Find the right size for your snowboard
The length of a snowboard has a big influence on how it feels and rides.
A longer board generally provides more stability at higher speeds and better float in powder, but if it's too long it can feel less manoeuvrable and harder to turn. Shorter snowboards are easier to manoeuvre and tend to feel more playful, but can become less stable at higher speeds.
There are also snowboards specifically designed to be ridden shorter or longer than usual, depending on their shape and the type of riding they're made for.
A classic rule of thumb for all-mountain and freestyle boards is to choose a snowboard that reaches somewhere between just below your chin for a slightly shorter, more playful feel and around eye level for a longer, more stable feel.
For each model and size on our site, we've added a recommended rider height. You can of course choose outside of this recommendation, but if you're unsure, it's a good starting point.
If you want more stability, choose a slightly longer board. If you're looking for a more playful feel, a slightly shorter board may suit you better.
Children can often ride a slightly longer board for extra stability and to avoid the board becoming too narrow. They also grow quickly, and once they're comfortable on their snowboard, it doesn't matter too much if the board becomes relatively shorter as they grow.
Some people consider rider weight more important than height when choosing a snowboard. Weight is certainly relevant, but looking at it on its own can also be misleading. Two riders of the same weight can have very different builds and riding styles. Some manufacturers specify minimum and maximum rider weights, but we've chosen to focus on our own size recommendations to keep things simple. If you're heavier than average for your height, a slightly stiffer board may be a better option, while a slightly softer board may suit you if you're lighter.
Choosing the Right Snowboard Width
Getting the width right is particularly important. If a snowboard is too narrow for your boots, your toes or heels can drag in the snow when you're turning. Many modern snowboards have become wider over the years, so this is less of a problem than it used to be.
We've added a maximum boot size recommendation for each snowboard model. You can go above this recommendation, but we generally don't recommend it, as your toes or heels may drag in the snow when you're turning.
Snowboard too wide
Snowboard too narrow
Snowboard Width Guide
The table below gives you a general guide to the minimum snowboard width based on your boot size and foot length.
| EU Boot Size | Foot Length (cm) | Minimum Snowboard Width (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 22.5 | 212 |
| 36.5 | 23 | 215 |
| 37 | 23.5 | 219 |
| 38 | 24 | 224 |
| 38.5 | 24.5 | 228 |
| 39 | 25 | 231 |
| 40 | 25.5 | 234 |
| 40.5 | 26 | 237 |
| 41 | 26.5 | 240 |
| 42 | 27 | 243 |
| 42.5 | 27.5 | 247 |
| 43 | 28 | 251 |
| 44 | 28.5 | 254 |
| 44.5 | 29 | 258 |
| 45 | 29.5 | 261 |
| 46 | 30.5 | 267 |
| 47 | 31.5 | 272 |
| 48 | 32.5 | 277 |