Snowboard size

Question
I'm looking to buy my first snowboard, but not really sure on  what they mean by size. Do I go by my weight or something else. I'm not by any means a freestyle rider, I just enjoy going out.

Answer
Ashley,

Snowboards are sized by the length from tip to tail.  The measurement is almost always in centimeters.  The average range for a guy is around 160 and girls usually ride boards that are a little smaller.  The general rule of thumb for sizing yourself to a snowboard is to stand up next to it.  Most people will find that their ideal board length will reach from the floor to the region of the person's face between their nose and lips.

Other common specifications of a snowboard are width, sidecut, effective edge amongst many others.  For the width, you want to make shure that you're boot doesn't hang over the edge too much, but you want to be able to push on the edges of the board with you're toes and heels when you turn.

If you are new to snowboarding, the most important thing is the length.  It is easier for some people to learn on a smaller board, so you're best choice would be a board that reaches up to you're chin.  If you can, go to a local rider owned and operated snowboard shop and have the employees show you something that will work well for you.  If you are buying online, measure the height from you're toes on the ground to you're chin, and that should be about the right length for you're snowboard.