kid snowboard

How to choose a snowboard for your child?

Snowboarding is a sport that often attracts kids. And let's face it, seeing your little one on a snowboard is just too cute. But for their first experiences to be a success, their equipment needs to be suitable. How do you choose the very first snowboard for your future young rider? We’ll explain everything!

snowboard for little girls

1/ At what age can kids start snowboarding?

While kids can take their first steps on skis at around 2-3 years of age, snowboarding requires more complex body control: in snowboarding, both feet are attached to the same board, which means you need to know which is your right foot and which is your left, and you need to be able to lean on your heels and tiptoes. These are skills that kids generally learn a little later, from the age of 4.

In ski schools, snowboard lessons are generally offered from the age of 8.

That said, taking ski lessons beforehand lets future snowboarders develop gliding reflexes that will come in handy when snowboarding.

kid and snowboard

2/ What size snowboard is right for my kid?

When deciding on the correct size kids’ snowboard, the main factor to consider is their height.

A short board will be easier for him to handle. Reassured, they will find their feet and progress more quickly to the next level. A bigger board will be more difficult to handle. Yes, but kids grow by an average of 6 cm a year, and you don't necessarily want to buy a new snowboard every year.
So the best compromise is to opt for a board that's 10 cm to 20 cm shorter than the top of their head. This way, they'll be able to keep it for a few seasons.

In short, if the kid's height is between:

➤ 95 et 1.15 m: A 90 cm board

➤ 1.15 and 1.30m: A 105 cm board

➤ 1.30 and 1.45m: A 120 cm board

➤ 1.45 and 1.60m: A 135 cm board

➤ 1.60 and 1.65m: A 145 cm board

No tape measure in your pocket? Simply place the board next to your kid: it should roughly reach between the top of their neck and their nose.

3/ Decathlon junior snowboards: features and sizes

At Decathlon, we only offer snowboards with a versatile programme, aimed at kids from beginner to intermediate levels. These boards are unique in that they are forgiving of the mistakes associated with learning, while encouraging the kid's progress.

All our junior models combine Twin Tip and Rocker technology, a winning duo for young riders:

Twin tip:
The twin tip snowboard is a safe bet for kids. It's a board that's symmetrical at the front and back, making it as easy to slide forward as it is to switch back. With a Twin Tip board, the young rider will soon feel comfortable riding in both directions!

Rocker:
The "rocker" describes a board that is raised on both sides beyond the bindings. It helps eliminate edging mistakes (and therefore falls!) while making it easier to turn on the slopes.

Combine these two technologies and you'll make it easier for them to learn!

Although our junior range offers the same programme for each model, we offer 3 different sizes, each with its own design.

4/ HOW TO CHOOSE SNOWBOARD BINDINGS FOR YOUR CHILD?

The choice of bindings depends on the size of the snowboard boots. Every binding is marked with a guide.

We strongly recommend that you try the bindings with your kid’s snowboard boots to make sure they

  • XS junior snowboard binding

    ➤ XS = 30 – 33 (UK 11.5 - 1)

    These XS bindings are suitable for shoe sizes 30 to 33 (UK 11.5 to 1).

  • S junior snowboard binding

    ➤ S = 34 – 38 (UK 1.5 - 5)

    These S bindings are suitable for shoe sizes 34 to 38 (UK 1.5 to 5).

kids’ mondopoint snowboard boots

5/ How do I choose kids’ snowboard boots?

It's normal for snowboard boots to be bulky and rather stiff! This means, it's not always obvious whether you've chosen the right size.

Here are two tips to help you:
- If you remove the liner from the boot, you'll be able to feel your kid's toes and check if there's enough room or not.
- If the boot doesn't have a liner, remove the insole and place your kid's foot on top of it. There should be a 10 mm gap between the big toe and the end of the insole. This small 10 mm gap is very important. Air is a good thermal insulator and will help keep your kid's feet nice and warm!

BE CAREFUL!
Some snowboard brands use Mondopoint rather than the standard size system. If this is the case, we advise you to refer to the table to identify your kid's corresponding size.

kids’ snowboard body protection

6 - Finally, complete their equipment

As snowboarding is a gliding sport, your young rider will need all the safety equipment they can get their hands on.

A ski helmet is obviously essential, along with goggles to protect their eyes from UV rays, which are particularly strong in the mountains.

We also recommend wearing a back protector, to protect their back in the event of a fall. There are now lightweight back protectors that can be completely hidden under a ski jacket.

A few tips you may also be interested in:

kid skiing with helmet

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