If you’re a beginner and want to improve quickly, you must choose a snowboard with the right features.
Learning on an unsuitable snowboard makes it harder to learn but also slows the development of the foundational skills that will allow you to master a specific style.
To assist you we’ve written this guide where you’ll discover how to choose a snowboard for beginners.
How to choose a snowboard for beginners
In this chart, you’ll find all the important features, but to delve deeper into each topic, keep reading the guide.
| #1 Flex | 3 to 5/10 |
| #2 Camber | Flat camber |
| #3 Shape | True twin shape |
| #4 Size | 3-4 cm shorter |
| #5 Base | Extruded |
| #6 Binding Mounts | 4×2 centered mounts |
#1 Flex
The flex of a snowboard indicates the board’s flexibility from nose to tail. For beginners, I recommend a flex rating of 3 to 5 on a scale of 1 to 10, so medium-to-soft/medium.
A snowboard with these flex values is easy to control because the low rigidity doesn’t require a lot of energy to maneuver the snowboard. However, it won’t be as stable at high speeds as a stiffer board.
In fact, the more flexible the snowboard the more responsive it is to snow imperfections.
Among suitable flex values, a rating of 5 provides the most versatility. It allows you to explore the mountain entirely before focusing on a specific style.
I recommend reading our guide on snowboard flex to delve further into this topic.
#2 Camber
The camber is the longitudinal profile of a snowboard. It’s crucial because it influences all aspects of the snowboard, from pop and floats to edge hold and more.
The best camber profile for beginners is the flat camber. It’s stable and, when combined with other features, makes turns start easier compared to other profiles.
Snowboards with this profile are also cheaper due to their simple shape, which is a significant advantage for beginners.
As for performance, another option could be hybrid camber or rocker profiles. However, I discourage them as they are more expensive. It’s better to save money initially and invest in a board suited for a specific riding style in the future.
Discover all camber profiles and their features.
#3 Shape
The best snowboard shape for beginners is the true twin shape, with a symmetrical nose and tail.
This shape is balanced, stable, and can be ridden in switch, meaning in regular and goofy stances.
This feature is excellent because can ridden in both directions with ease, which is vital for building the fundamental skills of every snowboarder.
If you are still unsure whether you are regular or goofy, read our guide on how to find out easily. It’s essential to set the right binding angles.
Discover all snowboard shapes and their pros and cons.
#4 Size
The size is a fundamental aspect of choosing a snowboard for beginners.
The longer the snowboard, the more stable it is, but it’s more challenging to maneuver.
The shorter it is, the easier it is to control, but it sacrifices stability.
As a beginner, you should choose one 3-4 cm (1.18 – 1.57 inches) shorter than the normal size, which is proportional to your weight and height.
Are you looking for the perfect snowboard size for you? Learn how to do it easily with our guide.
#5 Base
The best type of base for a beginner is the extruded. It requires less frequent waxing and, if damaged, can be repaired easily.
Compared to sintered bases, it’s slower, but you don’t need the extra speed as a beginner.
Check out our guide to learn about the differences between extruded and sintered bases.
#6 Binding Mounts
Binding mounts vary based on hole patterns, technology, or their positioning.
I recommend choosing the 4×2 centered mounts. This mounting system offers greater flexibility in setting your stance and is compatible with most bindings. I also recommend centered mounts because setback mounts are only useful for freeride.
Another option is channel mounts, but they are generally more expensive. Also, being patented by Burton, few snowboards use this technology.
Remember that not all bindings are universally compatible, so before choosing them, check their compatibility.
Read our guide to check the compatibility of bindings with mounting systems.
#7 Stance
The stance is the position of the bindings on the board. It may seem insignificant for a beginner, but it makes a big difference. It influences adaptability to riding styles, skill levels, and therefore how quickly you learn.
Although setting the stance is easy, it involves several steps.
For this reason, I invite you to read our guide, which will help you find the best setup on a snowboard for beginners.
How is a snowboard with these Features?
A snowboard with these features is:
- Easy to maneuver
- Makes turns start easy
- Versatile
- Stable
- Excellent not only for beginners
Personal Experience
After snowboarding for one year using rental gear, I bought my first snowboard. It was a used snowboard in excellent condition, almost new.
The camber was flat, the shape was a true twin, and the base extruded. The length was perfect for my height and weight, with a couple of centimeters less.
However, the flex was very stiff, which initially made turning difficult.
All these features, except for the stiff flex, allowed me to learn the basics and improve rapidly.
Useful Tips
New Snowboard, Used Snowboard, or Rental?
The choice depends on two things: the desire to continue snowboarding and your budget.
If it’s your first time snowboarding, don’t buy a new or used snowboard right away. Rent one a few times and try to figure out if you genuinely enjoy it and want to continue.
If you think you won’t continue or will snowboard infrequently, stick with renting. If you want to continue, it’s more convenient to buy a new or used snowboard. After a few days of riding your snowboard, you will have already covered the cost you would have spent on renting.
Now, the choice remains between new or used. If you have a high budget (around $250-350), a new snowboard may be suitable for you.
In any case, a used board in excellent condition can be a great deal. Remember not to overspend! That will be your first snowboard, and there’s always time in the future to buy a better, more specific one.
Find out how much a snowboard costs and the best tips for saving money.
Don’t Make This Mistake!
Don’t buy a new one or replace your snowboard with a more advanced one too soon. Use one with the right features for beginners, build your foundational skills, and replace it in the future with one more suited to a specific riding style.
For beginners, it’s crucial to choose a snowboard with features that allow you to build the basics and improve quickly.
Now that you know what they are, discover the top 10 snowboards for beginners!
For any questions, doubts, or requests for help in choosing the most suitable snowboard for you, don’t hesitate to contact us here in the comments or at support@adventurerhub.com.
Share this guide with your beginner snowboarding buddy.
