The Latest Range of Snowboards From All The Best Brands
Need a new snowboard for your next holiday? Want to upgrade on your old board? Then look no further because we have the very latest in brands such as Ride, Atomic, Rome Snowboards, Forum and many many more.
Shopping for Snowboards at BBC MK
When browsing through the huge range of snowboards available its important to know that the board is the second most important part of your equipment and it is very important to get the whole size, width and discipline of board for the type of riding you plan to do. Your shape and size also make a big difference to the snowboard you choose.
Firstly you need to the size of your snowboard boots. Anything up to a UK 10.5 will mean that you will ride a regular width board and anything upwards of a UK 11 you will mean a wide board. This is to ensure you get the correct toe and heel overhang.
Women require women-specific boards as the core is lighter and waist width is narrower. Ladies snowboards are specifically designed for women’s riding styles and build.
Your weight will then determine what length of board you will need – NOT your height! The more you weigh the longer the board needs to be. This will mean that your board is stable at speed, has a long enough carving edge and will float in powder.
Types of Snowboards
You need to consider the different types and styles of riding and the different snowboards which match these styles... All Mountain (the most common), Freeride (piste, back country or powder) or Freestyle (park riding which include, rails, boxes, kickers and jibbing).
The length of All Mountain Snowboards are worked out on your weight (e.g. 12 stone = approximately 157cm – 160cm). The longer the board the more stability you will have at speed and the shorter the board, the more manoeuvrable it will be. The nose will be slightly longer than the tail. This is called your set back stance which allows more stability at speed and will make it easier to initiate turns. This also offers longer nose for powder riding but still enable you to have a centred stance for more freestyle riding.
Freeride Snowboards needs to be longer in length and have a much longer nose (a larger set back stance), this is to give even more stability at speed and will give you more lift in powder so that you do not sink. You will know NEVER know a burning sensation quite like it if your stance is wrong when you ride powder! Powder riding is a bit like surfing and everything is in your back leg (steering, weight and manoeuvrability). A longer board, again will give more stability at speed, and give you a better edge to get a good grip on hard carves.
Freestyle Snowboards will be much shorter and have a more centred stance (the same nose and tail length). This will help with manoeuvrability and weight so that you’re putting in less effort and the board is lighter. This helps when you’re lugging the board around the parks.
Never buy a snowboard or be pushed into buying a board that is too advanced for you. Only you will know when you have out-grown your board and it is not suiting your needs. A board that is too advanced for you will be too stiff, chew you up and spit you out and will stop your progression. The correct stiffness and camber is very important - too soft and you will not get enough out of the board - too stiff and you will be punished.
Your riding level is very important. Don’t be embarrassed to tell the Sales Person your true level of riding (we won’t reveal this to anyone, we promise!), we are always here to offer advice and give you an idea of what you should be looking for in a snowboard.
If you have just finished your lessons, you will be at a beginner level, but if you are planning on doing a lot of riding it may be worth spending that little bit extra on your board to get something that will last you longer and see you through your progression.
