board size

Question
I have been snowboarding for 6 years now and have been using a 159cm board. I am 6'0 tall and weigh 200lbs.. my question is i want to ride more freestyle terrain and would like to ride a shorter board maybe a 155-157cm board?? Is this possible?? Is that size board to short for me?? Also I wear a size 10.5 boot do I need a wide board also??


Thanks for your time

                    jeff

Answer
Generally they reccommend the snowboard be between your nose and chin. However if you enjoy being on a smaller board and feel it still gives you the stability you need then more power to you.  It does not seem like length would be as much of an issue as skills. A bigger board may actually help you go bigger on jumps and stuff; only you might spin slower. It may depend on what your particular goals are. If your getting away with not having a wide board now you should be alright without booting out. They have bindings with raised toe pieces that help with that problem also.  I am sorry if i can not give you much better information. My main strength is in teaching skills involved snowboarding and not so much about equipment issues. I suggeest you try several shops and ask about various sets ups and what to expect depending on what gear you use. Some have demos you can try that can help you make decisions. Hope this helps.
sincerely, Kurt Kalinna  Freshstartsnowboarding.com