How To Pick Your First Snowboard

16 December 2019

People being taught how to snowboard at an indoor ski slope near London

If you have picked up snowboarding and intend to keep having snowboarding lessons regularly, looking at buying your own kit is a great idea! Before you decide to make the switch from rented snowboard boots, bindings, and boards to your own snowboard gear, you need to know whether you’re ready to commit to your own setup—and if you are, what kind of snowboard you should get.

Knowing how to pick your first snowboard is crucial to developing as a snowboarder. There are many different types of snowboards, so knowing which one suits you best can help determine is it worth buying a snowboard or if you should just stick to renting one.

Is it worth buying a Snowboard?

If you have taken some snowboard lessons and have started to get a feel for the sport and want a snowboard of your own to truly step into the world of snowboarding. Make sure you ride enough rental boards and slopes to know what kind of snowboarding you enjoy, whether that be park, powder, piste, or all-mountain.

Once you think you’re ready to buy your own snowboard, don’t get blinded by that attractive graphic. Pick a snowboard with a profile that suits the kind of riding you want to do. If you find a style that suits you, then it is well worth the investment to get a snowboard of your own.

Snowboard Profiles

There are many snowboard profiles. Understanding the profile that suits your riding style can make a world of difference to the way the board responds to your inputs; some turn quicker and sharper than others, while others are harder to master but produce a more enjoyable ride once mastered.

Camber

A camber profile offers the rider a lively ride; the bend of the board sits flat on the ground. It is often favoured by experienced riders who prefer a more cambered board. An experienced rider can get the board to feel more floaty and easier to catch, whereas newer riders may find the board to be the exact opposite, with the board being less stable and less forgiving than other boards.

Flat

A snowboard with a flat profile will deliver quick turns and provide the most feel while increasing float. Having a flat profile allows the rider to feel most in tune with the board, as the snowboard will be very stable and predictable to ride.

The flat profile is best suited for beginners and intermediate riders who are looking to hone their skills rather than deliver outright speed.

Rocker

The opposite feel to a cambered snowboard, a rocker board will provide the rider with a more 'surfy’ feel and is again more popular with novice riders. The rocker profile offers a balanced, continuous arc that curves from the centre of the board. The contact space for the board is below the rider's feet, giving it the best centre of gravity.

Camber/Rocker

The three main types of board are sometimes combined to give a unique profile that gives the best of both types. A board that combines both the camber and rocker styles will give a ride that provides the edge hold of a camber underfoot and allows for the easier turning and flotation that come with a rocker.

Should I rent or buy a snowboard?

When it comes to the question of whether you should rent or buy a snowboard, there are both positives and negatives for both sides.

Rental gear isn’t likely to be brand new or the best fit for you, but it’s probably not the worst match either. Most of the time, it’ll do the job during the early stages of your snowboard journey—while you work out what your snowboard interests are.

Before buying your snowboard, it’s a good idea to use rented equipment to understand what kind of snowboarding you’re into. If you still really want to make an immediate purchase, consider buying snowboard boots while renting a board and bindings.

The Pros and Cons of Renting

Pros:

• It’s cheaper for less frequent snowboarders

• You don’t have to carry your board with you to the indoor centre or resort

• There’s no maintenance or care required

Cons:

• Re-used rental equipment can be worn out.

• It can also be inconsistent

• It’s usually heavy, stiff, basic and not suited to your needs

The Pros and Cons of Buying

Pros:

• You get the consistency of equipment

• Performance can be top-notch if you pick the right snowboard

• The technology will help with your riding performance

Cons:

• It can be pricey, and a decent snowboard and bindings can cost around £700

• You have to carry it with you to your local indoor snow centre or resort

• It will require maintenance

When is the best time to buy my first snowboard?

Most stores start to confirm which new season stock they are getting in between May and June and are looking to make space in their stockrooms for this by selling off last year’s boards at a reduced price. Therefore, July through September is the perfect time to buy a board, as you can pick up a great board from last season at a massively reduced price.

Get in Touch

If you want to take some more private snowboarding lessons before deciding whether you want to buy a snowboard of your own or get some advice from a fully qualified instructor on the profile of the board that best suits your riding style, then be sure to contact us, and a member of our team can help answer any and all questions you may have.