How do I pick a snowboard as a beginner?

Look for an all-mountain board described as suitable for beginners, with a soft to medium flex and a forgiving flat, rocker or hybrid profile. Then pick the length and width from that model’s own size chart using your weight and boot size.

How do I know what kind of snowboard to get?

Choose by where you ride most. All-mountain boards suit mixed resort riding, park boards suit features and riding switch, and powder boards suit deep snow. If you are unsure, an all-mountain board is the usual first choice.

What should I look for in a park snowboard?

A twin or near-twin shape so it rides the same switch, and a flex that suits your features: softer for pressing and buttering, stiffer for stability on bigger jumps. Size it on the model’s chart like any other board.

How do I choose a snowboard for deep powder?

Look for features that keep the nose up, such as a directional shape, a set-back stance, rocker in the nose or extra surface area. Some powder shapes are sized differently, so follow that model’s chart.

What flex should a freeride snowboard have?

Freeride boards are often stiffer so they stay stable at speed and hold an edge in hard turns. A stiffer board needs more precise technique, so match the flex to your ability and weight as well as your style.

Do women need a women’s snowboard?

Not necessarily. Women’s models are usually built around lighter riders with smaller feet, which suits many women, but the board only responds to weight and boot size. If your weight or boots fall outside a women’s model’s chart, a men’s or unisex board in the right size is the better choice.

Is a sintered or extruded base better?

It depends on how you ride and how much care you give the board. According to Burton, sintered bases hold wax well and suit high speeds but tend to cost more, while extruded bases are easier to repair and need less maintenance. For a first board, either works.

Should I buy my first snowboard online or in a shop?

Either can work. A shop lets you stand on boards and get fitting advice; online stores usually offer more choice. Many riders get advice in a shop first, and everyone should check the returns policy before mounting bindings.

Gear guide

Match the board to how you ride

How to choose a snowboard

To choose a snowboard, start with your ability and the terrain you ride most, pick a type, shape, profile and flex that suit them, then find your length and width on that model’s own size chart. Graphics and price come last.