Snowboarding is a popular recreational activity and sport, enjoyed by people worldwide. While it may seem easy and fun at first glance, the quality of your boarding experience is largely dependent on the type of board you have. It’s essential to choose one that fits you and be wary of the difference between men's and women's snowboards. There are models built and developed differently to accommodate women's bodies. Women have different requirements and therefore, specific boards are needed. The right snowboard will give you more power, quicker turns and an overall much more enjoyable ride.
Differences Between Women’s and Men's Snowboards
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Women’s snowboards are designed specifically for women. A women snowboard for sale is typically shorter, wider and lighter than a men's board. The differences in design have been created to make riding easier for women, who are typically smaller and lighter than men.
The average height of a woman is 5’4” and the average weight is 150 pounds. Women tend to have shorter legs, which makes it harder for them to control their board while they are turning or jumping. Women also tend to have a lower centre of gravity than men, which makes it more difficult for them to stay on their feet when riding a snowboard.
To help with these issues, women's boards come in different shapes that offer more surface area on the bottom of the board so it will be easier for you to keep your balance as you're riding down the mountain.
Flex Patterns of Women’s Snowboards
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Women are generally lighter and smaller than men, so they need a softer flex pattern. The flex pattern is the bend and how stiff or soft a board is. A softer flex will help with control, especially for beginners and intermediate riders. A stiffer board will give you more edge hold, but it can also be more challenging for beginner riders.
A soft flex pattern will have less resistance when you bend it. It will also be more forgiving when you make mistakes. If you’re looking for a softer board with less resistance, then look for boards that have a rating of 3 or below on the Burton Feel Scale (1 being very soft). If you want more edge hold in your snowboard, then consider getting one with a higher rating on the Burton Feel Scale (4 being very stiff).
Edge Profiles and Shapes
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There are three basic types of edge profiles that determine how each board rides: camber, rocker, and hybrid shapes. These profiles determine how the board performs in different conditions and also affect how easy it is to control your speed when riding in powdery snow or on icy terrain.
Camber Snowboard
The classic, traditional design, is the shape that most skiers and snowboarders think of when they imagine a board. The board has a rocker in the tip and tail to allow for easy turn initiation and smooth carving.
Rocker Snowboard
A more modern design, rocker boards have a flat centre with a gentle arc on the tip and tail. This allows the rider to engage their edges at any point on the board without having to lean into a turn as they would with camber boards. Rocker boards are typically softer than camber boards because they flex more easily under pressure from the rider’s feet.
Hybrid Shapes
While hybrid shapes have been around since snowboarding began, it wasn’t until recently that they really started gaining popularity among snowboarders. These boards feature combinations of both rocker and camber along their length which allows them to be ridden in different ways depending on how far back you place your feet when riding a powder or groomed run.
Choosing the Right Snowboard Length
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When it comes to choosing the correct length for your needs, there are a few things to consider.
Your Height
The first thing to look at is your height. The average woman is 5’3″ tall, but many are taller or shorter than this average. If you are looking for a women snowboard for sale that will be comfortable and easy to ride, then it would be best if you could try one out before buying. Most snowboard companies have demo days where you can try out their products before buying them. This way you won’t have any problems when using them on the slopes.
Your Weight
Another thing to consider when choosing a snowboard length is your weight. If you weigh less than 130 pounds then it would probably be best if you used a shorter board than someone who weighed 150 pounds or more because they need more stability while going downhill.
Your Riding Style
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If you like speed then it would be best if you chose a longer board because they provide more stability as well as speed control when going downhill. However, if you prefer to take your time and stop and look around then maybe a longer board isn't the right choice for you.
Your Skill Level
If you are a beginner then it would be best if you used shorter boards since they are easier to learn how to ride on. A shorter board will also help keep your balance while learning how to ride it properly.
The Type of Terrain You Ride on The Most
If most of your riding takes place on groomed slopes then maybe a mid-length board would be the best option for you. However, if most of your riding takes place in powdery snow conditions then maybe an all-mountain or freestyle board would be better suited for your needs.
To Sum Up
Ultimately, choosing a snowboard is based on many factors but they’re simple. Once you check all the boxes and find the board that fits your body and riding style, you’ll be able to take on those snow terrains like a pro!