Choosing Your Snowboard: What length is right for you?

When looking into snowboard length many things come into play but it remains generally accepted that rider weight is of primary importance. This is in contrast to your early experiences on snowboarding, generally finding yourself being measured up by rental shop staff.   While it is an approximate truth that your board will sit between shoulders and nose we are only really concerned with the surface area of your board and how much this is loaded by your weight.

A shorter board will feel lighter underfoot and easier to turn, while additional length makes this more difficult. However, there are many benefits to gong bigger, with longer boards being faster and with improved glide. In addition, the increased edge length makes them more stable at speed, while their greater surface area improves performance in deeper snow.

Brands will provide a size chart for each of their snowboard models and thus our suggestion below is only a guide. You should consult the manufacturers information but then factor in your riding style. For instance, rail riders in the dome will usually use boards far shorter than would be the case on the mountain. Indoors there are few benefits to riding a longer board given you do not require the additional speed, stability or powder float. For this style your priority is a light weight feel under foot, as well as manoeuvrability. Of course, the brands do no know if you are solely riding domes and thus a modification from their standard chart is required.  

As a general guide to snowboard length for men or women we would suggest looking to the charts below. These relate to general use all mountain boards aimed for versatility. As such, for specific powder, freestyle or split boards calibration will be required. If in doubt why not get in touch for bespoke advice.

Mens

Womens