When you start snowboarding, a lot of questions come to you, especially when you want to look for a new Snowboard, for example: how can you quickly determine your Snowboard length? During the training, your instructor will often indicate which Snowboard you should use, but as soon as you arrive at the rental counter without that instructor, it is completely up to you. And what do you choose then?
Old School Method
The slightly older generation will tell you almost immediately that your ideal snowboard length should be between nose and shoulder height. Often they will also indicate that, if the snowboard reaches your chin, you have the right board. This outdated rule is a good guideline when you need to quickly take a snowboard. At the rental counter they will often use this method.. but that does not mean that your ideal snowboard length is!
New School method
Today, in 2020 and up, there is more to it than just length. Your body weight has become very important in snowboarding, a Snowboard manufacturer will always mention a weight class, so that the Snowboard will perform as the designer intended. It goes without saying that someone with 90kg+ will have a completely different flex with a Snowboard from a weight class 50-75kg.
If you want to make a correct choice, you should read the specifications: your shoe size, length and weight are the 3 main factors. If you follow the manufacturer's advice, you don't have to worry about whether you have made the right choice.
Tip! The body weight that the manufacturer states is almost always your weight without clothing. Your backpack, helmet, etc.. should not be taken into account when choosing your ideal snowboard length.
Old meets New
If you don't have the possibility to look up the properties, for example on a second-hand Snowboard? Then use the "Old school" method, so between shoulder & nose, but take your body weight into account.
Do you have a low body weight for your height? Then take a maximum length up to your chin. With a low weight it is difficult to control a longer Snowboard.
On the other hand, a heavier body weight requires a longer Snowboard to maintain control over your board. The length of such a Snowboard often ends at the height of your nose.
Tip! Do you want to buy a second-hand snowboard? Then search online, because often the manufacturer still has tables available with the ideal snowboard length, based on weight and other factors.
Old School by discipline
If you are in the market for a second hand Snowboard, and you would like to practice a specific discipline, there are a few more suggestions we can make for you.
Freestyle
In Freestyle you often rotate with the Snowboard, the longer and heavier your board the harder this is. We advise to look for a shorter Snowboard that comes between your collarbone and chin.
All-Mountain & Freeride
Someone who wants to do the piste, All-mountain, or someone who goes off-piste, Freeride, does well not to take a too short Snowboard. So that you are not unstable at the higher speeds. This Snowboard comes out best between your chin & nose.
Alpine Racing
Finally, the Alpine racers among us should choose a long board. A length up to your forehead or maybe a bit longer is not a bad choice, because the longer the more stable. And stability is key for that hellish speed you are going to achieve.
The ideal snowboard length
As you can conclude; the ideal snowboard length does not exist. Every brand, and every discipline, has its characteristics that you have to take into account. We advise you to move away from the idea that somewhere between nose and shoulder is good, unless you have no other choice, such as when renting on a ski slope. Then it has to go fast.
If you do have the time, be sure to read the characteristics that a manufacturer specifies per type of snowboard. As long as you comply with these rules, you will have the ideal snowboard, even if it is longer or shorter than what you are used to!
