Are you considering learning how to ride a snowboard? Once you begin searching for the best beginner snowboard, the options are endless, and finding the right choice can be challenging. We filtered through the top snowboards for new learners and chose the best options based on the ease of use and the overall experience.
How We Tested and Compared Snowboards for Beginners
We compared various brands and their beginner snowboards to better understand which boards offer greater flexibility and control. We also focused on the durability, quality, and how well the board adapts to different terrain, including powder snow, heavy snow, and other conditions, with the beginner’s experience in mind.
Related Reading: Find the best snowboard brands currently available.
Best Beginner Snowboard for Men: Arbor Foundation Rocker Snowboard
Overview:
- Rocker or Camber: Rocker
- Sizes: 148, 152, 155
- Specifications: Directional twin
- Flex Level: Medium flex
- Other Features: 360-degree wrapped sidewalls
What We Like About It
If you’re looking for one of the best beginner snowboards, Arbor Foundations’ snowboard is a fantastic choice. It’s a great snowboard for anyone new to this sport, whether exploring a new resort or taking snowboard lessons.
The rocker system is easy to control, so you’ll have more flexibility to improve your turns and techniques as you build up speed. We enjoyed how well this snowboard performed and especially how it adapted to deep snow.
The shape of this beginner board is ideal for a surf-like ride, providing a natural floating sensation. It’s also ergonomic, with heel and toe contact points. Overall, it’s a great option for anyone just getting started on beginner runs.
What We Don’t Like
After using it, we noticed a few small scratches on the board, though it didn’t impact the performance or cause any issues.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
It’s a popular choice for anyone who is either a beginner snowboarder or riding at an intermediate level. One of the key advantages that many people enjoy is the board’s ability to maneuver around deep snow and float relatively easily, which offers a great overall experience.
It’s a great buy if you’re taking snowboard lessons and learning new techniques, as it’s flexible and offers soft contact points.
Best Beginner Snowboard for Women: Jones Snowboards Women’s Flagship Snowboard, Directional Freeride
Overview:
- Rocker or Camber: Rocker
- Sizes: 146, 152
- Specifications: Directional free-ride
- Flex Level: 8/10 flex
- Other Features: Natural, made of wood
What We Like About It
Jones Snowboards offers exceptional quality, and the Flagship for women gives beginners and intermediate riders an excellent opportunity to develop carves, straight lines, and stomps with great accuracy and control. We especially liked the excellent edge grip this board provides on hard snow and how the contour base and design handle rough patches of snow.
It’s a great board if you want to develop confidence. We liked how the tail is tapered, allowing for faster turns and an excellent float.
What We Don’t Like
It’s a bit pricy, but it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re serious about developing new techniques at the beginner or novice level.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Many buyers found riding the Jones Flagship snowboard an excellent experience in terms of how easy it is to switch turns, develop speed, and conquer different terrain. It’s a fantastic beginner snowboard that offers stability and precision, even on rough snow. You’ll have greater opportunities to develop directional switches, turns, and ride at a higher speed.
Best True Twin Beginner Snowboard: Jones Snowboards Tweaker Snowboard, True Twin
Overview:
- Rocker or Camber: Camber
- Sizes: 154, 156, 157w
- Specifications: Freestyle
- Flex Level: Medium flex
- Other Features: beveled 3D contoured base
What We Like About It
Jones’ True Twin Tweaker Board is an excellent choice for medium flexibility and lots of give, so you can practice various techniques, including ollies, carving, and pop on jumps that you can achieve deeper and higher, with greater control.
It’s a fun board to ride, providing an excellent grip with just the right softness. It’s one of our favorite freestyle boards and a good choice for beginner runs, especially if you’re comfortable approaching a fast pace with lots of energy.
What We Don’t Like
If you’re new to snowboarding, you may find this board to be very lively and picks up speed fast. While this may be ideal for some riders, it may not be ideal for some individuals. Overall, it’s a great beginner snowboard, but be prepared to feel every bump and rut on every run!
What Past Buyers Had to Say
While this board offers good flexibility and power, it’s also softer, which results in a decent balance. It’s 3D-shaped and ideal for park riding, and while it’s not the top board for intermediate or more advanced riders, it’s a great option for beginners.
Best Beginner All-Mountain Snowboard: Kemper Unisex Fathom Snowboard
Overview:
- Rocker or Camber: Hybrid camber rocker
- Sizes: 150
- Specifications: Directional twin
- Flex Level: 7/10 flex rating
- Other Features: Made of bamboo
What We Like About It
This beginner snowboard is ideal for all-mountain freestyle while providing decent stability in most conditions. This directional twin board is versatile, so you’ll enjoy powder snow days while maneuvering through deeper snow. It’s made out of sustainable materials, and it’s a board that’s easy to use whether you’re just getting started or a novice rider. There’s also a four-year warranty, which is impressive.
What We Don’t Like
We couldn’t find any issues with this board; aside from that it might not be the preferred board for every beginner based on the desired riding style and the types of techniques you want to learn.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Buyers are generally pleased with this board, and it’s top-notch quality. It’s highly durable, so you can ride often and for several seasons before you notice any wear. We found the board performed consistently well, so it’s a predictable option for anyone tempted to try snowboarding!
Best Budget-Friendly Beginner Snowboard for Kids: Nidecker Micron Magic, 2022, Unisex’s Snowboard, Twin Tip
Overview:
- Rocker or Camber: Hybrid camber rocker
- Sizes: 80, 90, 100, 110, 120
- Specifications: Designed for kids, freestyle
- Flex Level: 7/10 flex rating
- Other Features: Lightweight
What We Like About It
This a playful board that’s perfect for kids taking snowboarding lessons and just learning how to ride. It’s a great way to establish confidence and adaptability to all-terrain, so kids can quickly learn new techniques and improve them in no time! These boards offer minimal stress for beginner snowboarders, especially kids and teens, so they have early experiences on various types of terrain.
What We Don’t Like
Is there anything we didn’t like about this amazing beginner snowboard? It’s ideal for beginners, so if your child is more advanced, they may prefer another style, though overall, it’s a great buy.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
The greatest aspect about this board is how all the attributes of a regular, adult-sized snowboard are scaled down for kids, making it easy for them to ride and gain confidence as they practice. It’s also a sturdy board with a full wood core and matte finish for an excellent appearance.
These boards are also highly durable, and many buyers found their kids could use them for several seasons without any issues. The softer flex is great for young riders, giving them more flexibility as they advance toward the intermediate and advanced levels.
How to Choose the Best Beginner Snowboards: Buying Guide
Are you looking forward to buying your first snowboard or a new board for your child? You’ll want to consider several important factors when deciding which board is ideal to buy. While there are some variances in boards for beginners, you’ll want to consider your comfort level, the type of terrain you plan to ride, and the specifications of the board.
The Width and Length
If you’re a beginner, a medium-length snowboard that’s symmetrical and centered is ideal. Width is important because if you choose a board that’s too narrow, you’ll experience boot overhang, which can increase your chances of falling.
A board that’s too wide can be more difficult to control, as your feet won’t respond as well. Essentially, you’ll want to give yourself a bit of overhang, up to one inch, at the most.
The length of your snowboard is a factor that will impact your performance and should be chosen based on your riding style, weight, height, and ability. Generally, longer boards are ideal for taller people with a higher weight. A smaller board is ideal for kids and people who are shorter in height.
For beginners, choosing the shorter end of your snowboard size is best, which gives you greater control.
Flex Rating
Generally, you’ll want a board that’s flexible, between a medium rating up to 8/10. When you choose a board that’s softer, you’ll have greater control when you learn techniques, though you’ll want to avoid any boards that feel too loose. You’ll soon discover your preference, whether it is a stiffer board that picks up speed or a soft board that’s easier to maneuver.
Camber, Rocker, or Flat?
Ideally, you’ll want to try a hybrid camber if you’re new to snowboarding. Traditional cambers, rockers, and flat boards may not be ideal, though many hybrid options give you a more custom approach when you ride.
Ready to gather the rest of your gear? Don’t forget to pack the best ski goggles for your trip!
Final Thoughts
The best beginner board offers the greatest options for new learners, with a softer flex, shorter size, and a sturdy, durable surface, so you can confidently tackle your first rides. While many snowboards can be expensive, even if you’re just getting started, you’ll find most quality boards range between $300 and $500 for adults and just under $300 for kids.
FAQs
Is it acceptable to purchase a snowboard designed for speed?
While some beginner boards can pick up speed quickly, it’s not the first attribute you’ll need in a beginner snowboard. Ideally, you’ll want a board that you can control to learn turns, jumps, and ollies easier.
Why is medium flex a good option for beginners?
Medium flex is ideal because it gives you a decent balance between a stiff board, which gives you the potential for speed, and a bit of softness, which allows you to move easily and practice new techniques, such as riding switch or tackling different terrain.
Is the brand important?
Ideally, you’ll find many reputable brands that offer beginner-level snowboards, including K2, Kemper, Nidecker, Jones, Burton, and Salomon.