The length of your snowboard matters. If your board is on the smaller side, it’s easier to make turns and spin in the air. It’s more nimble and can be a good choice for beginners who are just learning to turn.
But there are downsides too. On smaller bumps, it might toss you around more, you’ll have less stability, and at high speeds, you could experience speed wobbles. Plus, in deep snow, you won’t float as well.
On the flip side, a longer snowboard will feel stiffer and be tougher to turn quickly. However, it’ll provide better floatation in loose snow. If you opt for a shorter board, it’ll turn quickly, but it might feel softer and can chatter a lot when you’re going fast.
Your weight & height vs board length
When it comes to choosing the right snowboard length, your weight is the key factor to consider, not your height. The manufacturer typically provides a weight range for each board model. Different board models will have different weight ranges, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
Keep in mind that your height doesn’t play a role in board sizing. Your weight and barefoot measurement are what counts.
The goal is to pick a board where your weight falls in the middle of the manufacturer’s published weight range. Let’s say the max weight for a board is 200 pounds, and you weigh 180 pounds: that’s a good match.
If the manufacturer’s weight range for a board is something like 130 to 210+ pounds, it’s quite broad. The center of that range, around 170 pounds, is where you ideally want to be. Being just above this design rider weight is a good spot.
However, if your weight doesn’t fit within the range, for instance, if the max weight is 200 pounds, and you weigh 220 pounds, it’s best to look for a different board that suits your weight better.
Boot size vs board length
Your boot size also plays a big role in determining the right snowboard for you. If you have larger feet, you’ll want a wider board with a waist width of at least 26 cm, possibly 27 cm. A given width will typically result in a limited choice of lengths.
Look for boards available in wide sizes, and then consider your weight within the manufacturer’s published weight range.
Let’s say you’re around 135 pounds and wear women’s size 8.5 boots (which typically fit similar to men’s shoes in terms of snowboard sizing). Depending on the board, manufacturer recommendations for your weight may fall in the high 130’s to mid 140’s range.
So if you go with say a 155 board, it will likely make your snowboarding experience more challenging, possibly holding you back.
Note that snowboard boot sizes are not the same as regular shoe sizes. If you’re unsure about your boot size, err on the side of slightly smaller boots. Larger boots will provide more float and stability but can also make turning more difficult.
Make sure your boots fit within the waist of the board to ensure good control.
On a side note, also pay attention to how your boots fit within your bindings concerning the board. If they’re too large and are pushed toward the heel side, it can affect your ability to make precise turns on the toe side.
See also: How to choose snowboard boots if you have different size feet
Riding level & board length
The better you are at snowboarding, the longer a board you can handle for a given weight range. If you’re closer to being a beginner, it’s better to go with a shorter board.
Let’s say you weigh around 135 pounds and you’re looking at an all-mountain board. In this case, a board between 146-150 may be a good choice for most riders.
However, if you’re an athletic rider and up for a challenge, you could even consider a 155 all-mountain board to grow into. Just keep in mind a longer board can make things more challenging, so if you prefer an easier ride, go for a shorter one.
If you’re a relative newbie, don’t stress too much about getting the perfect board. Chances are, you’ll be looking at getting another board within a year as you gain experience and figure out your preferences. Start with a shorter board and upgrade as you become more confident on the slopes.
More experienced riders can handle longer boards for a given weight range, but it also means more challenge and control.
Board features & board length
In addition to your weight, the actual length of your board will depend on which board you pick. Some boards are designed to be ridden shorter than others. You need to consider the specific characteristics of the board you’re looking at.
Look at the board’s specs sheet. For instance, let’s say you’re 172 cm tall and weigh 65 kg. For freeride, you might normally choose a 153 cm board. For something like the Salomon Sickstick, for example, a 153 cm length would be the recommended size for backcountry rides.
So the length of your snowboard should be determined by your weight and the specific characteristics of the board model. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specs sheet to avoid ending up with a board that’s too long or too short for your needs.
Board flex
Consider the flex of your snowboard when determining if it’s too long. You’ll find boards in various lengths with different flex ratings. For instance, you might choose between a 145 cm snowboards with a stiff 7/10 flex or a 152 cm board with a more forgiving 4/10 flex.
While board length matters, for beginners, stiffness and board profile (see next section) can be even more critical than length.
As a beginner, it’s wise to opt for a softer flex, typically in the 3-4/10 range. Softer flex boards make it easier for beginners to initiate turns, resulting in a smoother learning curve.
So if you’re just starting out, you can progress well with something like a Salomon Lotus, known for its softer flex.
Let’s say you’re around 140 lbs: starting with a softer 152 cm camber board won’t hold you back. However, by switching to a stiffer 152 cm board, you’ll likely notice improved turning ability and stability.
Board profile
When determining if your snowboard is too long, consider the board’s profile alongside its length. If you’re riding a rocker board, the length will have a lesser impact on you. You’ll mainly notice the length when you’re making sharp turns and carving aggressively.
A soft, non-aggressive board with a rocker heavier in the middle and reduced at the tip and tail will generally be forgiving and easy to turn, making it suitable for beginners.
If you’re a newbie, consider an all-mountain slightly directional cambered board for your recommended length. The board’s stiffness should match your level of aggression. As a beginner, a softer flex is generally recommended.
A flat base or hybrid profile also makes turning easier and more relaxed, though it may lack the razor-like edge hold of a cambered board. Choose a board that helps you progress instead of hindering your progress.
Also, volume-shifted boards are wider and shorter than traditional shapes. These boards prioritize surface area for better float in deep snow instead of length. This allows you to ride a shorter board than you would typically use.
Riding style & board length
Different riding styles require different board lengths for optimal performance. If you’re into park tricks and navigating through trees, a smaller board might be your choice.
On the other hand, if you love carving, speed, and tackling bigger lines, a longer board is generally the way to go.
Consider your weight when selecting the right board length for freeride. For instance, if you weigh around 135-140 lbs, you should probably aim for a freeride board in the 151-154 cm range, regardless of your height. A 158 cm board would be too hard to control.
A longer board will give you not only stability at speed, but also a longer effective edge, which will give you the ability to draw out longer turns with confidence.
Also look at the board’s sidecut. A smaller 6 to 7 m radius will result in shorter and quicker turns, whereas a 8 – 9 m radius will mean longer, medium turns. A 10+m radius is best for longer and drawn out turns, with good speed control.
Some 6′ / 250 lbs riders will choose a 157 cm as their daily board. Even though manufacturer specs suggest 162+ for them, they enjoy the snappier turns and easy spins they get from a shorter board, even though they run a bit slower.
In the deep stuff, or for fast riding and hard carving, longer decks are typically the best. They also give you more float in powder. Shorter boards are not as stable at higher speeds and make carving harder.
5’11 / 160 lbs riders will sometimes ride 155 to 157 cm boards for all-around snowboarding as opposed to a shorter board. They feel these lengths cover most things on the mountain and feel nice and stable, especially for bigger terrain.