Snowboards come in many different lengths, and there are several different factors to consider when choosing the length of a snowboard. You should take into consideration your height, weight, where you ride, and the type of riding that you do.

Height is a factor to consider when choosing the length of a snowboard. The taller you are the wider your stance will be. So, taller people need longer boards. In most cases, when the board’s tail is on the ground the board should reach somewhere between your upper chest and your nose.

Another formula that uses height to determine board length is: Your height in inches x 2.54 x .9= Board Length.

Formulas that use height to determine board length are good. Except, if you are short and heavy these formulas that use height to determine board length will tell you to use a short board. But, if you do you will sink in heavy powder. This is why weight and the terrain that you ride are also factors to consider when choosing the length of a snowboard. The chart below uses the terrain that you ride and how much you weigh to determine board length.

As you can see from the chart above, where you ride will also determine what length of board you need. If you ride in hard snow you may want to use a shorter, or more average length board. Whereas if you ride in powder or deep snow you may want a longer board. A longer board will float better in the powder.

Finally, the type of riding that you do will determine what length of board you should ride. If you are a freestyler you may want a shorter board to spin faster or to maneuver better in the terrain park. But, if you freeride you may want a longer board that will go fast and ride easier in bigger terrain.

Remember that these charts and formulas are designed to give you a ballpark board length. You should use these charts and formulas to find a ballpark board length, and then demo or rent boards in that length and around that length to find a length that you are comfortable riding.

Overall, when choosing the length of a snowboard you should take into consideration your height, weight, where you ride, and the type of riding that you do.