Snowboard Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to know to find the right board, boots, and bindings. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned rider looking to upgrade, we've got you covered.
Start ReadingHow to Choose a Snowboard
Choosing the right snowboard comes down to matching the board to your body and your riding style. Here's what matters most.
Your weight is the single most important factor in selecting the right snowboard size. Height gives a rough starting point, but weight determines how much pressure you put on the board, which directly affects how it performs. From there, your preferred terrain, riding style, and ability level help narrow down the board type, shape, flex, and profile that will work best for you.
This guide walks through every factor so you can make a confident, informed decision. If you get stuck, our team at Sanction is always happy to help.
Find Your Riding Style
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll point you in the right direction.
Where do you spend most of your time?
How would you describe your experience?
What matters most in a board?
Snowboard Types
Different boards are designed for different types of riding. Here are the main categories you'll see.
All-Mountain
The jack-of-all-trades. Designed to handle everything from groomers to powder to park. If you're buying one board and want maximum versatility, this is it. Most riders ride all-mountain boards.
Shop All-MountainFreestyle / Park
Built for the terrain park, halfpipe, and creative expression. Typically softer flex, true twin shape, and lighter weight. These boards prioritize playfulness, pressing, and spinning over raw speed.
Shop FreestyleFreeride
For riders who spend their time off-piste in natural terrain. Stiffer flex, directional shape, and designed for speed and stability at higher speeds. Great for charging big lines and deep carves.
Shop FreeridePowder
Specifically engineered for deep days. Wider nose, tapered tail, and often volume-shifted so you can ride shorter with full flotation. Rocker profiles and setback stance keep the nose up when it's dumping.
Shop PowderSplitboard
A snowboard that splits into two halves for uphill touring, then locks back together for the ride down. Essential for backcountry access beyond the resort. Requires split-specific bindings.
Shop SplitboardsThe Brands We Carry
We carry tons of snowboard brands. Here are some of the most popular, and what sets each one apart to help you find the right fit.
High-performance boards built in their own Mothership factory in Austria. Aggressive graphics, progressive tech, clean energy manufacturing.
Born in the Pacific Northwest. Experimental shapes, eco-friendly construction, and their signature Magne-Traction serrated edge technology.
Founded by big-mountain legend Jeremy Jones. Steep lines, deep powder, backcountry adventure. Strong sustainability focus.
Clean, no-nonsense boards that focus on performance without the hype. Great value with solid tech at every price point.
Co-founded by snowboard legend DCP. Creative, rider-driven boards blending freestyle playfulness with all-mountain performance.
One of snowboarding's OGs since 1990. German-engineered boards with decades of park and all-mountain expertise.
The brand that started it all. Widest range on the market, massive R&D, the Channel binding system. A board for literally every rider.
Handmade in Denver since 1991. Premium build quality, the Ripsaw hybrid camber, and boards that last season after season.
Swiss-engineered since 1887. Precise, well-built boards with a focus on carving performance and all-mountain versatility.
Find YourPerfect Board.
2026 Staff Pick Snowboards
Hand-picked by the Sanction team. These are the boards we're most stoked on this season.
Women's Staff Picks
Snowboard Sizing
Getting the right size board is the most important decision you'll make. Here's how to nail it.
The old "stand the board up to your chin" method? It's a rough estimate at best. Your weight is the primary factor in choosing the right length. Weight determines how much force you put on the board, which directly affects its flex pattern, edge hold, and float in powder. Height is secondary and mostly affects comfort and leverage.
Once you find the right range based on weight, you fine-tune up or down based on your riding style. Park riders typically go 2-4 cm shorter for a more maneuverable, playful ride. Freeride and powder riders go 2-4 cm longer for stability and float.
Snowboard Size Chart
General reference chart. Use the calculator above for a personalized recommendation.
| Rider Weight | Height Range | Board Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 100-120 lbs | 4'8" - 5'0" | 138-146 |
| 110-130 lbs | 4'10" - 5'2" | 142-150 |
| 120-140 lbs | 5'0" - 5'4" | 146-154 |
| 130-150 lbs | 5'2" - 5'6" | 149-156 |
| 140-160 lbs | 5'4" - 5'8" | 151-158 |
| 150-170 lbs | 5'6" - 5'10" | 153-160 |
| 160-185 lbs | 5'8" - 6'0" | 155-162 |
| 170-195 lbs | 5'10" - 6'2" | 156-164 |
| 180-210 lbs | 6'0" - 6'4" | 157-166 |
| 210+ lbs | 6'2"+ | 159+ |
Dial InYour Setup.
Board Profile
A snowboard's profile is its side-view shape when it lays flat. It's one of the biggest factors in how the board rides.
Profile determines how the board interacts with the snow. It affects edge grip, how much "pop" the board has, how forgiving it is, and how it handles in powder. On every snowboard product page on our site, you'll see the profile listed in the Specs tab with a visual diagram, so you can quickly identify what you're getting.
Camber
The traditional profile. Board arcs upward between the contact points, creating stored energy. Delivers powerful edge hold, snappy pop, and precise responsiveness. Best for experienced riders who want maximum control.
Rocker
Opposite of camber - the board curves upward at the tips. Very forgiving, easy to turn, and floats effortlessly in powder. Catches fewer edges. Great for beginners and powder riding.
Flat
Zero camber, zero rocker. The board sits perfectly flat. Offers a blend of stability and looseness. Popular for jibbing and park features. Predictable and easy to press.
Hybrid Camber
Camber underfoot for grip and pop, with rocker at the tips for forgiveness and float. The most popular modern profile. Best of both worlds for all-mountain riding.
Board Shape
Shape determines how a board rides forwards vs switch and how it handles directional vs symmetrical riding.
You'll see board shape listed in the Specs tab on every snowboard product page, along with a visual icon showing the shape. Here's what each one means.
True Twin
Perfectly symmetrical nose and tail. Identical flex pattern in both directions. Rides the same forwards and switch. The go-to for freestyle and park riders.
Directional Twin
Looks symmetrical but has a slightly longer nose and/or stiffer tail. Rides great forward with the option to ride switch. The most versatile shape for all-mountain riders.
Directional
Designed to ride in one direction. Longer, wider nose for float and a narrower, shorter tail for control. Built for freeride, powder, and charging. Not meant for switch riding.
Flex Rating
Flex describes how stiff or soft a board is. It's rated on a scale of 1-10 and is one of the most important factors in matching a board to your riding style.
You'll see the flex rating displayed as a visual scale on each product page in the Specs tab. A board's flex affects turn initiation, stability at speed, and how the board responds to your input. There's no "best" flex - it depends entirely on how and where you ride.
Forgiving and playful. Easy to turn and press. Best for beginners, lighter riders, and park/jib focused riding. Less stable at high speeds. Shop Soft Flex Boards →
The sweet spot for most riders. Versatile enough for groomers, park, and some off-piste riding. Good balance of responsiveness and forgiveness. Best for intermediate all-mountain riders. Shop Medium Flex Boards →
Aggressive and powerful. Holds an edge at high speeds and delivers precise power transfer for deep carves. Best for advanced/expert riders, freeride, and big mountain terrain. Less forgiving for beginners. Shop Stiff Flex Boards →
Board Width
Board width is determined by your boot size. Getting this wrong leads to toe/heel drag, which can ruin an otherwise great day.
The waist width is the narrowest point of the board, measured in millimeters. Your boots should extend slightly past the edges for proper leverage, but not so far that they drag in the snow when carving. If you have size 11 US boots or larger, you should strongly consider a wide board.
Women's boot up to size 12
Most boards fit here
Women's boot size 12+
Prevents toe and heel drag
Snowboard Bindings
Bindings are the critical connection between you and your board. The right bindings match your boot size, riding style, and board flex.
Bindings come in different flex ratings just like boards. As a rule of thumb, match your binding flex to your board flex. Stiff boards pair with stiff bindings for precision; soft boards pair with soft bindings for playfulness. A mismatched setup will feel off.
Snowboard Boots
Boots are the most important piece of gear you'll buy. A perfect board with uncomfortable boots equals a miserable day. Prioritize fit above everything.
Your snowboard boots should fit snugly. Tighter than you'd expect. New boots pack out and loosen up over time, so what feels a little tight in the shop will feel perfect after a few days of riding. Your toes should lightly brush the end of the boot when standing, and your heel should not lift when you flex forward.
Take Care ofYour Gear.
Gear Care & Maintenance
Taking care of your gear means better performance on the mountain and a longer lifespan for your equipment.
Wax Your Board
A freshly waxed board glides faster and is easier to control. Wax every 3-5 days of riding, or whenever the base starts looking dry and white. Hot wax is better than rub-on.
Edge Maintenance
Sharp edges = better grip. Use a diamond stone to remove burrs and maintain edge sharpness. Detune the tips slightly if you ride park to prevent edge catches.
Dry Everything
After every session, pull your boot liners out and let everything dry. Moisture breeds mold and odor. Never store wet boots in a bag or car trunk overnight.
Store Properly
Store your board in a cool, dry place with a fresh coat of wax on the base (don't scrape it - leave the wax on for summer storage). Loosen your binding straps so they don't lose elasticity.
Check Your Bindings
Before every trip, check that binding screws are tight. Vibration loosens them over time. Carry a pocket screwdriver. A loose binding on the mountain is no fun.
Base Repairs
Small scratches and gouges happen. Fill deep gouges with P-Tex or bring it to a shop for a base grind. Riding on damaged bases affects glide and can lead to delamination over time.
FAQ
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often.
Use your weight as the primary factor - it's more accurate than height. As a general rule, the board should come between your chin and nose when stood upright, but the ideal length depends on your weight, riding style, and ability level. Use our size calculator above for a personalized recommendation, or check the Size Guide tab on any snowboard product page.
Look for an all-mountain board with a softer flex (3-5 out of 10), a rocker or hybrid camber profile, and a true twin or directional twin shape. This combination is forgiving, easy to turn, and won't punish you for mistakes. Avoid stiff, aggressive boards until you've built up your skills.
If your boot size is US 11 or larger (men's), you should consider a wide board. Wide boards have a waist width of 255mm or more, which prevents your toes and heels from dragging in the snow when you carve. Toe drag kills turns and can send you flying. Our product pages automatically flag when a board is available in a wide version.
Camber is the traditional profile where the board arcs upward between the contact points. It provides powerful edge hold, snappy pop, and precision, but is less forgiving. Rocker is the opposite - the board curves upward at the tips. It's more forgiving, floats in powder, and is easier to turn, but has less edge grip on hard snow. Most modern boards use a hybrid of both. See our profile section for full details.
Every 3-5 days of riding is a good rule of thumb. If the base looks dry, white, or chalky, it's past due for a wax. Hot waxing is significantly more effective than rub-on wax. You can learn to do it yourself or bring it into Sanction and we'll take care of it. If you're in the Greater Toronto Area, come by the shop and check out our waxing and other services.
Boots first, always. Comfort is non-negotiable, and boot fit is the most personal. Once you have boots, choose bindings that match your boot size and desired flex. Then choose a board that matches your weight, style, and the flex of your binding setup. This order ensures everything works together.
Absolutely. Women's boards tend to be narrower and softer flexing to accommodate generally lighter riders with smaller feet, but there's nothing stopping anyone from riding any board that fits their weight and boot size. Focus on getting the right size and flex for your body and riding style, not the label.
Ready to Ride?
Now that you know what to look for, find the perfect setup. Our team is always here to help if you need personalized advice.
