How to Choose the Right Size Youth Snowboard

Snowboarding is an exhilarating sport that can provide children with a fun and exciting way to stay active during the winter months. But, selecting the right size youth snowboard is critical to ensure that your child has a safe and enjoyable time on the mountain. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to help you choose the right size youth snowboard for your child.

When selecting a snowboard for your child, there are several factors that you need to consider. These factors include your child’s weight, height, ability level, and the type of snowboarding they will be doing. Choosing the right snowboard size is crucial to provide your child with the appropriate support and control they need to ride safely.

Whether your child is a beginner or an experienced snowboarder, selecting the right size snowboard is key. Follow our guide on how to choose the right size youth snowboard, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect fit for your child.

Don’t risk your child’s safety by selecting the wrong size snowboard. Keep reading to learn how to find the perfect size youth snowboard for your child and help them enjoy the slopes safely and confidently.

Measure Your Child’s Height and Weight

Choosing the right size youth snowboard is crucial to ensure your child’s safety and enjoyment on the mountain. To start, you will need to measure your child’s height and weight. These two measurements will help you determine the appropriate snowboard size for your child.

When it comes to height, you’ll want to choose a snowboard that reaches somewhere between your child’s chin and nose. A board that is too short will be unstable and difficult to control, while a board that is too long will be difficult to maneuver, making it harder for your child to learn the basics of snowboarding.

Weight is also an important factor to consider. If the snowboard is too small for your child’s weight, it will not provide enough stability, making it difficult for your child to balance on the board. On the other hand, if the snowboard is too large for your child’s weight, it will be harder to control, making it more challenging for your child to learn snowboarding skills.

It’s important to keep in mind that snowboard sizing charts can vary between brands, so make sure to consult the specific sizing chart for the brand you are interested in purchasing. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to have your child try on the snowboard before making a purchase to ensure a proper fit.

By measuring your child’s height and weight and consulting a sizing chart, you’ll be able to choose the appropriate snowboard size for your child, ensuring they have a fun and safe experience on the mountain.

Measure Your Child’s Height and Weight

Find Your Child’s Height and Weight

1. Measure Your Child’s Height: Have your child stand up straight against a wall with their heels, back, and head touching the wall. Use a measuring tape to measure their height from the top of their head to the floor.
2. Measure Your Child’s Weight: Weigh your child on a bathroom scale or a specialized scale designed for infants and small children. Make sure they are wearing minimal clothing and no shoes when weighing them.
3. Record the Measurements: Write down your child’s height and weight measurements in a notebook or on your phone. These measurements will come in handy when choosing the right size snowboard for your child.

It’s important to find your child’s height and weight to ensure that you are choosing the right size snowboard for them. The weight and height of your child will help you determine the appropriate length, width, and flex of the snowboard.

Determine Your Child’s Snowboarding Ability Level

Before selecting a snowboard for your child, it’s important to determine their snowboarding ability level. This will help you choose the right board that is suitable for their skills and experience on the slopes.

Beginner: If your child has never snowboarded before or only a few times, they are considered a beginner. They may struggle with balance and turning, and will likely spend most of their time on the beginner slopes.

Intermediate: If your child has been snowboarding for a few seasons and is comfortable on a variety of runs, they are considered intermediate. They are likely confident with basic turns and are ready to start trying more challenging runs.

Advanced: If your child is an experienced snowboarder who has been riding for several seasons and is comfortable on all types of terrain, they are considered advanced. They are confident with carving and jumping and may be interested in competing or learning new tricks.

Professional: If your child is a professional snowboarder, they probably don’t need your help choosing a snowboard.

Once you have determined your child’s snowboarding ability level, you can select a snowboard that is appropriate for their skill level.

Assess Your Child’s Skill Level

When choosing the right snowboard size for your child, it’s important to consider their skill level. Snowboards come in different shapes and sizes that cater to different skill levels.

Beginner: If your child is new to snowboarding, it’s best to choose a snowboard that is shorter and softer. This makes it easier for them to control and maneuver.

Intermediate: For kids who have some experience snowboarding, consider a snowboard with a medium flex and a longer length. This will allow them to progress and try out new tricks.

Advanced: If your child is an experienced snowboarder, a longer and stiffer snowboard will give them the speed and stability they need for advanced maneuvers.

Freestyle: If your child is interested in park or freestyle snowboarding, choose a shorter snowboard with a twin-tip design. This will allow them to easily switch between regular and goofy stance and make tricks easier to perform.

Freeride: If your child prefers riding on the mountain and exploring different terrain, choose a snowboard with a directional shape and a longer length for added stability.

Consider the Type of Snowboarding Your Child Will Be Doing

There are several types of snowboarding, and each requires a different kind of snowboard. The type of snowboarding your child will be doing will have a big impact on the kind of snowboard you should choose.

If your child is just starting out, they will likely be doing freeride snowboarding, which is the most common type of snowboarding. Freeride snowboarding is when your child goes down the mountain and carves turns.

If your child is more advanced, they may be interested in freestyle snowboarding, which involves performing tricks in a terrain park or on the slopes. Freestyle snowboarding requires a different kind of snowboard than freeride snowboarding.

Freestyle Snowboarding

If your child is interested in freestyle snowboarding, where they’ll be spending most of their time in the terrain park and performing tricks, you’ll want to look for a snowboard with a true twin shape. This means the board is symmetrical, allowing your child to ride switch (with their opposite foot forward) just as easily as they can ride regular. A board with a lot of flex is also important for absorbing impact when landing jumps.

When it comes to length, freestyle boards are usually a bit shorter than other types of snowboards. You should choose a board that comes up to about your child’s shoulder or chin in height, depending on their weight and skill level. A shorter board will be easier for them to maneuver in the park.

Another thing to consider for freestyle snowboarding is the type of camber the board has. Traditional camber (where the board is bowed upward in the middle) provides more pop for jumping, while reverse camber (where the board bows downward in the middle) is better for jibbing and performing butters.

All-Mountain Snowboarding

All-mountain snowboarding is a versatile style of riding that involves riding on groomed trails, as well as in the backcountry. This style requires a board that is designed to handle a variety of conditions, including powder, ice, and moguls. When choosing a snowboard for all-mountain riding, it is important to consider the following:

Flex: All-mountain snowboards typically have a medium flex, which provides a balance of stability and maneuverability. A softer flex can be easier for beginners, while a stiffer flex is better for advanced riders.

Shape: All-mountain snowboards can have various shapes, but typically have a directional shape with a slightly longer nose than tail. This helps with stability and control at higher speeds.

Size: When choosing a size for an all-mountain snowboard, consider the weight and ability level of the rider, as well as the terrain they will be riding. A longer board can provide more stability at higher speeds, while a shorter board can be easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

Overall, all-mountain snowboarding is a great option for riders who want to experience a variety of terrain and conditions. It is important to choose a board that is well-suited for this style of riding to ensure a fun and safe experience on the mountain.

Choose the Right Width for Your Child’s Snowboard

Understand the Importance of Snowboard Width: The width of a snowboard is an important factor in choosing the right size for your child. It affects how well they can turn and control the board, as well as their balance and stability on the slopes.

Consider Your Child’s Boot Size: The width of the snowboard should be appropriate for your child’s boot size. If the board is too narrow, their boots may hang over the edge and cause drag, while if it’s too wide, they may have trouble controlling the board.

Use a Snowboard Sizing Chart: Many snowboard manufacturers provide sizing charts that take into account both height and weight, as well as boot size. These can be a helpful starting point in choosing the right width for your child’s snowboard.

Test the Fit: It’s always a good idea to have your child try on and test out different sizes of snowboards to see which one feels the most comfortable and provides the best fit. They should be able to comfortably stand on the board with their feet shoulder-width apart, and their boots should fit snugly into the bindings.

Consult with a Professional: If you’re still unsure about which width to choose, consider consulting with a professional snowboard fitter. They can help ensure that your child gets the right size snowboard for their skill level, riding style, and body type.

Determine Your Child’s Boot Size

When choosing a snowboard, it’s important to ensure that the boots fit properly. To find your child’s boot size, measure their foot while they’re wearing the socks they’ll wear when snowboarding.

Measure the length of the foot from the heel to the longest toe. Use this measurement to determine the appropriate boot size using the manufacturer’s sizing chart.

It’s important to note that different brands may have different sizing charts, so be sure to consult the specific manufacturer’s chart for the boots you’re interested in.

When trying on boots, make sure your child is wearing snowboarding socks and that they’re laced up properly. The boots should fit snugly but not be too tight, and your child’s toes should not be cramped or touching the front of the boot.

It’s also important to consider the type of bindings you’ll be using with the boots, as this can affect the fit. Some bindings may require a specific boot size or have adjustments that can accommodate different sizes.

Choose the Right Snowboard Width

Choosing the right snowboard width is crucial for your child’s comfort and stability on the mountain. The width of the snowboard is directly related to the size of your child’s feet, so it’s important to get this right. If the snowboard is too narrow, your child’s toes and heels will hang over the edge, which will reduce stability and control. If the snowboard is too wide, your child will have difficulty turning and edging the board.

Measure your child’s foot size: The first step in choosing the right snowboard width is to measure your child’s foot size. You can do this by having them stand on a ruler or measuring tape.

Use a snowboard size chart: Once you have your child’s foot size, you can use a snowboard size chart to determine the appropriate snowboard width. Snowboard size charts typically provide a range of snowboard widths based on foot size.

Consider your child’s riding style: In addition to foot size, you should also consider your child’s riding style when choosing the right snowboard width. If your child prefers to ride in the park or pipe, they may want a narrower board for better maneuverability. If they prefer riding in powder or freeriding, they may want a wider board for better float and stability.

Try before you buy: The best way to ensure that you have the right snowboard width is to try before you buy. Many snowboard shops offer rental equipment, which allows your child to try out different snowboards before making a purchase.

Get expert advice: If you’re still unsure about choosing the right snowboard width for your child, don’t hesitate to ask for expert advice from a snowboard shop or experienced snowboarder. They can offer valuable insights and recommendations based on your child’s size and riding ability.

Pick the Right Flex for Your Child’s Snowboard

Flex is an important factor to consider when choosing a snowboard for your child. The flex of a snowboard is how easily it can bend when pressure is applied.

The flex of a snowboard can affect how it performs in different terrains and conditions. A stiffer flex provides more stability at high speeds and on steep terrain, while a softer flex offers more flexibility for tricks and easier turns.

When choosing a snowboard for your child, it’s important to consider their weight, height, and skill level. A heavier or taller child may need a stiffer flex, while a lighter or shorter child may prefer a softer flex.

Identify Your Child’s Riding Style

Before selecting the flex of your child’s snowboard, you need to identify their riding style. There are two primary styles:

• Freestyle: This riding style is all about performing tricks and jumps in the park. It requires a softer, more flexible board that can handle quick movements and landings.
• All-Mountain: This riding style involves riding all over the mountain, including groomed runs, powder, and moguls. It requires a stiffer, more stable board that can handle a variety of conditions.

Once you’ve determined which style your child prefers, you can choose the appropriate flex for their snowboard. A softer flex is typically better for freestyle riders, while a stiffer flex is better for all-mountain riders.

Choose the Right Flex for Your Child’s Weight and Ability

The right flex for your child’s snowboard is also determined by their weight and ability. The flex of a snowboard is measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the stiffest. Children who are lightweight or beginner snowboarders should opt for a softer flex, while heavier or more experienced riders should choose a stiffer flex.

Choosing the right flex will help your child maintain control and balance on the board. A soft flex board is easier to maneuver and provides more forgiveness, which is ideal for learning and practicing new tricks. A stiffer flex board provides better stability and edge control, making it suitable for high-speed riding and carving.

When choosing the flex for your child’s snowboard, consider their weight and skill level to ensure they have a comfortable and safe ride on the mountain. A good rule of thumb is to choose a flex rating that is equivalent to your child’s weight, but you should also consider their ability level to ensure they have a board that they can easily handle.

Don’t Forget About the Snowboard’s Shape and Design

When choosing a snowboard for your child, the shape and design of the board can greatly affect their performance. Look for a board that matches your child’s riding style and ability, as well as the type of terrain they’ll be riding on.

The shape of the snowboard also plays a role in how it performs. A board with a directional shape is great for all-mountain riding, while a twin shape is better for freestyle riding. Additionally, consider the flex of the board and how it matches your child’s weight and ability.

Finally, the design of the snowboard can be a fun way to personalize your child’s ride. Some boards feature bright colors and eye-catching graphics, while others have a more classic look. Whatever design you choose, make sure it’s a board your child will love to ride!

Directional Snowboards

A directional snowboard is designed to be ridden mainly in one direction, with a distinct nose and tail. These snowboards are typically used for all-mountain riding and powder runs.

Directional snowboards have a setback stance, which means that the bindings are set further back towards the tail of the board. This helps with stability and control when riding at higher speeds and carving on groomed runs.

Directional snowboards also have a stiffer tail than nose, which helps with turning and maneuverability. The nose is usually softer and wider, which helps with floating in powder and absorbing bumps.

Twin Snowboards

• Twin snowboards have been a popular choice for riders who want to enhance their freestyle experience.
• These boards feature a symmetrical design that allows for a balanced ride and makes it easy to perform tricks.
• The twin shape of the board means that the nose and tail are identical, making it easy to ride both ways and switch between regular and goofy stance.
• One popular example of a twin snowboard is the Burton Custom Flying V Twin, which has a rocker-camber-rocker profile for a playful and responsive ride.
• Twin snowboards are a great choice for riders of all levels who want a versatile board that can handle anything from park laps to powder runs.
• Some popular twin snowboard brands include Capita, Lib Tech, and Salomon.

If you’re looking for a snowboard that can handle a variety of terrain and allow you to progress your freestyle skills, a twin snowboard is definitely worth considering. The symmetrical shape and balanced ride make it easy to ride both ways and perform tricks, while the versatility of the board means you can take it anywhere on the mountain. Popular twin snowboard brands like Capita, Lib Tech, and Salomon offer a variety of options to choose from, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider.

When choosing a twin snowboard, it’s important to consider factors like your skill level, riding style, and preferred terrain. Some twin snowboards are designed specifically for park riding, while others are better suited for all-mountain riding or powder. The flex of the board is also an important factor to consider, as a softer flex will be more forgiving and easier to manipulate, while a stiffer flex will offer more stability at high speeds.

Ultimately, the best twin snowboard for you will depend on your individual preferences and needs as a rider. Whether you’re looking for a board that can help you progress your freestyle skills or simply want a versatile board that can handle any terrain, a twin snowboard is definitely worth considering.

Camber vs. Rocker

When it comes to snowboards, there are two main types of profiles: camber and rocker. Both camber and rocker have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the differences between the two profiles before choosing which one is right for you.

Camber snowboards are shaped in a way where the center of the board touches the ground while the tip and tail curve upwards. This profile is great for carving on hard packed snow as it provides more edge hold and stability. Camber boards also have more pop and are better for jumping and riding at high speeds. However, they can be more difficult to maneuver in powder or when making quick turns.

Rocker snowboards, on the other hand, have a reverse camber shape where the center of the board is curved upward and the tip and tail touch the ground. This profile is great for beginners as it’s easier to learn on and provides a more forgiving ride. Rocker boards are also better for riding in powder as they are more maneuverable and float better. However, they don’t provide as much edge hold as camber boards and can feel unstable at high speeds.

• Camber: better edge hold, more stability, more pop, better for carving and high speeds, more difficult to maneuver in powder and quick turns.
• Rocker: easier to learn on, more forgiving, better for riding in powder, more maneuverable, less edge hold, can feel unstable at high speeds.
• Hybrid: combines camber and rocker for a more versatile ride.
• Flat: a more neutral profile that provides a balance between camber and rocker.
• Camber dominant: a camber board with a small rocker section near the tip and tail for added maneuverability.
• Rocker dominant: a rocker board with a small camber section near the tip and tail for added edge hold and stability.

Ultimately, choosing between camber and rocker comes down to personal preference and riding style. If you’re a beginner or enjoy riding in powder, rocker may be the way to go. If you’re an experienced rider who likes to carve and ride at high speeds, camber may be the better option. Hybrid and flat boards are great for those who want a more versatile ride that can handle different terrain and riding styles.

Frequently Asked Questions