Snowboarding is a great winter sport and in the past few years has attracted many new fans to the slopes. One common phase that all of these new converts go through is walking into the pro shop for the first time and choosing a snowboard. What are the important features to look for?
The first decision you have to make is are you going to get a cheap board or are you prepared to pay for a more expensive quality board? Many beginners believe that they will eventually graduate beyond the novice stage so why should they spend good money on a beginners snowboard. The answer to that is that a beginners board will not give you the same experience as a good quality board. A cheaper board will be made of cheaper materials and will not be constructed as well. A good decision is to go for the best quality board you can reasonably afford. A good beginners board should not cost you more than about $500.
Also, keep in mind that there is an after market for used snow boards - and a quality board will fetch more money and sell faster than a cheap board. When you are ready to move up to intermediate level and want to get a new board, you have a choice. Either resell your snowboard or pass it down to a younger sibling, relative, or friend.
The second decision you will probably make is whether you should get a men's snowboard or a woman's snowboard. For men and boys, the decision is simple - get a men's snowboard. Women, however, have a choice. Many of the better quality women's board were built specifically for women, for their shape. In addition, many of these snowboards were designed with input from women pro snowboard riders. But everyone is an individual and you may feel that the men's boards suit you better. The best way to resolve the question is to RENT both a men's snowboard and a women's snowboard. Take to the slopes and go with whatever feels more natural to you.
Thirdly, you will have to decide what type of snowboarding you will be mainly participating in. Different snowboards are build for different terrains and different styles of riding.
Freecarve - This type of riding is equivalent to alpine sking. The focus is on speed racing and carving turns. Freecarve snow boards tend to be the stiffest. This lets them really bite into the snow and make turns with ease.
Freestyle - Like to do tricks on you snowboard? Spins? Halfpipes? Then you want more of a freestyle board. These boards tend to be short and very maneuverable.
Freeride - This is the "in-between" board. It's good for a little bit of speed racing, but not as good as a freecarve board. It's also good for doing some of the more common snowboard tricks - but not as good as a freestyle board. This type of board, also known as an all-mountain board is one of the most popular boards sold to beginners.
Now we look at some of the more minor decisions. Pick up the board and feel the weight. All things being equal, you'll want the lighter board. It'll be more maneuverable. You'll be able to handle it better and it'll be lighter to carry.
What about the length of the board? Manufacturers post suggested heights and weights on the back of their boards. But these are just suggestions. Ultimately you want the board that feels most natural to you. As a general rule, however, a longer board will give you more stability at high speeds while a shorter board will let you spin and do tricks easier.
Also, factor in the stiffness of the board. As a beginner, you will probably want a soft-flexing board. One that is forgiving of mistakes.
And lastly, don't forget style. Pick the most stylish board you can find and enjoy yourself on the slopes.
