How to find the right size snowboard

Philippe Moreau

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There are only a few centimetres between the most brilliant day on the slopes and a horrific experience when snowboarding! The right size snowboard is crucial for whether or not you'll have your board under control and how much you'll enjoy your time in the mountains. In the past, people often said: "The ideal length for a snowboard is from the ground up to somewhere between your nose and chin". However, this is a long-outdated view. Factors such as weight, riding style, boot size and your preferred terrain all play a role in finding the right fit for your winter sports adventures. INTERSPORT Rent has summarised the most important criteria for you.

Which snowboard size is ideal?

As with skis, the following also applies to snowboard length – size matters, and it can be determined based on these five factors:

weight
height
ability level
boot size
riding style

It's obvious why height alone is not enough as a criterion to choose a suitable board. A 1.85-metre-tall, very slim woman (e.g. an endurance runner) puts a different strain on a snowboard than a 1.85-metre-tall, strong man (e.g. a boxer).

Snowboard size & weight

The rider's weight has at least as much of an influence on what the ideal snowboard size should be as their height. As mentioned above, there are considerable differences in the physique of athletes despite the same height. A heavy snowboarder transfers power differently than a lighter one. So the heavier the rider is, the longer the snowboard should be.

Snowboard size & height

The impact height has on snowboard length can't be dismissed, though. The taller you are, the longer the board should be.

Snowboard size & boot size

Boot size is an often neglected but very important consideration. The width of the board always depends on its length. As a result, snowboarders with small feet will gravitate towards a shorter snowboard, as it offers them better leverage over the toe and heelside edges. Riders with large feet will have much more fun on a wide board, as it keeps their heels and toes out of the snow.

Snowboard size & riding style

The shape and length of the snowboard also depend on its use. Off-piste and freeride snowboarders usually need a longer snowboard that gives them more stability and edge hold in deep powder snow. To get a nice flotation effect, you need a large contact surface. Those who prefer to get their adrenaline kick in snow parks do not need any additional length, quite the contrary. Shorter snowboards are easier to manoeuvre on rails and boxes, and they're much more agile.

Snowboard size & ability level

How well you ride also plays a role in choosing the size of your snowboard. The shorter the board, the more nimble it is and the less effort you need to initiate turns. In contrast, long boards make riding a smoother experience. They're often considered more stable. In any case, we recommend children and beginners opt for a shorter board.

Choosing the perfect snowboard length: Here's how it works!

Size chart for all types of snowboards

We are fully aware that you might still feel overwhelmed with choosing the board that suits you best, but don't worry! At the rental shops of INTERSPORT Rent, you'll always have someone at your side to help you find your perfect fit.

Snowboard size women

	Rider weight
Rider height	45 kg	50 kg	55 kg	60 kg	65 kg	70 kg	75 kg
180 cm	-	-	-	154	156	156	157
175 cm	-	-	152	153	154	156	156
172 cm	-	149	149	150	153	154	155
170 cm	-	147	148	150	150	153	154
168 cm	144	146	147	148	148	150	153
166 cm	143	143	145	146	148	149	151
164 cm	142	143	143	145	146	147	150
162 cm	141	142	142	144	146	147	149
160 cm	140	141	141	143	145	146	-
155 cm	138	140	140	142	144	145	-
150 cm	137	138	140	142	143	-	-

Snowboard size men

	Rider weight
Rider height	55 kg	60 kg	65 kg	70 kg	75 kg	80 kg	85 kg	90 kg	95 kg	+100 kg
200+ cm	-	-	-	-	164	165	166	166	166	166
195 cm	-	-	-	163	163	165	165	166	166	166
190 cm	-	-	161	162	163	164	164	165	166	166
188 cm	-	-	161	161	162	163	164	165	166	166
186 cm	-	159	160	160	162	162	163	163	165	165
184 cm	-	158	159	159	160	161	162	163	164	165
182 cm	-	158	158	159	159	160	161	161	163	163
180 cm	157	157	157	158	159	159	160	161	162	163
178 cm	155	155	156	157	157	158	159	160	161	-
176 cm	155	155	155	156	156	157	159	159	161	-
174 cm	153	154	155	155	156	157	158	159	-	-
172 cm	151	153	153	154	155	155	157	158	-	-
170 cm	151	153	153	154	154	155	157	158	-	-
165 cm	149	151	151	153	154	155	156	-	-	-
160 cm	147	149	151	151	153	156	-	-	-	-

INTERSPORT Rent Tip

Of course, all these factors only serve as a starting point and a rough guideline. Your individual needs determine which snowboard suits you best. We recommend you try different boards before deciding on a particular length! With the extensive rental options of INTERSPORT Rent, this will be a pleasure in itself.