Let’s be honest: Since Jake Burton started designing snowboards in 1977, these little riding gears have come a long way, reflecting some cool trends and the approach to riding. Beginner snowboards using to be trash. They were designed with basic features for safety purposes, making it difficult for newbies to learn and graduate to the big boy level.
But enter the modern-day — where snowboard manufacturers are able to produce quality models with unique features to help users learn and advance quickly. Most of them come with a sturdy, flat top to for better balance and stability and enough punch to help you learn quickly.
So, whether you just discovered this cool sport when on a school trip or looking to have some fun this coming winter, you don’t need to worry just because you are a beginner snowboarder. There are plenty of snowboards out there designed for people like you. And yes, just like always, we are here to help you make a wise decision when purchasing. We have spent hours researching the best snowboards for beginners to ensure you get the right fit.
Let’s dive in:
Top 10 Snowboards for Beginners of 2020 Reviewed
1. Flexible Flyer Avenger Kids Beginner Snowboard
- Made of soft, durable material
- Does not contain any metal edges
- Easy for kids to acquire novice snowboarding tricks
- Has groves on the bottom which may prevent it from moving
- Straps might be too large for kids’ shoes
- The binding is likely to break after a short time of use
Best Plastic Snowboard for Kids
The best snowboards for beginners are soft, durable, and universal. They should be good enough for use in the local hill or your own backyard. The Flexible Flyer Avenger Kids Beginner Snowboard is all that and much more. It comes with binding straps that are big enough to accommodate kids’ snow boots. The ratchet system is adjustable to ensure that a wide range of shoe sizes fit perfectly.
It is made from soft, durable, high-density polyethylene devoid of metal edges that could cause injuries to the kids. With this snowboard, you can be sure that the safety of your loved ones is well taken care of. Besides, the kids will find this snowboard extremely easy to use. In fact, it makes the learning process very easy for your kids. Within no time, they will have learned how to turn, balance, and stop. Once they have acquired all the novice tricks, they will be ready to take on bigger challenges.
Measuring 37 by 8 by 3 inches, this snowboard is recommended for kids between 5 and 8 years old. It can carry a weight of up to 135 pounds
2. Emsco Group 110 cm Freeride Snowboard
- Great for practicing novice tricks
- Comes with adjustable step-in bindings
- Streamlined, beautiful design
- Straps may not stay closed for long
- Some user have complained of its quality being cheap
- Might be a little bit overpriced
Best Freeride Snowboard
For anyone in the age bracket of 5 to 15 years, the best snowboard is one that allows for quick learning of the tricks required in adulthood. The Emsco Group 110 cm Freeride Snowboard is suitable for practicing novice tricks and easy moves. It doesn’t matter if the kids are doing it in the backyard or hill nearby. Within no time, they will become snowboarding experts. It can be used by kids of varied shoe sizes, thanks to the adjustable step-in bindings.
There is no point in having a snowboard that will break down only after a short while. Even though it doesn’t include any form of metal, this board is made of solid propylene construction. Thus, it is made to last for a long time.
Another thing you will obviously appreciate is the unique streamlined design for easy, fast cruising on the snow. The cool, stylish graphics make this a unique product that’s certainly attractive to behold. So, if you have kids who desire beautiful things, this is the board to buy for them. It is the perfect gift for young ones regardless of the occasion.
3.Winter’s Edge Snow Much Fun Kids Plastic Snowboard
- Has an adjustable clinch binding
- Shaped like the traditional snowboard
- Made of durable plastic material
- The plastic binding may snap under the slightest pressure
- Sticker paper might peel off quickly
Best Snowboard with Pre-Mounted Bindings
What is the best way to spend the winter? You cannot possibly think of spending all of your time indoors. This aptly named snowboard is ideal for wintry conditions when the nearby hills and backyards are full of snow. It has a rugged plastic construction, without the use of metal edges. With that Winter’s Edge Snow Much Fun Kids Plastic Snowboard is safe for use by the kids in their outdoor winter activities.
It comes in the traditional shape of the snowboard, which makes it easy to slide down any snowy hill. No matter your kid’s shoe size, this snowboard should be able to hold firmly into place. The clinch bindings are adjustable and can hold in place any shoe size. Even though pre-mounted, the bindings are reversible, especially for switch riders.
If you have kids of age 9 and above, buy this board. For a large family, buy several snowboards and your kids will never lack fun things to do during their spare time. You will never have to worry about the young ones spending too much time indoors.
4. STAUBER Summit Snowboard
- Has a twin-directional riding capability
- A lightweight snowboard
- The strap and buckling mechanism is sturdy
- The top of the board feels waxy
- The traps may not work as expected
Best Snowboard for All Levels
One of the reasons the STAUBER Summit Snowboard is a market leader is its lightweight nature. Imagine heading out to the nearby hill with a snowboard you can barely carry. To eliminate that stress, the manufacturers of this board deliberately created a featherlike contraption. But just what makes it lightweight? It has a 100 percent wood core, rubber dampening strip, ABS sidewall, and a steel edge sidewall. The construction is virtually scratch-resistant on both the top and bottom.
It features a ridged binding, twin-directional camber rocker 2 by 4 mounting system. That might sound technical but it simply means that the kids can ride the board in any of the two directions.
The snowboard has two types of straps – the ankle and toe cap straps – in addition to a sturdy buckling mechanism. With that, you can be sure that your kid is safely strapped on the board. You shouldn’t expect freak accidents as a result of poor strapping. You have to screw the bindings in using the included mounting discs, countersunk washers, and screws. You don’t have to be an expert assembler. You can use the included manual to go about the assembly process.
5. Snowboard Addiction Jib Training Board
- A highly-flexible snowboard
- Perfect for the beginners who need to train in snowboarding
- A lightweight snowboard
- It is costlier than most other snowboards
- The binding may not be suitable for larger shoe sizes
Best Training Snowboard with Soft Sidewall
Are you looking for the perfect snowboard to train your kids? Look no further than the Snowboard Addiction Jib Training Board. It has a balance bar and bindings that make for a more realistic training experience. Importantly, you can use it to train virtually anywhere, anytime. It doesn’t matter if you are interested in snowboard boxes, jibs or rails.
With this board’s universal four-hole binding mechanism, you can mount virtually any binding you want. It is not like other snowboards which confine you to just one kind of binding. If you discover that a certain binding isn’t working, all you need to do is to substitute it to create your own unique snowboarding experience.
The technology that goes into the making of this board is equally unique. Instead of metal, the sidewall is made of soft, user-friendly material that protects the kids from all sorts of injuries. It is a highly-flexible snowboard that makes it easier for jib training. You will be pleased to know that the board has a flex rating of 6 out of 10.
6. AIRHEAD SNOW RYDER Hardwood Snowboard, 110cm
- A durable, hardwood construction
- Does not contain any metal edges, which makes it safe for riding by the kids
- Can accommodate several shoe sizes
- The Velcro bindings tend to wear off within no time
- The concave-shaped black pads may not feel comfortable to the feet
Best Hardwood Snowboard for Beginner
If you have made up your mind to buy your first snowboard, you should look for something that’s equally functional and fun to use. The AIRHEAD SNOW RYDER Hardwood Snowboard might be a new entrant in the market, but it ticks all the right boxes when it comes to the technical specifications. It is 100cm in length and can accommodate a weight of between 50 and 100 pounds.
To ensure the safety of your kids while out snowboarding, the product doesn’t include any metal edges. Even if the young ones were to fall on the snow, they wouldn’t be hurt in the process. It is made of a durable hardwood construction, which promises to withstand the ravages of first-time, rough riding.
This board has adjustable Velcro bindings, which allow it to fit just about all kid’s shoe sizes. Essentially, your kids can ride it in turns on a cold, winter day. It doesn’t matter if they are doing it in the sledding areas or your backyard. It will work just fine.
7. EMSCO Group – Graffiti Snowboard
- Designed to help kids acquire the necessary skills fast
- Has binding straps fit for all sizes of feet
- An ultra-strong, durable polypropylene
- The holes might be too big for the clips
- Rivets likely to come off after a short time of riding
Best Graffiti Snowboard for Kids
Every kid between 5 and 15 years old deserves the Graffiti Snowboard by EMSCO Group. It is the perfect board for kids learning snowboarding for the first time. Soon, your kids will be looking out for signs of snow so that they can go out snowboarding. The board comes with adjustable step-in binding, which essentially means any kid can ride it. There is nothing to suggest that this snowboard is loose to the feet. The accompanying buckle creates a firm grip on the feet, thus holding them securely in place.
But why graffiti? The snowboard is aptly named, thanks to the customizable graphics. You don’t have to accept accompanying graphic patterns if you don’t agree with them. However, this snowboard is not just about attractive customizable graphics. It is also very much about an ultra-strong construction. The mainboard is made from solid, durable polypropylene, which promises to last for a long time.
Importantly, this is a user-friendly snowboard that makes it easier for kids to acquire the necessary skills without feeling pressured. So if you want your kids to quickly acquire novice tricks and practice first moves, buy for then this board.
8. Lucky Burns Kids Plastic Snowboard
- Has adjustable bindings to safely hold feet in place
- Has a durable latch system
- Suitable for beginners who want to learn quickly
- Foot brake may fall apart after a short time of use
- Other users have said the product didn’t work as expected
- The binding might break after a short time of use
Best Kid's Beginner Snowboards
Remember those winter days when you couldn’t resist the urge of playing with snow in your backyard? When you eventually got your first snowboard, you would always go out to hone your skills. That was then. Now that you are all grown up, don’t deny your kids the opportunity to play. The best gift you can get for them is the Lucky Burns Kids Plastic Snowboard. It is the perfect way to introduce your kids to snowboarding and help them remain active even in the colder months.
The snowboard which features a traditional cut has a smooth bottom for easy sliding on the snow. It comes with pre-mounted, adjustable strap bindings for any size of snow boots. As a safety precaution, the straps have super-strong latches to securely hold the feet in place.
It is recommended for use by riders aged 9 years and above. They are safe for riding by the kids, given that it has no metal edges. However, because of that, the snowboard isn’t meant for use at a ski resort. If anything, the kids would need to have mastered the requisite skills to go skiing.
9. System 2020 MTN and APX Complete Men’s Snowboard Package
- Package includes a snowboard, bindings, and snow boots
- Comfortable to ride
- You can be sure of your fit remaining warm
- May warp easily
- The bottom may start peeling off
- Heavy and unstable
Best Snowboard with APX Boots for Men
Yes, you read it right. This is a package that includes a snowboard, boots, and bindings. In short, when you buy this product, you get virtually everything you need to ride on the snow. The board itself is designed to smoothly float on powder, power through thickets, and cruise around the park. Its profile is the camber-rocker-camber by design so that you never have to catch an edge. The board is full of cambered sections in the tail and nose for explosive jumps.
What about the APX bindings? It is one of the lightest in the wider industry. Among its features includes the toe strap, base pads, contoured straps, ladder straps, and four-tooth ratchets. Don’t worry about the technical-sounding terms. All they do is to ensure the feet are firmly held in place.
Now let’s talk about the APX boots. The simple, classic boots have metal hooks which securely hold the laces in place. You can be sure of keeping the snow out of the shoes as you ride. Additionally, the boots have thermostat moldable liners meant for keeping your boots warmed as you go.
10. Grizzly Snow 95cm Deluxe Kid’s Beginner Red and Black Snowboard
- Adjustable ratchets securely hold feet in place
- Sharp-edged boards for easy turning and maximum control
- Features a release lever for fast foot removal
- May not slide at all
- Boots may not fit into the locks
Best Lightweight Snowboard for Kids
Every kid deserves a beautifully designed, fully functional snowboard. The Grizzly Snowboard of a 90-centimeter long affair, with the ability to carry up to 100 pounds in weight. That makes it suitable for kids 9 years or older. Step by step, you can help your kids to earn all the tricks required to be a successful rider.
As part of the safety precautions, the snowboard comes with adjustable bindings that not only keep the ankles straight but also secure the feet in place. It doesn’t matter if you are using regular shoes, boots or snow boots. With the help of the ratcheting lever, you can adjust the bindings. Add to that the quick-release lever, and you have a snowboard that’s perfect for beginners.
The board’s sharp edges make it possible to gain maximum control when carving or turning corners downhills. Any beginner will find this feature to be very useful.
How to Choose the Best Snowboard for Beginners – Buying Guide
There is nothing as exciting as being a beginner in anything. If you are thinking of picking up snowboarding for the first time, you are not too late. It is important to make sure you choose only the best snowboard, one that enables you to learn the basics even as you learn how to remain stable on the slopes. So, what are some of the factors to consider when choosing a snowboard for beginners? In this guide, we give you all the answer you are looking for.
Type of Snowboard for Beginners
There are three main types of snowboards you might want to buy. They are classified in terms of whether they are general purpose or designed for a specific purpose. Below, we discuss the different types of snowboards.
- Traditional Camber: Want to know how a traditional camber snowboard looks like. Allow it to lie on the ground, press it down and release. The middle of the board will lift up. Every time you push the board, it will pop up. That’s why the traditional camber board is said to have one of the best pops. Additionally, it performs well when it comes to responsiveness, stability, and edge hold. Even though it can be used by beginners, this type of board is ideal for advanced riders.
- Reverse Camber or Rocker: Reverse camber is the complete opposite of the traditional camber. Mostly, it is soft and is good for buttering and presses. It is ideal for trail riding where shredding is a must. The boards are pretty easy to press and be very comfortable to ride.
- Mixed Camber Boards: Anything that lies in between the traditional and reverse camber is known as a mixed camber board. So, if you want the best of both types, you can go for a mixed camber board. As a beginner, it will introduce you to the best of both worlds.
Shape of Snowboard
Snowboards come in two main shapes, namely twin boards and directional boards. A twin board would have two identical sides which make it possible to ride on either side. It is great for freestyle riders looking to ride in both directions. All you need to do is switch between the ends of the board.
A directional snowboard would be very different since you can only ride it in one direction. It is ideal for people involved in pow and free riding. You don’t have to switch from one direction to another. However, if you must switch to another direction, the design of the board still allows you to do so. Only that the directions don’t feel the same.
Your Height and Weight
Each and every snowboard is designed to carry a particular maximum weight. That’s why you should know your weight before deciding on a snowboard to buy. Apart from your weight, the snowboard should also be proportionate to your height. The length of the board you buy should ideally be as long as the height from the ground to the chin. Whatever you do, avoid buying a snowboard that’s either too short or too long.
Types of Binding
Snowboards come with two main types of binding. Thus, you are likely to find a board with speed entry binding and strap binding. Speed entry binding is usually hinged on the back of the boot for easy sliding in of your foot. The only thing about speed entry binding is that it is rather more expensive.
The second is strap binding. It is the most common, especially when it comes to snowboards for beginners. Strap bindings have a base where the sole of the boot will rest. In addition, they have several synthetic straps to hold the snow boot into place.
Size of Snowboard
It is your weight and height that will determine the length of the snowboard you need. However, height and weight are not everything when it comes to buying a snowboard. The way you intend to ride the board also matters. Freeriding requires boards that are a little bit longer. Apart from stability, the boards allow for more speed. If you intend to ride freestyle, buy smaller snowboards. Not only are they easier to handle but they are also easy to spin and maneuver.
Apart from the length of the snowboard, you also need to consider the size. The rule of thumb is that the width of the board should wholly accommodate your entire feet. Any slight protrusion of your thumbs and heels would need impediment to a smooth ride.
Compatibility with the Boot Size
Why should you buy a snowboard when it is incompatible with your snow boots? When picking a board, you should ensure that its width is in tandem with the size of your snow boots. Otherwise, part of your shoes will have to hang outside, impeding smooth riding. The boots shouldn’t be too small either since they wouldn’t be able to pressure the board enough while turning. That would mean the riding experience will be less responsive.
Men of shoes size below 7 and women between 5 and 9 can buy a narrow snowboard. For men between 8 and 9.5 and women between 9.5 and 11, a regular-sized snowboard will do. Men who are 10 to 11.5 and women 11.5 and above should consider a mid-die board. The rest can buy a wide snowboard.
The Rider Ability
Perhaps the best way to buy a good snowboard is to consider your ability level. So, if you are a beginner, don’t buy anything meant for the intermediate or advanced riders. While beginner boards are flexible, their advanced counterparts could be a little stiff. Due to their unique features, advanced snowboards also tend to be more expensive.
The Cost of the Snowboard
The most important factor that will determine if you walk away with a snowboard is the cost. However, before you decide on a snowboard based on the price, first consider the other factors. If you don’t, you might end up with a very expensive but less responsive snowboard. So, read online reviews to understand the best snowboard to buy regardless of the price.
Conclusion
The purpose of this guide is to show you what to consider when buying a snowboard. Even as you remain realistic about your expectations, check out the different products discussed in the reviews above. Since you are a beginner, buy a snowboard that will make it easier for you to learn the tricks of the game. Importantly, you should be able to pay for it.