It all comes down to size and rigidity. You'll be OK if it's a little smaller yet stiff enough for your weight. You'll have issues with heavier impacts if it's too long yet too soft. Try not to go by brand or model, as there are lots of different makes and models on the market that differ significantly in quality.
Generally speaking, the longer the board, the more difficult it will be to turn. This is because you'll have more distance to travel before you reach the edge. To make up for this, you need a board that is both very flexible and has a relatively large surface area. The best way to find out whether you like small boards is to try one out under normal riding conditions where impact forces are not an issue. If you feel comfortable on it then it will be suitable for normal winter riding.
Snowboards are used for recreational purposes so quality should be considered before price. Look for straight edges and solid construction. A plastic core will make it lighter yet still provide support. A foam center may look nice but it won't help when you hit a bump. An aluminum core will be stronger yet heavier than a plastic one. Don't worry about having different sizes of holes in the board for binding adjustments; these are called "camber" and most small boards have it. Camber changes the angle of the board at each end to facilitate turning.
About shoulder width is good for balance, but if you have a lot of weight to carry then go wider. If you're like me and don't want to look like a freak, keep your feet about the same distance from each other.
The key is to find what works for you. Some people can get away with having their toes turned in while others need their feet as close together as possible. There's no right or wrong here, just do what feels comfortable.
If you have big feet like me, you might want to get a pair of snowboard boots that come up high on the leg so you have more room for your feet inside the boot. That way you don't feel like they're going to pinch too much when you stand up straight.
Of course, there are also specialty boards made for people with large feet. These boards tend to be wider than normal ones and have larger holes under the footbed for your toes to stick through. This helps distribute your weight more evenly across the board and reduces the risk of you getting ankle injuries.
Finally, make sure you get the right size shoe and boot.
Muise adds that if your posture is too tight or too broad, you will fall. "Flex your legs and lower yourself." When you fall, the lower you are to the earth, the less impact you will feel. This will reduce the likelihood of injury.
If you're falling forward, bend your knees and tighten your core to prevent further damage. If you're falling backward, spread your arms and brace yourself with them until you come to a stop.
The most common cause of falling is actually running out of control. You can avoid this by going slow and taking it one hill at a time. Don't worry about getting dirty or losing your board; just focus on having fun.
Another reason for falling is being hit from behind. To protect yourself from being flipped over, lift one foot up when turning to see who's coming up behind you.
Still another reason for falling is being caught in someone else's crash. Be alert for other riders who may be approaching from behind you or crossing your path. If they appear injured, take care of their needs first before returning to your own activity.
Last but not least, you might be falling because of an error made by another rider. For example, if someone crashes into yours, get off your board immediately to avoid any collisions.
Soft flex boards are simple to turn and forgiving. They're often favoured by novices, lighter riders, and park riders. Stiff flex boards provide more grip while turning and can maintain speeds longer than softer boards. They also maintain a better edge when descending quickly. Experienced riders prefer stiffer boards because they tend to be faster and have more pop.
The best board for you will depend on your riding style and experience level. If you're new to snowboarding, we recommend starting out with a soft board so that you learn the basics safely. As you gain experience, you can graduate to a stiffer board which will let you ride further and higher.
There are pros and cons to each type of board. The main advantage of a soft board is its flexibility; it can be bent to fit into small spaces such as under a chair lift or down a hillside trail. It can also be rolled up and put in a bag without getting damaged. Disadvantages include its lack of durability and its inability to handle heavy snow. A stiffer board is easier to control but lacks power and traction in powder snow. It will also wear out faster due to having more contact points with the snow.
So, which board is better? That depends on your experience and what kind of riding you do. In general, stiffer boards are better for advanced riders who want to go fast down hills and across parks.
However, they are more difficult to maneuver due to their lack of flexibility.
Beginners should start with a board that is slightly flexible yet still has some bite to it. This will help them learn how to turn safely while keeping control of their board. As they gain experience, they can progress to a more flexible board that allows for faster riding styles.
There are two types of flex ratings used by snowboard manufacturers. One rating is called "stiffness" and the other is called "grip." Both numbers refer to tests done by Snowboard Performance Labs on full-size prototypes of potential new models. The higher the number, the more flexing the board will do before it breaks under pressure from turning or jumping.
A board rated 80 or greater on the stiffness scale is suitable for beginners who want to retain some style when hitting big jumps or spinning down hills. These boards tend to be more durable as well; the flexing action helps smooth out any rough edges on the surface of the board.
If you're a freestyle rider who prefers to ride in a snow park rather than on the ski slopes, you'll want a board with a milder flex. This improves maneuverability when performing spins, tricks, and other techniques. We recommend selecting a board with a 1-2 soft flex score. A softer board is better for freestyle riding.
If you're a skier or snowboarder who also enjoys surfing, skateboarding, or dancing then you'll want a board that's more rigid. A more rigid board provides greater stability while boarding down the mountain or at the park, which is important when doing flip tricks, long rides, or jumping off jumps. We recommend choosing a board with a 3-4 hard flex score. A harder board is better for more aggressive riding.
Flexibility is also important for safety. The more flexible the board, the less likely it is to break if you fall. There are several factors that go into determining a board's flexibility rating including its material, age, and history. For example, a wood board will always be more flexible than a plastic board of the same size and shape. Also, a younger board will usually be more flexible than an older one. Finally, a board that has no history of breaking down will be more flexible than one that has experienced this damage before.
There are many different types of materials used to make snowboards, from aluminum to wood to carbon fiber.
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