If you are a beginner, you may have difficulty understanding how to tell tail from nose on a snowboard. After all, these two parts of the board look oddly similar, right?
Well, if you want to master the sport of snowboarding and become an expert on the slopes, then you must learn to distinguish these two parts.
In this article, we will show you quick and easy ways how to determine which is the nose and which is the tail.
Let’s start!
Why is it crucial to tell the nose from the tail on a snowboard?
As a beginner (or not), you might think it doesn’t matter which end of the snowboard you use to go down the mountain.
But it does. Try to imagine a snowboard with a directional shape and setback stance. You mount the bindings wrong and you ride it with the tail toward the slope. Not only will it make riding super difficult, but you will also fall all the time!
So as you understand, it is important to know which is the nose and the tail to ride the snowboard the way it was built and have maximum performance.
The exception…
Before we start with methods to tell the nose from the tail of a snowboard, you should know that there is an exception.
If your snowboard has a true twin shape, the nose and tail are exactly the same!
Note: the only difference might be the graphics.
The methods:
Nose and tail size method
To tell the nose from the tail with this method you will have to look at the size of the nose and tail.
In snowboards with a directional shape and derived from it such as the tapered directional shape, the nose is always longer and/or wider than the tail.
So, find the bigger part, it will be the nose.
I recommend you check out our complete guide on snowboard shapes to understand the size of the nose and tail in the different types of snowboards.
Setback stance method
One method to distinguish between the nose and tail of a snowboard is to measure the setback.
A snowboard has a setback stance when the bindings or binding mounts are setback toward the tail.
So to find the nose you will need to find which part has the longer distance from one end of the snowboard to the binding/binding mounts.
Note: This method is only possible with snowboards that have the binding mounts setback. Or if the bindings are already properly mounted with a setback stance.
Sometimes bindings are setback even though binding mounts are centered. In this case you can still use this method!
Check online method
This method is simple but effective. Search for an online store that sells the snowboard you want to distinguish the nose from the tail. It will almost always show the image of the snowboard “standing up” as in the picture below.
The nose is the top part of the picture, while the tail is the part below.
The only problem with this method is that if the graphic is symmetrical you will not be able to distinguish the two parts.
Pro tip: use multiple methods for confirmation!
Check the graphics method
For this method, look at the snowboard graphics and find the direction where the lettering is made. Their starting point is almost always the nose.
I don’t recommend using this method because sometimes manufacturers might make inverted lettering or particular graphics. This would not allow you to distinguish the nose from the tail.
What to do next…
Now that you know how to tell the nose from the tail on a snowboard, look at our guide on:
- How to know if you are goofy or regular.
- How to set the right stance to improve quickly.
- What is snowboard waxing and why should I do it.
As always, if you have any questions about which nose and tail is right for your snowboard or a specific model please feel free to contact us here in the comments or with an email at support@adventurerhub.com.
