The first instance of snowboarding dates back to 1917 when a 13-year-old boy stood on a sled and rode it down slopes in his parents’ yard. As he grew up, he patented the idea which soon evolved to become the snowboarding we know and love.

Today, the mountains are filled with snowboarders, cutting an edge and cruising down slopes or performing daring feats on a halfpipe. If you’ve ever admired them from afar and wished you could join them, this article is for you.

We’ll be going over the equipment you need for beginner snowboarding, so you can hit the slopes prepared. Read on to learn more!

Camber Profile

As a beginner, you want to build confidence and learn how to navigate the slopes without having to fight your board the whole way. To do this, you need a board that promotes stability and makes it easy to catch an edge and turn.

To accomplish this, look for a flat to rocker or hybrid camber style board. A flat to rocker board is largely flat on the bottom, which makes for a smooth and stable ride.

The hybrid camber has a bit of a curve to it but isn’t too excessive so it will also feel very stable. The curved rocker makes it easy to turn without getting caught.

As you get more comfortable on the board, you’ll learn what you like best, but these two profiles make for a great starting point. It’s best to avoid boards with an aggressive camber your first time snowboarding because they are difficult to get the hang of.

Flex Rating

The best beginner snowboard has a soft or medium flex. This makes it much easier to steer and control! If you have a stiff board, it’s difficult to make smooth turns. It sometimes feels like the board is the one steering you.

Stiff-flex boards are best for going fast or down steep hills, so your first few times stick to going slow on a soft board to learn the basics.

Size and Shape

The best shape for snowboards for beginners is the true twin shape. This type of board is perfectly balanced and has symmetry to it, which makes it both versatile and easy to control.

We also suggest checking a snowboard size guide and sizing down three centimeters from your suggested size. The slightly smaller size will make it easier to manage. But, don’t size down more than three centimeters or you risk losing your stable foundation!

Experiment a Bit

If you’re already overwhelmed by the notions of camber profiles and flexibility, don’t worry. If you ride frequently, you’ll soon be able to pinpoint what you like.

And, your tastes may evolve. What works when you’re starting out may not work for you when you get into more advanced boarding.

To get a sense of what you like without committing to buying a board that you end up growing out of, consider snowboard rental packages. Try a few different flexes, styles, sizes, and profiles and see what works for you. Then, when you get more serious about the sport, you can commit to buying the board that you like best.

Beginner Snowboarding Demystified

Snowboarding for beginners can be daunting, but there’s no need to be afraid as long as you have the right gear and are prepared to wipe out a few times! Braving the slopes and embracing the learning curve are great ways to have fun and enjoy one of the most rewarding winter pastimes out there. So, start shopping for your first board today!

If you enjoyed this guide to beginner snowboarding, we have tons more articles like it on our blog. Check it out for more!