Can I ride a smaller snowboard?

Question

Im kind of tall, about 5'7 but Im pretty skinny, i weigh about 105-110. Ive been planning to buy a 146cm womens board because last time I had rentals they gave me a 145, which i thought was ok. But when I was talking to someone at a shop they said I should be riding a longer board (150+), which got me alittle worried, but he said i could pull off a 146. Will it effect me that much if i get a small board? P.s. im still a beginner. Thanks alot!!

Answer 1

I'm a little bit shorter than you and just a bit heavier (5-6; 115 lbs) and ride a 148. I've been riding for a year now so this is the board I learned on. That size has been great for me, so I'd recommend a board somewhere around there. I think a 146 would be OK if it feels right to you. I think a 150+ would just be too long for you unless you're about to start packing on some weight. I think the shop that told you 150 was only taking your height into consideration, while your weight is important to consider too. Also, like someone else mentioned if you plan on doing a lot of park riding definitely consider the shorter board.

Answer 2

Smaller boards are more for tricks and more manuverable. I would stick with what the board shop tells you. They are usually fairly knowledgeable, as a beginner you really want to use the board that is made for your height, when you get better, then you can start messing with size to do more fancy stuff, ie, go faster, do tricks, ect.

Answer 3

A smaller board will not go as fast and is better for tricks.

The only problem is you may outgrow the board quickly and would have to get another board fairly soon.

Answer 4

Who ever told you 150+ is wrong - that is too much board for your size. The measuring to your chin (or whatever they are doing) is just a rule of thumb. It really depends on your weight and your riding style. I would say about 143 would be about the right size for an all-around board - a little shorter for freestyle and a little longer for freeride. (The 145 from the rental shop was good for learning).

You could get a little longer board it you are still growing, but a shorter board won't be a problem - especially for learning.

Try this size calculator:

http://www.frostyrider.com/tips/size-gui...

Good Luck