Snowboard: what size should you choose?
Founder of Stone Snowboards
Too short, and it feels like you’re riding a scooter. Too long, and you struggle to turn and end up off-piste without meaning to. The size of your snowboard is key to getting the most out of your ride. But how do you make sure you get it right? Let’s take a look at how to choose the right length without any hassle.
Note: if you’re looking for a more general guide on choosing a snowboard, we have a dedicated page, “How to choose your snowboard?”, which covers all the technical aspects. Here, we’re focusing solely on snowboard size.
In any case, feel free to use our filter on the website to find the board that suits you best.
Why is snowboard size important?
The size of a snowboard has a direct impact on the riding feel and manoeuvrability:
On the one hand, a longer board offers better stability, particularly at high speeds, and ensures a smooth carving experience. On the other hand, it can be harder to manoeuvre and requires more power and commitment when turning.
Conversely, a shorter board can be more responsive and manoeuvrable. This is ideal for freestyle and trick sequences. On the other hand, it offers less float in powder.
How to choose the right size snowboard?
The rider’s height, weight and shoe size
Three factors are essential for choosing the right size snowboard: your height, your weight and your shoe size.
Your body type is the basis for any decision regarding your snowboard size. A general rule of thumb: a board should reach somewhere between your shoulders and your chin.
Generally, we recommend choosing a board that is 15 to 20 centimetres shorter than your own height:
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1m60 - 1m70 → snowboard between 145 and 152 cm
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1m70 - 1m80 → snowboard between 150 and 160 cm
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1.80m – 1.90m → snowboard between 160 and 165 cm
But it’s not an exact science!
Weight matters too! A heavier rider will need a slightly larger board for good stability and more lift, whilst a lighter rider can opt for a board that’s a tad shorter to gain manoeuvrability.
For example, if you’re 1m75 tall, weigh 75 kg and wear a shoe size of 42.5/43, you can generally go for a board between 153 and 156 cm. But depending on your riding style, you could go up to 160 cm or even longer. We’ll explain this in the next section.
The influence on riding style
The choice of snowboard size also depends on your ability and riding style:
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For a beginner, a slightly shorter board is best. It requires less effort to turn and is easier to control.
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In freeriding, a longer board helps you float better on fresh snow.
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In freestyle, a shorter, lighter board makes spins and tricks easier and improves agility
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For all-mountain riders, choose a balance between length and manoeuvrability to feel at ease everywhere.
In short, if you spend your time in the resort on groomed runs, a classic board will suffice. On the other hand, if you’re into powder and off-piste, a longer, directional board will offer you greater comfort and float.
The specific features of each brand
Another key factor when choosing your snowboard size: the manufacturer’s recommended weight. Every board has an optimal weight range that ensures its flex and performance on snow. If you’re outside this range, it might not be the best fit. If you’re unsure, give us a call!
We’ll be happy to confirm your choice.
Other technical criteria to consider
Length isn’t the only factor when choosing the size of your snowboard! Other technical aspects affect the riding experience.
Camber
Camber refers to the board’s longitudinal curvature. It influences stability, rebound and the quality of turn initiation, and more generally, the feel underfoot.
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A classic camber offers more grip and makes the board feel longer underfoot.
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A reverse camber is playful; it helps with turning but isn’t great for precision. We’re not too keen on this camber at Stone.
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A flat camber strikes a balance between stability and manoeuvrability.
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A hybrid camber is a classic camber shifted back towards the rear foot with a rocker on the nose.
At Stone, we mainly have two types of camber: classic and hybrid.
Width
If you’re a size 44 or above, be careful not to choose a board that’s too narrow. If the board’s too narrow, your boots will stick out, which will hinder your balance when turning. Conversely, a board that’s too wide can feel clunky underfoot. It reduces responsiveness. Take a good look at our technical specifications. We don’t just write ‘W’ to mean ‘wide’, but don’t worry, we’ve thought of everything.
But once again, this is a factor to adapt to your personal situation, particularly your riding style: if you’re into freestyle, a slightly narrower board will offer you greater manoeuvrability. On the other hand, for powder or freeride, a wider model will ensure better stability.
Shape and setback
The shape of the board also affects the riding experience. As a reminder:
Setback refers to how far the bindings are set back. A pronounced setback improves float in powder, whilst a board with no setback is more versatile and balanced.
And regarding shapes:
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Twin shape: the board is symmetrical, perfect for freestyle and tricks.
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Directional shape: the nose is longer than the tail, promoting stability and lift in freeride.
In short, two 155 cm snowboards can offer very different riding experiences depending on their construction!
Common mistakes to avoid
Many riders make the mistake of choosing a board that’s too big, thinking they’ll gain stability. Except that in reality, it makes turning more difficult and tires you out faster. Conversely, a board that’s too short can quickly become a nightmare off-piste or at high speed. What’s more, if it’s too small, it will inevitably be too narrow underfoot, and your feet will stick out too far at the sides.
Another pitfall: relying solely on length without considering width, flex or camber. A board that’s too stiff for your weight can be a bit demanding, whilst a model that’s too flexible will lack responsiveness when carving. That said, we always recommend a stiffer board over a too-flexible one, as we know full well that a board that’s too flexible will break!
Conclusion
Numbers and theories are all well and good, but nothing beats the feel on the snow. If a board feels too stiff or too soft underfoot, it doesn’t matter if it’s the ‘right size’ on paper: it won’t suit you. Trust your instincts or give us a call!
Choosing the right size snowboard is, above all, about understanding your needs and knowing what kind of ride you want. If you’re unsure, it’s better to go for a slightly shorter board to start with, rather than a behemoth that’s impossible to manoeuvre. Now that you’ve got all the info, all that’s left is to strap in and ride!
See you soon, Stoners!