Hey all,
I'm going to get a snowboard for my son for Christmas and while we're going to go to a place I trust (the Ski Center in DC) I wanted to do a bit of reseach about the types of boards that are out there so I know what would be the right type would be for him (I think there are different types, right? ). Right now, he probably splits his time half and half on the mountain and in the park, although he is not doing anything really advanced there yet, he would like to work more in the park. Any thoughts?

If it helps, right now he's using a hand-me-down that a buddy from work gave me. It's a "Morrow Slick 152" - hopefully that means something to some one . He's about 5'8 and around 100 lbs.

Thanks,
Clay

There a couple general types of snowboards:alpine, big mountain, freeride, freestyle..etc...(names may also vary with companies)...different types of boards have different shapes, widths, stiffness, core construction etc. and perform differently and better on different types of terrain. Sounds like your son would benefit from a freestyle board.

All boards come in different lengths. A general rule of thumb is a little, plus or minus, shorter than chin height for length(unless your luckily enough to be riding in the deep pow alot). Some park riders like shorter boards...but a real short board is sometimes not the best choice in all types of terrain. I'm 6'2 and usually ride a 165 which is probably a little bit big for these smaller mid-a resorts, but I've gone with the longer length for chasing pow trips out west...This year I went with a jib/park set up for riding at T-line...a 161 never summer sl I believe it's a freestyle/freeride board and is definetily soft/flexible. The 161cm board is a solid 3 inches below my chin. (Don't worry I still have a 168 never summer awaiting lots of deep pow for this season).

Width may also be an option and varies from board companies and models. If you have really big feet a wide board might be the best option...in order to avoid toe/heel drag. Risers of lifter pads may also be an option.

But the board is only one part of the set-up. Just as important as the board is the boot and bindings. A good fitting boot goes a long way. Because after all you use your feet/ankles to control the board... Bindings also come in different sizes for different boot sizes. Responsive good fitting bindings are just as important as the board and boots.

If at all possible before buying a setup try the boots on in the bindings and on the board. A couple boards I was lucky enough to be able to even test ride and buy from reps at demo days. Demo days are a great way to test products, but I've also bought boards after jumping around on them in a ski shop...

Tucker pretty much hit everything but just to add a few things. When you pick up a board, regardless of length, brace one end on the floor and hold the nose while you bend it away from you using your other knee. Try it with a few different boards and you'll feel the flex difference. If your son rides aggressively he might appreciate a stiffer flex. Also if your son is at say a beginner/intermediate transition personally I'd recommend maybe going a little bigger on the board, say a 154 or 156 because while it might not feel right immediately it probably will after about a month of riding and it will have more scope for growth. I stepped up from a 156 to a 168 and it forced me to improve my technique. In the space of 2 weeks I was an immensely better rider because I couldn't bully the little board around anymore I had to learn how to carve and drive the edge. Now it's hard to step back down in size because smaller boards tend to wash out under the pressure.

Another thing. On the whole issue of bindings. Don't get side tracked by the team models or the super high end stuff. Get a solid middle ground binding by a good manufacturer. The difference between Team bindings and middle range is usually a few bells and whistles you probably won't notice. As with skiing of course don't scrimp on boots. Bring him along and have him fit stuff on. One thing to look for that I like personally are boots with an independent removeable liner. 1) when they are damp inside it's easy to take out the liner to let them breath and dry and 2) if they lace up independently of the boot it gives better support.

Just my 2 cents

BTW Tucker what Never Summer do you have? I'm thinking my next will be a Titan TX or equivalent

So would this be ok to start out on? CLICK HERE

Listen to these guys. They are giving you great info.

Man that thing looks like a canon. I've never tried alpine style boards but that looks bad#ss.

Actually someting else came to mind as regards shape. As Tucker said park riders prefer shorter boards which is true but the board also needs to be true twin tip rather than directional, provided that park is where your son is going to use the board most. Where this is important is when you ride reverse, switch, because directional boards are not so easy to ride this way. My board is technically all mountain but with a very directional bias. The tail of my board is a little more squared off than the nose which makes it tricky to ride switch. It's a great carver, awesome in pow and it floats airs like a dream. I'll even spin it in the pipe when I get a chance and it handles great for a big board. But if I spin it it better be a 360 or I better get my nose around fast when I land because otherwise good things are not in my future.

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Man that thing looks like a canon. I've never tried alpine style boards but that looks bad#ss.

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Yeah, its a Tinkler 203. Yours for only about $1500. Plus boots and bindings of course.

If you ever get a chance to try alpine give it a shot. Its really a lot of fun and shouldn't be hard for a good overall rider to pick up. There's a big group gathering at Roundtop in February called MAC Tracks. Its a great place to meet other carvers and try out different gear. BomberOnline is a great place to get info on the sport too.

I switched over to riding alpine almost exclusively last season. I learned that I don't jump or land so well but I can carve