What size snowboard do I need? Size guide by X Games Medalist Sven Thorgren
What size snowboard should I get? Who better to glean advice from than eight-time X Games medal winner, Sven Thorgren? Sven is one of this planet’s most powerful riders, whether he’s deep in the backcountry or filming in the streets. Now, he’s bringing his Svenergy to Dope and imparting some of his wisdom…
What matters most when it comes to snowboard size is weight, riding experience, and height. A super general rule of thumb is to lean the board against you and make sure it reaches around your chin height.
I normally ride a 156 in the park and a 159 in powder. For me, the length and width of the board I’m riding are mostly based on my weight and shoe size. To help you decide the best size for you, I’ve rounded up some calculators, charts, and riding styles so that you can find your ideal match.
This guide combines my own sizing approach with some extra guidance from the Dope team.
Your snowboard sizing guide
Snowboard size calculator
Snowboard size chart by weight and height
Snowboard width chart by boot size
How to adjust size by riding style
4 common sizing mistakes
FAQs
Snowboard size calculator
We might be classic rule-breakers, but securing the right snowboard size is one rule snowboarders are willing to follow. It’s something that can make or break your day on the hill, so drop in to our calculator below to choose the best setup for you.
Snowboard size calculator
Add your details to get a starting snowboard size range, then check the exact board model's size chart.
Snowboard size chart by weight and height
Every rider has a range of snowboard lengths to choose from based on their height and weight. Most manufacturers and brands have their own size charts, too, so don’t forget to check each brand's chart before buying!
Snowboard width chart by boot size
Waist width should correspond to your boot size, so that boot overhang is kept to a minimum (ideally 0.7 inches / 1.8 cm or less front and back). That way, you’ll achieve max edge control for smoother riding without heel or toe drag. Once your board width is sorted, learn how to set up snowboard bindings to dial in your angles and stance width.
How to adjust size by riding style
Sometimes, you need to size up or down. And terrain-specific boards and your ability level play a huge part in this. So, factor in these elements to find the perfect length for you and check a guide to different types of snowboard.
Park and jibbing
Choose a shorter board if you like jibbing, as it’ll be easier to turn and rotate. For the best size, pick a board at the lower end of your recommended length range. Not sure what counts as jibbing? See what freestyle snowboarding involves.
All-mountain
Pick a board somewhere in the middle of your recommended length range. That gives you versatile movement across the mountain and reliable edge hold at higher speeds.
Powder and big mountain
For big mountain or pow, it’s better to have a longer board. With this added length, you’ll have more float and stability, so you can really send it. These tips for snowboarding in powder cover how to ride it once you’re on the right length.
Beginner riders
Choose a board at the lower end of your recommended length range if you’re brand-new to the snowboarding game, and pair it with these snowboarding tips for beginners. A shorter model is easier to turn and control, and you’ll progress much faster on a maneuverable board.
4 common sizing mistakes
Here are a few things to avoid when choosing your snowboard size…
- 1Forgetting about boot size: Choosing a board that doesn’t fit your feet is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. So, don’t forget to check the board’s waist width and make sure it’s compatible with your boot size. This is important to avoid heel or toe drag. If you have big feet, make sure you have a wide board.
- 2Hyperfocusing on height: It’s easy to only focus on height. But for the best snowboard size, your weight, riding style, and ability are also key to pinpointing the right length for you.
- 3Choosing one size for all: You might have sized down for park laps. However, make sure you then expand your quiver for other terrain. For example, a shorter board is likely to be too unstable for steeper stuff. So, consider getting yourself a longer length for freeride days.
- 4Skipping feeling good: Personal preference is possibly the most important factor when choosing the best size for you. If a recommended length doesn’t work for you, move on to one that does! You need a board that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to ride all day.
FAQs
Still got questions? Here are a few more sizing answers from the Dope Crew.
Should a snowboard reach my chin or nose?
It depends on what you’re after! For example, if a snowboard reaches your chin, it’s generally considered a decent length for all-mountain use. Have a board that reaches your nose? That’s a longer length and better suited for pow laps and high speeds. If the plank only reaches your collarbone, though, it’s shorter, so it's probably better for beginners and park rats. However, measuring against your body isn’t a foolproof way to nail the perfect size. You also need to think about your weight and boot size, so scroll up to our tables above.
What size snowboard do I need for size 11 boots?
Size 11 boots generally require a board waist width of 255-260 mm. However, check the manufacturer’s specs to be sure. Once you know the waist width, scroll up to our height-and-weight table to find the best snowboard length.
What size snowboard is best for park?
A shorter snowboard is best for park, as it’s lighter and easier to maneuver. Once you know your ideal size range based on your height and weight, simply choose a board at the beginning of the recommended length scale while taking into account the waist width and your shoe size. Lots of popular “park” sizes, such as 152 and 156, also come in “W” or “Wide” versions, so you can size down in length while maintaining ample waist width for bigger shoe sizes!
What size snowboard is best for powder?
A longer snowboard is best for powder, as it gives ultimate float and stability. Surface area, combined with profile (or shape), and camber, all determine a board’s suitability for pow riding, too, so check out the brand recommendations for the board you’re looking at when it comes to your height and weight. Swallow-tail boards tend to be longer, while blunt-edge boards might be shorter! There’s no perfect answer for pow boards, so do your homework with each model and brand.
Now, secure your setup
Now you’ve got the tools to find a setup that actually works for you. Start with the calculator and charts, then fine-tune by riding style, boot size, and feel. Once your board’s dialled, kit out the rest of your setup with men’s snowboard jackets and women’s snowboard jackets.
Have more snowboard size questions, or just want to say “hey”? Reach out to our super-knowledgeable, friendly team at crew@dopesnow.com.