The choice of a snowboard is an important and crucial moment in the life of every rider. A correctly selected board is the key to safety and rapid progress on the slopes. It should correspond to weight, height, leg size, as well as style and level of riding. Women's and men's boards are also not just a marketing ploy. They differ not only in design, but also in the structure, which takes into account the particular anatomy of both sexes.
Speaking about how to choose a board for a snowboard, one cannot but mention its appearance. Of course, the design does not affect the technique of riding, but the board is not just a tool. This is a faithful companion of the rider, carrying a certain emotional burden. Therefore, the snowboard should be liked, although, of course, this is not the primary criterion. The first thing you should decide on the style of riding. Ski jumping, downhill on prepared tracks or virgin snow sparkling in the sun - special boards have been developed for each direction. If you just want to learn how to stand on a snowboard and ride for fun, you can buy a board like all mountain, which is the most versatile and suitable for different styles.
The next question is how to choose a snowboard for height. To do this is very simple - set upright, it should be just below the tip of the nose and above the chin. In fact, when riding on a board, growth is of secondary importance. The decisive factor here is the weight, which should be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the snowboard. It is not difficult to understand the principle - the easier the rider, the shorter the length of the board, and vice versa. Therefore, before choosing the size of a snowboard, it is necessary to clarify your own weight. Currently, on each board there is a table in which sizes are indicated taking into account the weight and style of riding. In addition, the base size can be determined by the following formula:
for women, the length of the board = 0.4 x weight +127;
for men, the length of the board = 0.3 x weight +136.
Thus, it is possible to calculate the average length of the board, suitable for riding at medium speeds on well-groomed slopes. For freestyle, you need to take a couple of centimeters, for virgin lands take a snowboard more authentic.
However, owners of an average physique can do without all these calculations. For the average person, there is enough information on how to choose a snowboard by height. Ideally, weight is proportional to height, on which this method of choosing length is based. But this method is far from the most optimal, although it captivates with its simplicity. The purchase of a board is a very important step, on which the quality of riding depends in many respects. Therefore, do not limit yourself to knowledge of how to choose a snowboard for height. It is necessary to take into account all the nuances in order to enjoy skiing on the slopes and not have unnecessary problems.
The next important parameter is the rider's foot size, on which the width of the snowboard will depend. Of course, a narrower board is easier to manage. But if the toe and heel of the shoe extend beyond the snowboard by more than 2 cm, they will begin to strike through the snow, making it harder to ride. If the boot is much smaller than the width of the board, you will have to spend more effort on management, which will make your legs quickly tired. Therefore, the board should choose one that normally fits the legs in snowboard boots.
Such a characteristic as rigidity also depends on several factors: rider weight, riding level and style. Soft boards are used for freestyle and freeriding, and hard for speed descents. For beginners, medium hard and soft snowboards are more suitable, while hard ones are good for experienced riders. As for weight, the principle is simple - the heavier the person, the more rigid the snowboard he needs.
Knowing how to choose a snowboard by height and weight, taking into account the style of riding and the experience of a rider, you can choose a convenient board that will last a long time, ensuring a successful and safe ride.