There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a new snowboard, especially if you are new to the sport. No matter what your skill level is, a ski and snowboard shop in Westport can help you pick out the best new board to get the most out of the season. Some of the most important factors to consider when buying a new snowboard include:

Ability Level
For starters, consider your riding ability. Even if you’re a beginner, consider a higher spec board since you’ll be improving on a daily basis. Snowboards aimed at intermediate riders tend to be a little stiffer to cope with more aggressive riding, while advanced snowboards are constructed to give ultimate response, pop, and performance.

Riding Style
After you determine your riding ability, identify the kind of riding you’ll be doing most. Freeride boards are directional in shape and flex, more often with an oversized nose and shorter, stiffer tail to enhance float. If you are an advanced rider and enjoy jumping, spinning, and sliding, look for a freestyle board with true twin shape and flex to ensure the same ride regular or switch.

Length and Width
Snowboard manufacturers provide suggested weight ranges for their lengths; ideally, you should be somewhere around the middle to get the best out of your new board. Experts recommend your toes and heels overhand the edge by approximately 1.5 centimeters—more than this and you’ll get toe and/or heel drag, and much less and you won’t get the edge control you need.

Board Shape
The ideal board shape is largely determined by your riding style. Twin boards have a symmetrical shape and core, making them ideal for trick riding and freestyle artists. Directional boards have a longer nose and a shorter tail for great performance in a variety of different terrains and riding styles. A tapered shape means the board’s nose is wider than its tail. Tapered boards are great for speedy downhill snowboarding.