By Mike Coupland
H
OW DO YOU figure out what length, width and style of snowboard is best for you? Some people fear this issue is clouded in mystery, but it’s actually very simple. Here’s a five-step checklist that both experts and entry-level riders can use to figure out what kind of deck you need to successfully combine snow, a hill and gobs of gravity.
1. IMPACT.
The most important factor in choosing a board is your weight. This determines how a board will turn, flex, and respond to the beating you’re going to give it.
2. ABILITY.
The length of board a rider chooses should vary according to the rider’s experience. The range of snowboard weights that manufacturers provide is very broad. An aggressive rider with more experience is happier on a longer board to accommodate his or her ability. Someone with less weight or ability is better suited to a softer model. This makes it easier to 36
get from edge to edge and the rider doesn’t require as much force and energy to control speed. Having less material in contact with the snow causes the board to accelerate slower when not on edge. Choose carefully when you see boards with a weight range of 130-170 pounds. Consider both your weight and your ability.
3. WAIST WIDTH.
Not yours—the board’s. This is the narrowest point measured on a board. Your choice should be contingent on whether you have a small, medium or large foot. Unlike a ski, where the skier’s foot runs parallel with their edges, a snowboarder has to worry about edge contact and toe and heel drag. The size of a rider’s foot, in relation to the board waist width, will affect how the rider is able to turn. If your foot is too big, it will cause your toe and heel to drag in the snow. If your foot is too small, it makes for slow turns because the rider can’t get good edge contact. Veterans are reminded to think about your binding angles when choosing your board.
O T TAWA O U T D O O R S W I N T E R
4. STYLE AND BOARD SHAPE.
The many different snowboard shapes, flexes, sidecuts and constructions exist for a reason. There are boards designed for cruising, flying, halfpipe, jibbing (handrails), powder, backcountry, bordercross, or just going crazy. Whether you are a beginner or you have been riding for years, there is a board out there to suit your style and ability.
5. GENDER SPECIFIC MODELS.
Finally, after years of women having to ride boards designed for men, you can choose boards, boots and bindings made just for you. Designed and tested by women, these products allow women to take snowboarding to the next level. Don’t forget to do a little research before you go out to buy your next deck. Check out some demos, ask the right questions and don’t be afraid to “shred the NAR.”
Photo by Tommy and Lefebvre
SNOW BOARDING
The size of your deck does matter
