snowboarding profiles logo mountain

Snowboarding Profiles

  • SNOWBOARDS
    • Top Snowboard Picks 2024-2025
    • Snowboard Reviews
    • Snowboard Buying Guide
    • Snowboard Length Sizing
    • Snowboard Width Sizing
    • For Beginners
    • Setup/Maintenance
  • BINDINGS
    • Top Bindings Picks 2024-2025
    • Binding Reviews
    • Binding Buying Guides
    • Binding Sizing
    • Binding and Board Compatbility
    • For Beginners
    • Bindings Setup
  • SNOWBOARD BOOTS
    • Top Boots Picks 2024-2025
    • Boot Reviews
    • Boot Buying Guides
    • Sizing and Fit
    • Boot Fit by Brand
    • For Beginners
    • More
  • OUTERWEAR
    • Top Jacket Picks
    • Top Pants Picks
    • Jacket Buying Guide
    • Pants Buying Guide
    • Goggles Buying Guide
    • Helmet Buying Guide
    • Base Layers Buying Guide
    • More
  • About
    • About SP
    • Shop Merch

The Best Snowboards for Beginners 2024-2025

Last Updated: October 19, 2024 by Nate

Best Beginner Snowbaords 2024-2025

If you're just starting out on your snowboard journey and are looking for a board that will help you progress as fast as possible and help you to build confidence on a snowboard, then this is the list for you. 

We've narrowed down to what we think are the best 10 snowboards for beginners for the 2024-2025 season. 

Why these boards were chosen?

These boards are all easy to turn and perform well at slower speeds, so you don't have to try to learn while hurtling down at breakneck speeds (which can lead to a crude technique, which is developed more as a survive-the-hill technique than a smooth, efficient technique. 

And having a good foundation technique will then allow you to build on top of that much more easily. These boards have been selected to suit that early development and help you to learn good technique at slower speeds, so you can build on that in the future. 

Tldr: The boards are all great for starting out your snowboarding Journey. 

With that out of the way, let's get into the top 10. 


Quick Navigation
#10=: GNU GWO
#10=: Ride Agenda
#9: Burton Ripcord
#8: YES Basic
#7: Burton Instigator
#6: Salomon Sight
#5: Nidecker Play
#4: K2 Standard
#3: Rossignol Ampage Mind Expander
#2: Nitro Prime
#1: Rossignol Evader


#10=: GNU GWO

GNU GWO 2025

Beginner Board Rating Score: 89.5/100

Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Style of Board: Freestyle

Flex: Soft (3/10)

  *HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION




GNU GWO 2025 at evo.com
GNU GWO 2025 at curated.com
GNU GWO 2024 at rei.com
WordPress Responsive Table

GNU GWO 2025 at evo.com
WordPress Responsive Table

GNU GWO 2024 at blue-tomato.com
WordPress Responsive Table


GNU GWO 2025 at evo.com
GNU GWO 2025 at curated.com
GNU GWO 2024 at rei.com
WordPress Responsive Table


GNU GWO 2025 at evo.com
WordPress Responsive Table


GNU GWO 2024 at blue-tomato.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Starting off the list at #10 we have GNU's GWO.

The GWO is one of the easiest boards to turn going around, so if you're still trying to link your turns, this is one board that will make it easy to do. 

And if you're looking at getting into riding freestyle/park, then this will be a great investment for that style of riding. 

Also a great option for those that encounter hard/icy conditions often but still want a looser feeling, easy going board. 

Score Breakdown for the GWO

FACTOR Rating (/5) weighting total score weighted rounded score
Weighted
Flex Score 5 20 20 20/20
Stability 4 20 16 16/20
Turning Ease 5 25 25 25/25
Price 4 10 8 8/10
Versatility 3.5 15 10.5 10.5/15
Shape & Stance 5 5 5 5/5
Base 5 5 5 5/5
TOTAL (after normalizing):100 89.5 89.5 89.5/100
WordPress Responsive Table

#10=: Ride Agenda

Ride Agenda 2025

Beginner Board Rating Score: 89.5/100

Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Style of Board: Freestyle

Flex: Soft (3/10)




Ride Agenda 2025 at evo.com
Ride Agenda 2025 at curated.com
Ride Agenda 2025 at backcountry.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Ride Agenda 2025 at evo.com
Ride Agenda 2024 at prfo.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Ride Agenda 2025 at blue-tomato.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Ride Agenda 2025 at evo.com
Ride Agenda 2025 at curated.com
Ride Agenda 2025 at backcountry.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Ride Agenda 2025 at evo.com
Ride Agenda 2024 at prfo.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Ride Agenda 2025 at blue-tomato.com
WordPress Responsive Table

The Agenda is very much a freestyle snowboard – so if you were to go into something other than that once you progressed past the beginner phase, you would need to upgrade. But it's also great for just learning how to ride on before you get to that point. 

It has an easy going hybrid camber profile with a camber section under the feet for stability and rocker sections towards the tip and tail for easier turn initiation plus a nice easy soft flex rating of 3 out of 10.  

Score Breakdown for the Agenda

FACTOR Rating (/5) weighting total score weighted rounded score
Weighted
Flex Score 5 20 20 20/20
Stability 5 20 20 20/20
Turning Ease 4.5 25 22.5 22.5/25
Price 4 10 8 8/10
Versatility 3 15 9 9/15
Shape & Stance 5 5 5 5/5
Base 5 5 5 5/5
TOTAL (after normalizing):100 89.5 89.5 89.5/100
WordPress Responsive Table

#9: Burton Ripcord

Burton Ripcord 2025

Beginner Board Rating Score: 89.5/100

Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Style of Board: Freeride

Flex: Soft (2/10)




Burton Ripcord 2025 at evo.com
Burton Ripcord 2025 at blauerboardshop.com
Burton Ripcord 2025 at burton.com
Burton Ripcord 2025 at curated.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Burton Ripcord 2025 at evo.com
Burton Ripcord 2025 at burton.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Burton Ripcord 2025 at burton.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Burton Ripcord 2025 at evo.com
Burton Ripcord 2025 at blauerboardshop.com
Burton Ripcord 2025 at burton.com
Burton Ripcord 2025 at curated.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Burton Ripcord 2025 at evo.com
Burton Ripcord 2025 at burton.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Burton Ripcord 2025 at burton.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Any beginner should have an easy time building confidence on Burton's Ripcord. And it's even better for those that see their snowboarding going down the freeriding direction and/or for those who see powder in their near future. 

Score Breakdown for the Ripcord

FACTOR Rating (/5) weighting total score weighted rounded score
Weighted
Flex Score 5 20 20 20/20
Stability 4.5 20 18 18/20
Turning Ease 5 25 25 25/25
Price 4.5 10 9 9/10
Versatility 3.5 15 10.5 10.5/15
Shape & Stance 2 5 2 2/5
Base 5 5 5 5/5
TOTAL (after normalizing):100 89.5 89.5 89.5/100
WordPress Responsive Table

#8: YES Basic

YES Basic 2025

Beginner Board Rating Score: 90.5/100

Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate

Style of Board: Freestyle

Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)

  *TOP TIER HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION

The YES Basic is a great little freestyle board that is also well suited to beginners.

It has a nice forgiving medium-soft flex, is easy to turn on but still feels very stable underfoot up to moderate speeds.

It’s also a great option for those that often ride in harder or icy conditions and is very versatile. It's the kind of board that can take you beyond the beginner stage and even beyond the intermediate stage, if you're riding takes a freestyle dominant path.




>>YES Basic 2025 at evo.com
>>YES Basic 2025 at blauerboardshop.com
>>YES Basic 2025 at curated.com
>>YES Basic 2025 at backcountry.com
WordPress Responsive Table

>>YES Basic 2024 at prfo.com
WordPress Responsive Table

>>YES Basic 2025 at snowboard-asylum.com
WordPress Responsive Table


>>YES Basic 2025 at evo.com
>>YES Basic 2025 at blauerboardshop.com
>>YES Basic 2025 at curated.com
>>YES Basic 2025 at backcountry.com
WordPress Responsive Table


>>YES Basic 2024 at prfo.com
WordPress Responsive Table


>>YES Basic 2025 at snowboard-asylum.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Score Breakdown for the Basic

FACTOR Rating (/5) weighting total score weighted rounded score
Weighted
Flex Score 4.5 20 18 18/20
Stability 5 20 20 20/20
Turning Ease 4.5 25 22.5 22.5/25
Price 4 10 8 8/10
Versatility 4 15 12 12/15
Shape & Stance 5 5 5 5/5
Base 5 5 5 5/5
TOTAL (after normalizing):100 90.5 90.5 90.5/100
WordPress Responsive Table

#7: Burton Instigator

Burton Instigator 2025

Beginner Board Rating Score: 91.5/100

Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate

Style of Board: All-Mountain

Flex: Soft (2/10)




Burton Instigator 2025 at evo.com
Burton Instigator 2025 at blauerboardshop.com
Burton Instigator 2025 at burton .com
WordPress Responsive Table

Burton Instigator 2025 at evo.com
Burton Instigator 2025 at burton.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Burton Instigator 2025 at burton.com
Burton Instigator 2024 at blue-tomato.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Burton Instigator 2025 at evo.com
Burton Instigator 2025 at blauerboardshop.com
Burton Instigator 2025 at burton .com
WordPress Responsive Table


Burton Instigator 2025 at evo.com
Burton Instigator 2025 at burton.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Burton Instigator 2025 at burton.com
Burton Instigator 2024 at blue-tomato.com
WordPress Responsive Table

The Instigator is a great board to get your snowboard learning underway and whilst you’ll probably want to upgrade once you’ve surpassed the intermediate phase, it can take you into any type of riding you would want to go, such is it's versatility. 

It's not the cheapest on this list - but it's one of the most beginner friendly boards going around.  

Score Breakdown for the Instigator

FACTOR Rating (/5) weighting total score weighted rounded score
Weighted
Flex Score 5 20 20 20/20
Stability 4.5 20 18 18/20
Turning Ease 5 25 25 25/25
Price 4 10 8 8/10
Versatility 4 15 12 12/15
Shape & Stance 3.5 5 3.5 3.5/5
Base 5 5 5 5/5
TOTAL (after normalizing):100 91.5 91.5 91.5/100
WordPress Responsive Table

#6: Salomon Sight

Salomon Sight 2025

Beginner Board Rating Score: 91.5/100

Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate

Style of Board: Freeride

Flex: medium-Soft (4/10)




Salomon Sight 2025 at evo.com
Salomon Sight 2025 at blauerboardshop.com
Salomon Sight 2025 at curated.com
Salomon Sight 2025 at rei.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Salomon Sight 2025 at evo.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Salomon Sight 2024 at blue-tomato.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Salomon Sight 2025 at evo.com
Salomon Sight 2025 at blauerboardshop.com
Salomon Sight 2025 at curated.com
Salomon Sight 2025 at rei.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Salomon Sight 2025 at evo.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Salomon Sight 2024 at blue-tomato.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Like the Ripcord above, the Sight is great for anyone who sees powder/freeriding in their future. 

The sight is also great for anyone looking to progress a little deeper into their intermediate level without having to change boards. 

And also makes a really good option for those a little bigger than average physically or those who are physically stronger/fitter than normal, with it's flex being a little stiffer than the average of this list. 

Score Breakdown for the Sight

FACTOR Rating (/5) weighting total score weighted rounded score
Weighted
Flex Score 4.5 20 18 18/20
Stability 5 20 20 20/20
Turning Ease 5 25 25 25/25
Price 4.5 10 9 9/10
Versatility 3.5 15 10.5 10.5/15
Shape & Stance 4 5 4 4/5
Base 5 5 5 5/5
TOTAL (after normalizing):100 91.5 91.5 91.5/100
WordPress Responsive Table

#5: Nidecker Play

Nidecker Play 2025

Beginner Board Rating Score: 91.5/100

Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate

Style of Board: All-Mountain

Flex: medium-Soft (4/10)




Nidecker Play 2025 at evo.com
Nidecker Play 2025 at blauerboardshop.com
Nidecker Play 2025 at curated.com
Nidecker Play 2025 at nidecker.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Nidecker Play 2025 at nidecker.com
WordPress Responsive Table



Nidecker Play 2025 at evo.com
Nidecker Play 2025 at blauerboardshop.com
Nidecker Play 2025 at curated.com
Nidecker Play 2025 at nidecker.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Nidecker Play 2025 at nidecker.com
WordPress Responsive Table



At #5 we have Nidecker's Play. A really versatile option for those who want to keep their options open with regards to how they develop their snowboarding style or those who have no clue what their snowboarding journey is going to look like or what one could even look like! 

Or just for those who only ever see themselves just casually cruising down groomers at moderate speeds. It has all avenues covered, as well as being an easy board to learn on, of course. 

The Play brings with it a nice combination of a friendly flat-to-rocker profile, an easy going flex and a friendly price-tag. 

Score Breakdown for the Play

FACTOR Rating (/5) weighting total score weighted rounded score
Weighted
Flex Score 4.5 20 18 18/20
Stability 4.5 20 18 18/20
Turning Ease 5 25 25 25/25
Price 5 10 10 10/10
Versatility 4 15 12 12/15
Shape & Stance 4.5 5 4.5 4.5/5
Base 4 5 4 4/5
TOTAL (after normalizing):100 91.5 91.5 91.5/100
WordPress Responsive Table

#4: K2 Standard

K2 Standard 2025

Beginner Board Rating Score: 92/100

Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate

Style of Board: All-Mountain

Flex: Soft (2/10)




K2 Standard 2025 at evo.com
K2 Standard 2025 at curated.com
K2 Standard 2024 at blauerboardshop.com
WordPress Responsive Table

K2 Standard 2025 at evo.com
WordPress Responsive Table



K2 Standard 2025 at evo.com
K2 Standard 2025 at curated.com
K2 Standard 2024 at blauerboardshop.com
WordPress Responsive Table


K2 Standard 2025 at evo.com
WordPress Responsive Table



In at #4, we have the K2 Standard, a mainstay in this list for several years, and for good reason. 

Like most here, it’s an up-to-intermediate level ride but it’s definitely a do-it-all kind of board – so you won’t have to worry about knowing the type of riding that you think you'll like.

More importantly, it’s a board designed to be very easy to ride and to build confidence on. This is a great option to start your snowboarding journey out on.

Score Breakdown for the Standard

FACTOR Rating (/5) weighting total score weighted rounded score
Weighted
Flex Score 5 20 20 20/20
Stability 4.5 20 18 18/20
Turning Ease 5 25 25 25/25
Price 4 10 8 8/10
Versatility 4 15 12 12/15
Shape & Stance 4 5 4 4/5
Base 5 5 5 5/5
TOTAL (after normalizing):100 92 92 92/100
WordPress Responsive Table

#3: Rossignol Ampage Mind Expander

Rossignol Ampage Mind Expander 2024-2025 Snowboard

Beginner Board Rating Score: 92/100

Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate

Style of Board: FREESTYLE

Flex: Soft (3/10)




Rossignol Ampage 2025 at evo.com
Rossignol Ampage 2025 at curated.com
Rossignol Ampage 2025 at backcountry.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Rossignol Ampage 2025 at evo.com
WordPress Responsive Table



Rossignol Ampage 2025 at evo.com
Rossignol Ampage 2025 at curated.com
Rossignol Ampage 2025 at backcountry.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Rossignol Ampage 2025 at evo.com
WordPress Responsive Table



The Ampage Mind Expander from Rossignol is new for 2025, but it's very similar to the outgoing District and picks up where the District left off - only with a friendlier price-tag, which is always good! 

Like the District was, the Ampage is a freestyle oriented board, but for is also very good for learning the basics on. And then you can either sell it when you upgrade or keep it in your quiver as your park board, if you get into that side of riding. 

Score Breakdown for the Ampage Mind Expander

FACTOR Rating (/5) weighting total score weighted rounded score
Weighted
Flex Score 5 20 20 20/20
Stability 4.5 20 18 18/20
Turning Ease 5 25 25 25/25
Price 5 10 10 10/10
Versatility 3 15 9 9/15
Shape & Stance 5 5 5 5/5
Base 5 5 5 5/5
TOTAL (after normalizing):100 92 92 92/100
WordPress Responsive Table

#2: Nitro Prime

Nitro Prime 2025

Beginner Board Rating Score: 92/100

Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate

Style of Board: All-Mountain

Flex: MEDIUM-Soft (4/10)




>>Nitro Prime 2025 at evo.com
Nitro Prime 2025 at blauerboardshop.com
Nitro Prime 2025 at curated.com
Nitro Prime 2025 at backcountry.com
WordPress Responsive Table




>>Nitro Prime 2025 at evo.com
Nitro Prime 2025 at blauerboardshop.com
Nitro Prime 2025 at curated.com
Nitro Prime 2025 at backcountry.com
WordPress Responsive Table





At #2 we have the Nitro Prime. The Prime is an easy to ride/progress on entry level board, that is nice and versatile for those starting out not knowing how they want to ride yet. 

It's the equal cheapest board (along with the Nidecker Play (#5 above) and Rossignol Ampage (#3 above)) on this list too, so if you're a beginner snowboarder on a budget, this is definitely worth considering. 

Score Breakdown for the Prime

FACTOR Rating (/5) weighting total score weighted rounded score
Weighted
Flex Score 4.5 20 18 18/20
Stability 4.5 20 18 18/20
Turning Ease 5 25 25 25/25
Price 5 10 10 10/10
Versatility 4 15 12 12/15
Shape & Stance 4 5 4 4/5
Base 5 5 5 5/5
TOTAL (after normalizing):100 92 92 92/100
WordPress Responsive Table

#1: Rossignol Evader

Rossignol Evader 2024-2025 Snowboard

Beginner Board Rating Score: 93/100

Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate

Style of Board: All-Mountain

Flex: Soft (3/10)




Rossignol Evader 2025 at evo.com
Rossignol Evader 2025 at curated.com
Rossignol Evader 2025 at backcountry.com
WordPress Responsive Table

Rossignol Evader 2025 at evo.com
Rossignol Evader 2025 at rossignol.com
WordPress Responsive Table



Rossignol Evader 2025 at evo.com
Rossignol Evader 2025 at curated.com
Rossignol Evader 2025 at backcountry.com
WordPress Responsive Table


Rossignol Evader 2025 at evo.com
Rossignol Evader 2025 at rossignol.com
WordPress Responsive Table



And finally in the #1 position for our 2025 list, we have Rossignol's Evader, for the second year running.  

The Evader has a very friendly camber profile, a nice easy soft flex and provides a very versatile, catch-free ride that allows you to progress into which ever area of snowboarding you want. It also comes in at a friendly price tag. 

Tldr: ticks all the boxes as a beginner board. 

Score Breakdown for the Evader

FACTOR Rating (/5) weighting total score weighted rounded score
Weighted
Flex Score 5 20 20 20/20
Stability 4.5 20 18 18/20
Turning Ease 5 25 25 25/25
Price 4.5 10 9 9/10
Versatility 4 15 12 12/15
Shape & Stance 4 5 4 4/5
Base 5 5 5 5/5
TOTAL (after normalizing):100 93 93 93/100
WordPress Responsive Table

Over To You

So there you have our top 10 snowboards for beginners for the 2024-2025 season. Hopefully this has helped you in choosing your beginner snowboard.

For more information and current prices, check out the links above, under each board (in the flag tabs). 

Share 0
Post 0
Pin 0

Filed Under: 2024 Snowboard Reviews, 2025 Snowboard Reviews, Men's Beginner Snowboard Reviews, Snowboard Top 10s Tagged With: best beginner snowboards, mens snowboards for beginners, snowboards for beginners, snowboards for beginners 2024-2025, top snowboards for beginners

About Nate

Nate is passionate about and loves learning new things everyday about snowboarding, particularly the technical aspects of snowboarding gear. That, and becoming a better rider and just enjoying and getting the most out of life.

Follow Snowboarding Profiles

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
back-to-top

Recent Comments

  • Nate on Burton Free Thinker Snowboard Review
  • Nate on Capita Kazu Kokubo Snowboard Review
  • Nate on Never Summer Valhalla Snowboard Review

Snowboardingprofiles.com participates in affiliate programs and may earn commissions on products linked to on this site.  More Details

Snowboardingprofiles.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Copyright © 2014–2025 · SnowboardingProfiles.com

  • Home
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact