What To Look For
Purchasing a kid's snowboard is easier than purchasing an adult snowboard. There are far fewer snowboards on the market for children, and the snowboards that are available are less specific. A few factors to consider are:
Style: If there is a choice in style, opt for a freestyle or an all-mountain snowboard. Freestyle boards are more flexible and easier to turn, so they are good for learning. If your child plans to do mostly jumps, rails and half pipes, consider a park/pipe board.
Size: Sizing the board correctly is the most important aspect of a child's snowboard. Kids' snowboards usually range between 90 and 145 cm. Refer to manufacturer size charts to determine the best size based on your child's height and weight. If your child is average weight, the board should come between his collarbone and nose.
Width: The board should be roughly as wide as your child's boots are long. You don't want the toes of the boots to hang off the edge, and you also don't want them to come up inches short of the edge.
Flex: The flex of a snowboard will affect how easy it is to turn and maneuver. For a child who is new to the sport, opt for a more flexible board over a stiffer one.
Common Pitfalls
A common assumption when buying snowboards, and sports equipment in general, for children is to buy with room to grow. While this isn't completely wrong, it's important to temper the urge to get a board that will last for 10 years. Part of learning how to snowboard is having a board that is the right size. This makes it easier to turn, maneuver and learn the building blocks. A board that is too long will make everything more difficult, and snowboarding will become very frustrating and discouraging. While you may want to buy up a centimeter or two, avoid getting anything much longer than the ideal size for your child.
Where To Buy
Your best bet is to size the board in person. Bring your child's boots so you can measure width and size them with bindings, if you're also purchasing bindings. If you are purchasing a snowboard package (board, bindings and boots), bring your child because he will need to try on the boots. Bringing your child along also ensures he will pick out a look and style that he likes. If you decide to purchase online, closely measure your child and study sizing guidelines for the board. Ensure that the return policy is good, in case the snowboard doesn't quite fit or work out the way you planned. Some online retailers that are good snowboard sources include Sierra Snowboard, The House and Dogfunk. Larger outdoor retailers such as REI and Backcountry also stock a good selection of snowboards.
Cost
Most children's snowboards range anywhere from $100 to $300. For a first-time board, it's not necessary to get the most expensive board. In many cases, it is even better to get a less expensive board because it will be geared more to the beginner. Snowboard packages for beginners can often be found for as low as $150 to $200. Purchasing equipment at an end-of-the-season or offseason sale is a good way to save some money on your kid's snowboard purchase. Top brands such as Burton and Ride offer good quality children's boards.
Accessories
When buying your child's snowboard, bindings and boots, you should also be sure that he has a helmet and goggles. The proper ski or snowboard outerwear will also help keep him warm and comfortable. Two other things not to overlook are a leash, which attaches to the binding and boot to ensure the snowboard doesn't fall off (some resorts require leashes when riding lifts), and a stomp pad, which is a foam or rubber pad that provides traction when skating.
