What kind of riding style are you interested in?
Are you planning to buy a snowboard? Before you buy that perfect board, it's essential to determine what kind of riding you're interested in. You can choose from classic technical skiing on routes of various difficulties or freeriding, i.e. off-piste skiing on unprepared snow. Other types of riding are snowpark or jibb, i.e. riding in a snow park with a focus on jibb obstacles and flatground stunts. This type of board will be perfect for people who are just starting their adventure with snowboarding. The last type of riding is snow park, kicker or halfpipe, i.e. riding in a snow park with a focus on jumps or pipes. It is also important to determine your level of advancement. If you already know what type of riding is best for you and how to handle snowboarding, we can move on to the next point.
Four main snowboard constructions
Another important thing is the profile of the board. There are 4 different board constructions in snowboards. Here they are: rocker, camber, flat camber and hybrid. What are the characteristics of the individual structures? We're already translating!
Rocker - its design resembles the shape of a banana. This shape increases the forgiveness of mistakes while driving. It will also be easier to bend the board while riding on jibb obstacles, doing tricks and turning. The rocker design is perfect for getting started with snowboarding. Because it speeds up the start of almost every beginner.
Camber - the oldest construction of snowboards. Camber is characterized by two points of contact between the board and the snow and the raised center of the board. This design will help you maintain stability even when driving fast. Perfect for people who are focused on large snowboard jumps.
Flat camber - something between rocker and camber. The entire length of the board is made of a flat section of the core. A flat camber board has a slightly lower error threshold than a rocker board. However, flat camber will provide more stability when reaching speed on ramps. It is a good construction for people who use various snowboard obstacles.
Hybrid - a combination of all of the above. It has 2 cambers, which gives you a bulge under both feet. While riding, these 2 cambers flatten out, so there is more tension in the board. This tension is released, for example, during the jump, providing an even greater rebound
Write down your sizes
Before going to the store, measure yourself carefully and weigh yourself. It is important to know your height, weight and shoe size. On their basis, the length and width of the board are selected. There are plenty of tables, thanks to which you can quickly and easily determine how long a snowboard should be. Many manufacturers even put them on their boards to make it easier for customers to choose the right size. There is a way to check if the board is well matched. If the board placed vertically on the ground reaches its user to the chin - then we can say about a more or less well-chosen board. While in a snowboard equipment store, you should try on each piece of equipment and familiarize yourself with it carefully. The width of the board is also important. Put on your snowboard boots and step into the snowboard. If you see that the foot protrudes a few centimeters from the board, it is a sign that you need a wider board, i.e. the Wide versions. If you are not sure whether your feet lie properly or stick out a little - ask the seller.
Don't be afraid of trying different types of snowboards!
It's good if you know what theoretically your board should look like. However, theory does not always match practice, so we advise you to try on different models of boards. If you have the opportunity, try to ride a few different types. Maybe, to your surprise, you will find that a board that you have not considered at all is better for you. Good luck with your snowboard selection! In case of problems, please contact our specialists. They will certainly advise you in any situation.