Snowboarding Gear for Short People: Find the Perfect Fit.
Shorter riders find it challenging to find the right snowboarding gear, but never fear – we’re here with the best tips and tricks to help you find the perfect fit. With the right gear and gear setup, shorter riders can have just as much fun on the slopes and enjoy the same freedom and thrill of gliding down the mountainside.
Don’t let your height hold you back from experiencing the fun of snowboarding. While it can be more difficult to find gear and obtain a setup that properly fits your frame, you can still make the most of your ride and have just as much fun snowboarding as everyone else. To make sure you do, here’s an in-depth guide to finding the perfect gear for short people who love to snowboard.
Getting the Right Snowboard
When it comes to selecting a snowboard suited for short riders, size and width are the two most important factors, both of which are often closely intertwined. With modern snowboards designed with a range of turning angles and stiffness, size also plays a role as shorter boards tend to be stiffer and more shallow in their curves.
Your board’s size should be relative to your body type and weight. While some riders may be perfectly comfortable on a board that’s over 150 centimeters long, others may require a board under 140 centimeters, making it better-suited for the slopes. For riders overweight or underweight for their size, it is often better to get a board slightly smaller or bigger than their recommended size to facilitate the best and healthiest ride.
When it comes to width, shorter riders should opt for a slightly wider board than their shorter counterparts, as this ensures that the effective edge length isn’t exceeded by the size of their boots. The edge length is measured from the centroid of the board’s sidecut, which is the middle point between the board’s contact points, and the heel and toe of your own boots should never extend past this edge.
Having this extra width will ensure that your board’s turning angle isn’t altered unnecessarily, maintains its stiffness, and doesn’t cause any limb discomfort during tight turns. When in doubt, remember to keep your focus on the centroid and make sure it’s centered – as long as it is, you’re good to go.
Choosing the Right Boots
Selecting the right boots for your feet is an essential part of finding the best snowboard gear for short people. Most snowboard boots are designed to fit into the binding of any snowboard, so your main focus when shopping should be finding a pair that fits your feet and ankles perfectly.
When shopping for your perfect pair, make sure you utilize the right sizing tools, such as foot measuring tools and fitting guides, to ensure your boots match your size. Comfort should also be a key factor when selecting your boots, since a tight fit can cause pain and discomfort after several hours spent snowboarding.
In addition, you’ll want to consider the type of snowboard binding that your boot will be used with. For example, if you’re using a more traditional strap-on binding, you should opt for a more supportive boot that fits snugly around your ankle. On the other hand, those of you who are using a step-in binding should select a softer, more flexible pair of snowboard boots to ensure your feet can fit into the binding easily.
Furthermore, take it slow when trying on boots. It’s not recommended to go snowboarding on the same day that you purchase a new pair of boots, as your feet will need time to adjust to the new fit and shape in order to survive a full day of shredding.
Size Up Your Bindings
Bindings are another very important piece of the snowboarding puzzle, and short riders should be sure to size them up appropriately for an optimal fit. It’s easy to think that any binding would fit a shorter board, but this isn’t the case. Make sure to select a binding that is compatible in size with your board, and make sure it fits with your boot too.
In addition, make sure that your binding’s canting (the angle at which your boot fits into the binding) lines up with the canting of your board. Not doing so can cause your feet to rotate out of position while riding, leading to unnecessary strain on your limbs during turns and causing a generally uncomfortable ride.
Also, consider getting a binding that has adjustable straps or hold-down straps to make sure your feet stay in place. While most binding straps are designed to be easily adjustable for most sizes, shorter riders may want to consider a more stout hold-down strap to keep their feet firmly in place. Additionally, make sure the straps of your bindings line up with the straps on your boots, as this is essential for optimal binding connection.
Find the Right Type of Snowboarding Gear for Short People
Even though you may be restricted when it comes to selecting a board, boots, and bindings that fit your frame, you should still take the time to find the snowboard gear that best suits your own style. After all, who says short riders can’t ride a super-stiff board or a lightweight binding?
Every rider is different, and the key is to find the perfect balance between size, weight, and comfort that works for you. When in doubt, consult with an expert, as they’ll be able to give you the right advice on finding the perfect fit.
Conclusion
Shorter riders often face difficulties in finding the right snowboard gear, and finding a proper fit can be a difficult task. Snowboarding gear for short people should focus on size and width first, followed by boot and binding selection. Remember to always consult with an expert when in doubt, and tailor your ride to your own body and style. With the right gear and setup, short riders can enjoy the same freedom and the thrill of gliding down the mountainside as everyone else.
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