Kid Snowboard Sizing and Buying Guide

Kids Snowboard Sizing Guide

Posted by Matt Gahman on Monday, December 9, 2024

Choosing the right snowboard size for your young shredder affects how much fun they have on the slopes. If it's too long, it may be unwieldy and frustrating — too short, and it may not be challenging enough for daredevils. The following guidelines will help you match their physical size, experience and performance goals to choose the best snowboard for kid beginners.

How to Size a Snowboard for a Kid

Knowing how to size a snowboard for a child involves many factors. Let's dive into some specifics of kids' snowboard sizes so you and your squad have the best time this season.

When shopping for a kid's snowboard, start by measuring the child's weight and height. Use the table below before fine-tuning your search using the other guidelines.

Kids' snowboard sizes aren't an exact science, and not all kids have the same shape. If your child is light for their height or you have a nervous beginner, opt for a slightly shorter board. You may want to go longer if your youngster weighs more than average for their height or loves speed.

How to Choose Snowboards for Kids

Once you have a basic idea of the board length your child needs, focus on the finer details that will enhance their snowboarding experience. Consider these factors while choosing the perfect ride for your buddy this season.

1. Types of Snowboards for Kids

The most common type of snowboard for kids are all-mountain snowboards. All-mountain snowboards are an excellent choice for young riders and beginners. They offer versatility, perform well in different conditions and encourage kids to try different styles of riding. The pros of all-mountain snowboards include:

• Versatility: They perform well on snowy mountainsides or in snowboard parks.
• Ease of use: They are characterized by easy control and stability.
• Growth potential: They allow kids to improve their skills and try new challenges without outgrowing their snowboards too quickly.
• Skill development: They support different styles of riding so kids enjoy the sport more.

Whether your child is cruising through the snow or attempting a trick, this board has your kid's back. It's an excellent snowboard for beginners or young children who are more advanced.

2. Board Shapes

Our all-mountain snowboards have two shapes — directional and twin. The board shape should complement your child's ability, riding style and interests.

Directional snowboards are designed to move in one direction. They tend to have the rider's stance slightly back from center, allowing for a longer nose that will float in powder. Directional boards make a good choice for those who know their dominant foot and plan on spending time in varied snow conditions.

Twin snowboards are symmetrical, allowing riders to move with either their left foot or their right foot forward. This is easy to do since twin snowboards have a center stance, and the shape and flex of the tip and tail are identical. It is an excellent shape for adventurous kids keen to learn tricks or who enjoy freestyle snowboarding, as well as beginners learning which direction they prefer to ride in.

3. Board Profile

The board profile is how the board lies on the ground. The board's curved areas and the spots that contact the ground give young riders different control levels on the slopes. Common board profiles for young riders are flat, rocker, camber or a combination of the three.

Boards with a flat profile, where just the tip and tail ends are lifted off the ground, are an excellent choice for young kids and beginners as they are more forgiving. This design is easier to maneuver and more stable since most of the board's surface is on the snow.

A rocker board has a center that touches the ground while the tip and tail curve upward. This feature makes the snowboard easier to turn and less likely for the edges to catch, making it a perfect confidence builder for new rippers.

Choose a camber board for speedsters who love the thrill and excitement of flying down slopes. This profile features an upward curved tip and tail, and the center of the board doesn't reach the ground. This design offers good stability at speed and power through turns and is a great choice for more intermediate and advanced snowboarders.

4. Age

Younger kids benefit from shorter, lighter, more flexible snowboards that are easier to control and maneuver. While there's no hard and fast rule regarding ages as skills vary, kids under 8 usually benefit from snowboards that provide better balance and easier turning, like shorter flat or rocker boards.

As kids grow in confidence and physicality, so does the board length! Preteens ready to progress may opt for snowboards that provide more stability at high speeds, like a longer board with more camber.

5. Other Considerations

Most parents and caregivers know that when choosing the best size snowboard for kids, it's essential to consult the riders themselves. Snowboards are statement pieces, so design and brand often matter, especially to preteens.

Other considerations include your child's skill, confidence level, riding style and where they'll do most of their boarding. Choose a snowboard that gets them doing what they love and keeps up with their ability.

Shop for Your Child's Perfect Snowboard at Buckman's

Get your groms out and about, confidently showing off their mad skills with a snowboard that's perfectly sized and matched to fit their physical size and ability. Buckman's Ski and Snowboard Shops is a family business that has existed for over 50 years. We have developed many young snowboarders and love sharing our passion for the sport. Don't wait another day — get the young shredders in your family sized up perfectly and ready to hit the slopes!

Categories: Snowboard Equipment