How to Find the Right Snowboard

There are many theories and methodologies about how to pick your snowboard. Ask 5 friends what their favorite snowboard is, and you'll likely get 5 different answers. You should decide whether you'll be riding mostly on freestyle terrain, powder, groomed runs, hiking with your snowboard, or a little bit of everything.

• Freestyle Snowboards - These snowboards are usually a little bit more playful and not very stiff. They usually feature rocker technology so that the tip and tail are easy to butter.
• Freeride Snowboards - Snowboards in this category usually feature camber technology and are made to go fast while staying in contact with the snow.
• All-Mountain - If you just want one snowboard that does everything, this is likely where you'll be doing your shopping.
• Powder Snowboards - These snowboards usually have a raised tip for added float, as well as a longer nose.
• Split Snowboards - If you have a desire to go where very people go, and ride untouched powder, you may want to look into splitboarding. These snowboards are designed to come apart (like skis) so you can essentially 'cross country' ski to where you want to go. You'll also want to consider an avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, skins and other items before heading off the trail.

In general, you'll want a snowboard that comes up to anywhere between your chin and forehead. You'll want something shorter for the park, and longer for the powder. Other factors will come into play, such as boot size (you'll want a wide snowboard), and weight (lighter riders will want shorter snowboards, while heavier riders will want a longer snowboard). And some snowboards, such as the Burton Nug, are designed to be ridden up to 10 CMs shorter than you're used to.