sides of the board; this isn't recommended. There are wider boards, known as "Wide."
Have you tried the board before getting it?
Attending equipment tests organized by manufacturers and brands, renting them, or asking your friends to let you try theirs can help you find your ideal board before you know it.
