Kids' Snowboards: Even The Little Guys Can Ride

Snowboards
Looking for a tiny snowboard for a tiny rider? Several years ago, you would have had a hard time finding a board to fit anyone smaller than a teenager. That is no longer the case. A whole bunch of snowboard manufacturers are producing kids' snowboards in a range of sizes.

Kids boards are not just scaled-down versions of adult boards. They are much more flexible and light for a child's little legs, smaller feet and lighter weight. And they're durable - kids are tough on stuff, as parents well know.

What's the best age to start snowboarding? Most experts agree sometime between 5 and 7 years old is a good age to begin. It's good to start early, but kids also need to be old enough to have some coordination and control. Keep in mind that young kids don't have far to fall, have little or no concept of fear and are more flexible than grown-ups.

When buying a snowboard for anyone, but particularly for a child, nothing beats educated assistance. Go to a reputable shop, talk with an educated employee and make sure you're getting the right size board, bindings and boots, customized to fit. Have the employee show you how to cut the binding straps down to ensure a proper fit.

Consider these factors when buying a snowboard for a child:

• Length: Generally, a kid's board should reach about chest high, because a shorter board is easier to handle. Sims Snowboards engineers recommend the following weight ranges per board: 105 centimeter boards, 50-75 pounds; 125 cm, 65-90 pounds; and 135 cm, 80-105 pounds. If you shop around, you can find boards shorter than 100 cm for even smaller children.
• Width: Be sure your child's toes and heels are flush with the edges of the board. This makes it easier for them to turn the board on the snow. Fit your child in boots first, then have them stand on the board in the shop with the boots on.
• Flex: A flexible board is very important because when the board flexes, the rider turns on the snow. Many manufacturers have done serious product development to come up with a soft flexing snowboard designed specifically for kids.

Snowboard Boots
When parents buy a snowboard for a child, they often ignore a very important part: Boots and bindings.

Pick out boots first. Then choose bindings that fit the boots, and finally, make sure the setup is compatible with the board your child wants. Comfort is probably the most important factor when snowboarding. If your child isn't comfortable, he or she certainly won't have fun. A good kids' boot is snug, flexible and simple.

Buying boots one size too big so your child can grow into them is as big as you'll want to buy. Any larger than that and the child's tiny foot will slop around inside the boot and he or she won't have any control. Some boots have instep straps to tighten down on the foot. You can also use a fitting aid like foam or a footbed. Some companies have boots with a removable inner liner. As a child's foot grows in size, the liner is removed.

Make sure your child walks around in the boots after trying them on in the store. If your child is walking stiffly, the boots are probably reaching too high up the calf. Kids should be able to walk in snowboard boots as they would in athletic shoes, and be just as comfortable.

Look for a simple boot - one with a single lacing system, or Velcro closures. Smaller hands wrapped in snowboard mitts often have trouble with complicated laces out on the mountain. Kids should be able to put on their boots and strap into their bindings by themselves.

The final step in choosing kids' gear is to make sure all of the equipment is compatible. Then go have some fun.