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How do you choose the right size snowboard?

Snowboardingis a sport that demands agility, and the criteria you need to take into account when choosing your snowboard size are weight, level and program. Speck-Sports can advise and support you in your board selection.

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What size snowboard should I choose?

The weight-to-height ratio

Your weight and height are undoubtedly the most important criteria when choosing your snowboard. They will condition the length of your board according to your morphology. We consider that the size of the board should be within -20cm of the snowboarder's height. However, this board size is likely to change according to your build. If you're rather frail, we'd recommend a shorter board to maintain good control on the slopes. And if, on the other hand, you're of above-average build, a longer board will give you greater stability.

Gender

Whether you're a man or a woman is a decisive factor when it comes to choosing a snowboard, even if it's not compulsory. Snowboard sizes are highly developed, which is why they adapt to the female and male anatomy, with different lengths and camber depending on the person's gender.

Please note that boards can be purchased separately, and that you'll need to bring your own bindings and boots. If you're not sure, you can also choose from our snowboard + bindings packs. Finally, whatever your level, a helmet is essential for your safety on the slopes!

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MEN'S SNOWBOARD SIZE CHART

Weight/Size	55 kg	60 kg	65 kg	70 kg	75 kg	80 kg	85 kg	90 kg	95 kg	+100 kg
165 cm	149	151	151	153	154	155	156
170 cm	151	153	153	154	154	155	157	158
172 cm	151	153	153	154	155	155	157	158
174 cm	153	154	155	155	156	157	158	159
176 cm	155	155	155	156	156	157	159	159	161
178 cm	155	155	156	157	157	158	159	160	161
180 cm	157	157	157	158	159	159	160	161	162	163
182 cm	158	158	159	159	160	161	161	163	163
184 cm	158	159	159	160	161	162	163	164	165
186 cm	159	160	160	162	162	163	163	165	165
188 cm	161	161	162	163	164	165	166	166
190 cm	161	162	163	164	164	165	166	166
195 cm	163	163	165	165	166	166	166
+200 cm	164	165	166	166	166	166

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WOMEN'S SNOWBOARD SIZE CHART

Weight/Size	45 kg	50 kg	55 kg	60 kg	65 kg	70 kg	+75 kg
150 cm	137	137	140	142	143
155 cm	138	140	140	142	144	145
160 cm	140	141	141	143	145	146
162 cm	141	142	142	144	146	147	150
164 cm	142	143	143	145	146	147	150
166 cm	143	143	145	146	148	149	151
168 cm	144	146	147	148	148	150	153
170 cm	147	148	150	150	153	154
172 cm	149	149	150	153	154	155
175 cm	152	153	154	156	156
170 cm	154	156	156	157

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Which snowboard size to choose for your level of snowboarding?

As we saw earlier, the table for choosing the length of your board according to your weight and height will determine the basics. To complete these, you need to know your level, as the length also depends on how comfortable you are on the slopes. A beginner and an expert will have very different uses for their board. Note that the three levels we distinguish - Beginner, Intermediate and Expert- are not fixed. In other words, the boards adapt to your level and evolve with you. So, if you're already snowboarding but aren't 100% confident on the slopes, the same board can easily accompany you as you switch between the Beginner and Intermediate levels.

Beginner

If you're just starting out in snowboarding, or if you've already got the basics down, you'll soon realize that holding onto your board is essential. Here, the emphasis is on stability, for a pleasant glide despite the initial learning difficulties. If you've already got the basics down, but aren't yet 100% comfortable with your movements and jumps on the slopes, this level is for you too. More flexible and forgiving, boards for occasional snowboarders and beginners will accompany you confidently down the slopes.

To choose the ideal snowboard size in this case, we advise you to select the longest board size possible. This gives you greater stability so you can glide down the slopes with ease, without being on the ground every five minutes. For your choice, please refer to the snowboard size charts above. For your safety when you start out, it's imperative that you wear a helmet.

Intermediate

This level is for versatile snowboarders who are no longer afraid of tackling black runs and moguls. You'll be confident on the slopes and off-piste, and ride with ease in beautiful patterns. In this configuration, the size of your board should enable you to make good progress and will adapt to the use you're going to make of it.

If you're looking for speed with good grip to negotiate turns, opt for a bigger board. It'll give you momentum while being forgiving, so you can take care of your lines. If you prefer freestyle riding with great tricks, you'll need great maneuverability. In this case, we'd prefer shorter boards that open up a whole new range of possibilities.

Confirmed

Whether on or off the slopes, nothing stands in your way, and the mountains hold no secrets for you. You'll be looking first and foremost for the performance of your equipment, combined with your use of snow. What you need now is an ultra-dynamic board that you can handle with dexterity for high-speed riding.

As with the intermediate level, your use will determine the length of your board. If you're a high-speed rider, stick with a long board to link turns perfectly. A shorter board will enable you to perform impressive freestyle tricks.

Which snowboard is right for you?

Choosing the right snowboard doesn't just depend on your ability. As you've seen, the way you use your snowboard can also determine which board you choose. This is still less important than for skis, because a board is by nature more versatile. For Freeride, Freestyle or All-Mountain, you're not going to take the same board and we're going to look at which one to choose depending on your main programme.

All-Mountain programme

The most widespread practice, the All-Mountain uses the whole mountain for maximum pleasure. Whether it's on groomed slopes, on the edge of the piste or completely off-piste, you take in everything the mountain has to offer. This programme includes boards that are adaptable to all types of terrain, so you can have fun while offering maximum possibilities.

All-mountain boards are versatile, so we advise you to choose a length that is consistent with the size chart.

Freestyle programme

Freestyle is all about the creativity that comes out of snowboarding. Well-known for its park tricks, this style is similar to skateboarding. Freestyle snowboards are most often designed with a symmetrical "twin-tip" profile that allows you to pick up snow in both directions. This type of highly manoeuvrable board is made for fun and leaves plenty of room for inventiveness.

For freestyle riding, the length of the board will be shorter than on a classic board to ensure maximum manoeuvrability. You can go up to -20cm or even -25cm below your height. Bear in mind, however, that depending on your weight (see size chart), you'll need to keep a minimum length to avoid losing stability.

Freeride programme

Do you like to get off the beaten track and ride off-piste, in the forest and in powder snow? Then Freeride is your ideal programme! Because this type of terrain isn't as flat as a piste, special freeride boards are stiffer than conventional boards, so you can remain stable despite the obstacles you may encounter off-piste. This type of board is highly efficient, allowing you to make precise turns while still being powerful for greater speed. If you want to ride mainly in powder, swallow-tail boards give you even more agility.

Freeride boards are longer than all-mountain boards. This technique gives you great off-piste stability while allowing you to pick up speed.

What size snowboard for juniors?

Children love snowboarding too, so it's important to choose a board size that's right for them!

The main criterion for choosing a junior snowboard is the child's size. Weight is not as important here as it is for adults. Generally speaking, it's advisable to choose a board around 10cm shorter than your child. Be careful with this figure, however, as juniors grow. So, if you want to keep a snowboard longer, it's possible to take a smaller board, but you mustn't go less than 20cm below your child's height.

SNOW JUNIOR SIZE CHART

Child's height (cm)	Snowboard length (cm)
94	<80
102	80-90
109	85-95
114	90-100
119	95-105
127	100-110
135	105-120
140	110-125
145	115-130
149	125-135
156	130-145
164	140-150

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The importance of the width of the snowboard

After the thousand-and-one ways of choosing board length, it's time to take care not to forget board width! Even though it's less talked about, board width is just as crucial to snowboarding as board length. While a board that's too wide will prevent you from handling your snowboard properly, one that's not wide enough will cause your boots to stick out to the sides. As a result, you run the risk of losing stability as you skim over the snow, or even falling off altogether!

It's much easier to choose the width of your snowboard than the length. Board widths come in several categories, from Narrow to Wide , depending on your shoe size, which you'll find in the table below. Beware, however, that sizes may vary according to manufacturers and their collections.

SNOW WIDTH SIZE CHART

Snowboard width	Size FR/EU	UK size	US size
- from 23.5 cm	< 39	< 5,5	< 6
23.5 to 25 cm	39 - 41	5,5 - 7,5	6 - 8
25 to 25.5cm	41 - 44	7,5 - 9	8 - 10
25.5 to 26 cm	44 - 45	9 - 10	10 - 11
+ over 26 cm	> 45	> 10	> 11

To conclude, remember that to choose your snowboard size you need to know ;

- Your height and weight,
- Your gender,
- Your level,
- Your snowboarding use/program.

Don't forget that a snowboard is much more versatile than a pair of skis. That's why many boards give you the opportunity to do several different snowboarding programs, and still perform well. Last but not least, the width of the snowboard is crucial, and is simply determined by the size of your boots.

That's it, you've got your ideal snowboard, perfectly adapted to your needs! Now the mountain is waiting for you to ride it!

For a complete project for your equipment, our team is here to answer your questions.