Buying snowboards
There are dozens of snowboard manufacturers competing to make you their latest customer.
Before you do fork out, consider whether you really need to buy your own board? If you don’t get up the mountain that often, you’d most likely be far better off hiring.
Hiring has several advantages:
- You can try several types (especially good if you’re looking to buy in the future)
- You can change it easily if you pick the wrong type or size
- You don’t have the expense or hassle of transporting or maintaining your board
- If it breaks, you don’t have to fix it
What you need to know
Before you start looking at snowboards you need to know your height, weight, foot size, and what kind of riding you want to be doing. These will help when determining the flexibility, height, width and shape of the board you’ll buy.
Your height is important because it determines the length of your board. Ideally it should come to between your chin and your nose when it’s standing on its tail.
Your weight determines what flex is best for you. Heavier people generally need a stiffer board, while lighter people want one with more flex.
Your foot-size you need to know not only for the size of your boot, but to determine the width of your board. It needs to be wide enough so your heels or toes don’t dig into the snow when you turn.
Also, are you a natural or a goofy? Do you feel better riding with your left foot forward (natural) or your right (goofy)? You’ll need to know this so you can chose a board that’s configured the right way. Probably the only way to know is to stand on a board and see how it feels.
Don’t overstate your ability! Being honest means having the best chance of buying the right board. And that reduces your chances of going head over heels.
Types of boards
There are many kinds of boards, all designed for different types of snowboarding, but the three main kinds are:
- All-Mountain or Freeride boards: These are for people who like general snowboarding – carving, catching some air, etc. They are the most popular kind of board, so consequently there’s more choice.
- Technical or Freestyle boards: These are for doing all those tricks the experienced riders do on half pipes and in terrain parks. Although it’s not recommended that beginners try the tricks, the boards are actually good for beginners because they’re quite flexible, which makes them responsive and easy to turn.
- Carve/Alpine style boards: These are for the boarders who like to go very fast, making quick turns, high up in the mountains. For these boards it’s all about speed and carving. They are longer, narrower and stiffer than the others.
Cheaper ways to buy
If you can’t stretch to buying brand new, or you want a step that’s in between hiring and buying off the rack, consider buying second hand or snapping up last year’s stock when it comes on sale. Chances are last year’s discounted board is every bit as good as this year’s.
However, if you’re buying used, make sure it’s not damaged or broken in any way. And you must get it serviced to ensure it’s in perfect working order before you head up the slopes.
End of season
Maintenance is vital. When you return from your winter holiday always have your equipment professionally serviced. That way you know it’s safe and ready to go the next time it snows.
