Start Here: Board size, boot fit & setup

1. START WITH WEIGHT - IT MATTERS MORE THAN HEIGHT.

Your weight determines how a board flexes under you.
A board that’s too short for your weight will feel loose or unstable, while a board that’s too long will feel stiff and harder to control.

Rule of thumb:
Use your weight first when looking at size charts — it gives you the most accurate starting point.

2. HEIGHT GIVES YOUR GENERAL RANGE.

Height still helps you choose a comfortable length.
Most riders land between chin and nose height when they hold the board next to them.

• If the board reaches closer to your chin → more maneuverable
• If the board reaches closer to your nose → more stable at speed

Use height to check your range after weight determines where you fall.

3. IF YOU WEAR 11+ BOOTS, YOU MAY NEED A WIDE BOARD.

Larger boot sizes hang farther over the edge of a snowboard.
If your toes or heels stick out too much, they can catch in the snow during turns — especially carving.

You might need a wide board if:

• Your boot size is 11 or larger, or
• You ride aggressively and notice toe/heel drag

Wide versions ride the same as regular boards — they just fit your boots correctly.

4. BEGINNERS: SLIGHTLY SHORTER BOARDS MAKE LEARNING EASIER.

Shorter boards are:

• Easier to turn
• More forgiving
• Less likely to feel “catchy”

Dropping just 2–3 cm from the center of your recommended range can make your first days on snow smoother and more confidence‑building.

5. POWDER RIDERS: LONGER OR DIRECTIONAL SHAPES HELP YOU FLOAT.

If you love deep snow days, consider sizing slightly longer or choosing a:

• Directional board
• Setback stance
• Tapered shape

These designs keep your nose floating and reduce back leg burn.

A good boot fit will make or break your day on the mountain.
If your boots are too big, too soft, or packed out, your board will feel harder to control and your feet will move around — which is the #1 cause of beginner frustration.

1. HOW SNOWBOARD BOOTS SHOULD FIT.

• Snug everywhere with no dead space
• Toes touching the end, but not curled
• Heel stays locked when you flex forward
• Firm handshake, not a vise grip

2. COMMON BOOT FIT MISTAKES.

❌ Buying your normal shoe size
❌ Toes not touching anything
❌ Heel lifting when you bend your knees
❌ Renting boots that are “comfortable” on carpet
❌ Wearing thick socks (causes heel lift + sweaty feet)

3. WHAT THE RIGHT FIT FEELS LIKE:

• Toes brush the front when standing straight
• Toes pull slightly back when you bend forward
• No pressure points that feel sharp or hot
• Heel stays down even with forward flex

4. SIGNS YOUR BOOTS ARE TOO BIG.

• You can wiggle your heel up and down
• You have to over-tighten your laces
• Toes don’t touch anything
• You feel unstable or disconnected from the board

5. BEGINER TIP.

Most new snowboarders think their boots are “too tight” when in reality they’re finally feeling a correct fit.

Break-in usually takes 1–3 days of riding.

5. SOCK TIP.

Wear thin, synthetic snowboard socks — thick socks actually cause:

• more heel lift
• more sweat
• worse fit

A wide snowboard gives your boots extra room so your toes and heels don’t drag in the snow during turns. If your boots hang over the edge too far, you’ll feel your toes catch — especially when carving or riding steeper slopes.

You may need a wide board if:

• Your boot size is 11+
• You feel toe or heel drag when turning
• You ride aggressively or carve deep
• You like fast, laid‑over turns and stability at speed

Choosing a wide version of a board simply gives you the correct platform for your boot size.

1. SNOWBOARD PROFILES, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?:

Different profiles change how a board feels under your feet. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Camber – Snappy, stable, and great edge hold. This is the classic all‑mountain profile that feels precise and controlled.
• Rocker – Playful and forgiving with easy turn initiation. Great for beginners or riders who like a surf‑style feel.
• Hybrid – A mix of camber and rocker. This is the most versatile option for Colorado conditions and works well for most riders.
• Flat – Stable and predictable, often used in freestyle boards to help with presses and balance.

2. BOARD TYPES AND WHY IT MATTERS?:

Match your board to the type of riding you enjoy:

• All‑Mountain: Best for most riders. Handles groomers, trees, bumps, a bit of park — everything.
• Freestyle/Park: Softer, more playful boards designed for jumps, boxes, rails, and a looser, more flexible feel.
• Powder: Directional shapes with longer noses that help you float in deep snow.
• Beginner: Soft, forgiving boards with easy turn initiation that help build confidence fast.

1. STANCE:

Your stance is how your bindings are positioned on your board. Here are reliable starting points that work well for most riders:

• Stance width: Start around shoulder width
• Beginner angles: +15° front / –12° back
• Forward lean: Adjust based on comfort and control
• Binding position: Centered for all‑mountain, slightly set back for powder

2. HOW TO MOUNT YOUR BINDINGS?:

We don’t mount bindings (liability), but these trusted guides will walk you through the process step‑by‑step:

• Stance basics
  • Red Bull- Complete Snowboard Stance Setup Guide: A super clean, beginner‑friendly breakdown of stance direction (regular vs goofy), stance width, and binding angles.
    • https://www.redbull.com/us-en/snowboard-stance-setup-guide [redbull.com]

• Jones Snowboards-Stance Guide: Great for beginners because it explains goofy vs regular, width, angles, and has charts based on 5000+ riders..
  • https://www.jonessnowboards.com/pages/a-guide-on-how-to-find-your-snowboard-riding-stance [jonessnowboards.com]

• Montec Magazine. Step-by-step stance setup: Walks beginners through determining stance, width, angles, and forward lean.
  • https://www.montecwear.com/mag/snowboard-stance/

• How to install/mount snowboard bindings
  • REI Expert Advise - Mounting Snowboard Bindings: Clear written and video instructions for disc bindings and EST systems. Perfect for sending customers to a reliable source.
    • https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/installing-snowboard-bindings.html [rei.com], [rei.com]

• Jones Tune Bench (video) - How to Mount snowboard bindings. Shows stance choice, angle setting, mounting both bindings, strap adjustment, forward lean, and centering.
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7Jt0T8N_WE [youtube.com]

• Blue Tomato - Step-by-step mounting guide. Very beginner friendly with photos + instructions for both standard discs and Burton EST.
  • https://www.blue-tomato.com/en-GB/blue-world/snowboard/how-to-mount-your-snowboard-bindings/

1. Start with your Gender/size: Youth, Mens, Womens

2. Find your height on the left hand side. 

3. Find your weight.

4. Cross reference to the appropriately sized snowboard.

Example: a 3'5" kid that weights 50lbs would match to a board 105cm.