Freeride Snowboards

Sizing

Clothing Sizing

Board Sizing

Snowboard length and width factor heavily in finding and buying the correct size snowboard and it's really important that you get it right. Here's some quick tips to help you along

Please remember: these are general guidelines to get you started; personal preference can also strongly sway your decision of what length board to buy. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or need some advice - 0870 600 3435 or help@freeridesnowboards.com

Length

Length is measured in centimetres and is sometimes abbreviated to just the last two digits. Hence, a Burton Custom 56 measures 156cm from tip to tail

To find the correct length for you, start by measuring it against your height. When holding the board on its end, a short board will come up somewhere between your collar bone and chin. Because shorter boards are easier to manoeuvre, they are great to learn on and are preferred by riders in to trick, park and pipe riding.

A medium length board standing on end will come up between your chin and nose. This length is for the all around intermediate to advanced rider who may ride a variety of all-mountain terrain, including parks and steeps.

Long boards go from eye-level to several inches over the top of the head. Long boards are for high-speed carving, deep powder and big mountain terrain.

Width

Board length has some room for personal preference but board width is directly linked to your foot size. Riders with small feet need narrow boards, while riders with big feet need wide boards

Board width is measured in either centimetres or millimetres and can be found in the board's specifications under waist width. The best way to find the correct board width is to stand on a board that is flat on the ground. Strap or step into your bindings, or place your feet exactly how you would have them when you ride.

When standing in riding position, your boots should be flush or slightly over the edges. If your toes and heels don't come close to the edge, you won't be able to apply full pressure to your edges during a turn. Or if your feet hang too far over your toes may catch in the snow and give you "toe drag" and it will chuck you off!

The general rule is that a standard width board is suitable for all boot sizes up to a UK 9, and anything over a UK 10 will require a wide board

Stance

Firstly you need to identify if you ride 'regular' or 'goofy'. Regular is left-foot-forward and goofy is right-foot-forward (like being right or left handed!)

If you skate or surf you probably already know which foot you prefer to have in front, and this applies just the same to snowboarding.

You won't know for certain if you are regular or goofy until you head up to the mountain and give it a try, however there are a couple of quick tests to give you a good idea;

1. Ask someone to give you a little push from behind and whichever foot you use to stop yourself falling will be the foot you lead with on a snowboard
2. Or for the cyclists; when riding downhill stood up on the pedals, which foot do you lead with? Again this will be the same foot you lead with on a snowboard

Setting your stance

The width of your stance (your bindings) should be a little wider than shoulder-width. It should feel very comfortable and stable, like you have just jumped off a small wall and landed in a balanced crouched position. For most people, this will be somewhere between 18" and 24" wide, depending on the length of your legs

The angle of your foot in relation to the board is based on personal preference and riding style. For freeride and freestyle riders, the front binding should be angled anywhere from 10 to 30 degrees. We recommend starting at 15 degrees for the front binding, and adjusting from there based on what feels natural and comfortable

We recommend starting with a rear binding at an angle of 0 (straight across the board). Then adjust from there until your feet feel comfortable and at ease. The rear binding can be angled anywhere from about -15 to +10 degrees, depending on what is most comfortable for you.