Here’s a quick list of do’s and dont’s for when you go out to buy your next snowboard:

Dont:

• Don’t just buy a snowboard because it’s your favorite rider’s pro model or because you’ve seen someone riding it.
• Don’t buy a snowboard because it looks good.
• Don’t buy a snowboard based on advice from someone who doesn’t snowboard themselves; if you’re in a shop ask the sales person if they actually do go snowboarding.. you may be surprised!

Do:

• Do try to buy from a reputable snowboard shop.
• Take your time when buying your snowboard, don’t rush it. I once had a snowboard stolen during a season and in order for me to get out snowboarding again as soon as possible I bought the first snowboard I came across that seemed like a good choice. After a few weeks I realised I had made the wrong choice and the snowboard just wasn’t for me.
• Make sure you question the sales staff on matter you want to know about. Even if the sales rep you are dealing with doesn’t know the answers there will often be other sales reps who are very experienced and knowledgeable riders and they should be able to help.
• Enquire about demo snowboards. Sometimes you may be able to ‘try before you buy’.