Choosing your first snowboard? Here are some things you should consider.

December 13, 2022

So, you have determined you love snowboarding, and you want to buy your first snowboard. This decision will reflect your style and what you love to do on the mountain. With so many options out there, it may seem overwhelming but fear not. This can be simplified. Read on to learn more about choosing your first board.

First of all don’t be afraid to seek the advice of an outfitter. A good snow sport shop will have experienced staff off which to bounce ideas. Consider your experience level, snowboarding style (tricks or just down the mountain) and height / weight / shoe size.

Types of boards: There are many types of snowboards but for the purpose of your first one look at the following.

• All Mountain: This is the do all board and works great for beginner to advanced boarders. It is geared to do a little of everything but not anything specifically.
• Freestyle: This board is designed for parks and doing tricks but with its softer flex is still good for beginners. It is designed for quick maneuvering.
• Freeride: This board is directional and designed for going forward down the backside of the mountain, deep snow and trees. Don’t forget steep. It is for descending top to bottom. It has a firmer flex and damps speed vibrations well.

Height/Weight: Snowboards come in different profiles. There are so many it can be confusing. Please don’t get hung up on which is best. Think of it as different. It truly is personal preference. Suffice to say that since there is some amount of camber to the board that height and weight comes into play as well as boot size. To be real, what may first attract you to a board may be the graphics on it. With that in mind, the board has a chart to help you find the right size and describes its characteristics. Go with that chart keeping in mind the width of the board. You don’t want your toes to stick off the edge of the board excessively.

Bindings and stance: Once you have your board chosen, you will need to pair it up with bindings. Your outfitter will then ask you about stance. Pretty much how you stand on the board. There are two stances.

Regular– Left foot forward.

Goofy– Right foot forward.

If you were to run and slide across a smooth floor in socks, the foot you would lead with would let you know which stance to choose. Then there are variations regarding distance apart and direction toes point which are personal preference and whether you need to be able to switch directions or just travel in one direction.

Once you get your board, binding setup can be changed, and you are not stuck with the original configuration. The point is to get out on the slopes with a good board and have fun. As always, if you have any questions, please let us know. Call 727-576-4169 or email at adventure@billjacksons.com.