The purpose of this article is to help you more accurately identify the different snowboarding skill levels and, more importantly, where you currently fit in terms of snowboarding ability.
First let's look at some ability levels and see where you might fit, and then let's take a look at why you might want to know your skill level.
SNOWBOARDING SKILL LEVELS 1-8
(click on the relevant tabs for more info)
- INTERMEDIATE 5-6
- ADVANCED 7
- EXPERT 8+
Beginner Level 1: This is your first day (or first couple of days). You are brand new. You start out learning how to control your speed and get some distance down a slope without bailing! You are learning how to stop yourself without falling.
Beginner Level 2: You are now relatively comfortable snowflaking, that is guiding yourself down the slope on the same edge. You are becoming more adept at being able to stop yourself without falling. You are probably starting to try linking turns but not very successfully just yet.
Beginner Level 3: You can now link turns in both directions (i.e. from your heel edge to your toe edge and your toe edge to your heel edge) on gentle slopes. Your turns are probably C shape turns at this point. You might be branching out into the intermediate runs but not so comfortable linking turns on those yet. Sliding (falling leaf) on intermediate runs is probably within your realm though.
Beginner Level 4: You can now link turns in both directions (i.e. from your heel edge to your toe edge and your toe edge to your heel edge) on green (beginner) and intermediate (blue) slopes. Your turns are now becoming "S" shape turns. You can now control your speed well.
Progressing Through the Levels
It's important to note that most people move through the beginner stages quicker than they move through the other phases. A very quick learner, who takes lessons from a quality instructor might get to beginner level 4 in a matter of a handful of days on the mountain.
For most it will be longer than that but usually not too long. But for those who only spend 2-4 days a season on the mountain, it can take 3-4 seasons, or more.
But that same person will spend longer in level 4, and may be at level 5 for 3 times as long as what they took to get through 4 levels.
Then progressing from level 5 to 6 might take twice as long again.
The higher the level, the slower you tend to move to the next level - especially if you aren't setting goals and aren't getting regular lessons. A lot of riders find they can get stuck in the intermediate phase indefinitely. And a lot are perfectly happy to be at that level too, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
But if you do want to break through to the advanced level, it is often more difficult. requires a desire and a plan, and takes more time than moving through the earlier levels. Each level is progressively harder to reach.
Reasons Why You Might Want to Know Your Ability Level
Below are a few reasons why you might want to know where you're at (besides curiosity).
Reason Number 1: The Right Snowboard Gear
Probably the most important reason you need to know your level of ability is to help you choose the right snowboard, bindings and boots.
The right board can make learning much easier for beginners and if you are an expert rider you want a board that can do everything you need it to.
One of the specs you will see when you are buying is whether the board is for Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Expert. Often it is the case the board may cover a range - i.e. Beginner to Advanced.
When you are hiring a board, one of the first questions you are asked is ‘What is your ability level?”
If you are a beginner, check out the following on how to choose a beginner snowboard.
>>How to Choose the best Snowboard for a Beginner
Reason Number 2
The second reason is for goal setting. If you are someone who likes to set goals to help yourself improve (which is a great idea as you will progress much faster if you have something to aim for) then you will need to know where you are.
In order to get to where you want to be, you need a map with 3 things on it:
1. Where you want to go (your goal, your aim, your target);
2. A plan of how to get there; and
3. Where you currently are (the “you are here” on your map)
If you don’t know where you are then you won’t know what direction you need to go in to arrive at your target. Discovering your ability level fulfills number 3 above.
Reason Number 3
If you are looking to take lessons then it is very beneficial to know your level so you know which level of lesson is the best for you - a lot of lessons even state what ability level that they are designed for (usually on a 1-7 or 1-8 system).
There could also be other reasons why you would want to know your snowboard ability level - maybe even just curiosity. Whichever reason you fit under, you will be able to get a better gauge of just what your level is in the next section.
Finding out Where you Fit
Generally speaking, from what I have seen anyway, there are two different systems various groups use to rank snowboarding abilities. The first is using the Beginner to Expert system and the second is using the Level 1-7 or 1-8 system.
Beginner to Expert System
In this system you will need to decide if you are Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Expert.
This is mostly used for gear buying decisions - but also used in general discussion with other riders - e.g. if you were part of a snowboard club and were looking for riders of similar ability.
When you are searching for a snowboard to buy. you will notice that they sometimes determine the level of ability that the snowboard is designed for. This can be anything from Beginner to Expert or a combination e.g. Advanced to Expert.
The other place you will see these is on the mountain itself. Typically downhill runs are classified as either Beginner (Green) Intermediate (Blue) Advanced (Black Diamond) or Expert (Double Black Diamond). Some mountains/countries might use different color codes (e.g. in Europe Green, Blue, Red and Black, where green is learning slopes, blue, easy, red intermediate and black expert).
These tie in somewhat with the ability levels but it is definitely a blurry line.
Check Out the tabbed Skill Levels box at the top of this post for a description of what skills are typically associated with the different levels.
Levels 1-7 or 1-8 System
The other system I’ve seen used is the 1-8 grading system (which can sometimes be 1-7 or 1-9). This gives a wider range than the beginner to expert ratings, so allows a more accurate reading.
A system like this is often used for determining an appropriate level for snowboard lessons. And is a good way to determine your ability level for your own self-directed progression.
A typical system like this will have:
- 3-4 Beginner Levels
- 2-3 Intermediate Levels
- 1 Advanced Level
- 1 Expert Level
Check Out the tabbed Skill Levels box at the top of this post for a description of what skills are typically associated with the different levels.
What’s Your Snowboarding Ability Level?
Hopefully, this information has helped you to more accurately classify your own ability level. Of course you may be at one level in some aspects and another at other aspects.
It’s best to be honest about this with yourself. If your picture of where you are on the map is accurate it will make it easier to navigate to where you want to be.
It will also help you to make a more accurate board purchase.
Finally, if you are looking to take lessons then it is better to be in a lesson level that is best suited to your progression. If you rate yourself too high, you may end up doing things beyond your level and miss out on things that you really needed to learn. If you rate yourself too low, you won’t be challenging yourself to improve.
Personally I classify myself as higher level intermediate (level 6) bordering on advanced (level 7). I am confident on black runs and uneven terrain off the groomers and in the backcountry, fairly competent riding switch, confident straight airing small, medium and large jumps in the park and ollies off rollers and lips, turning sharply and at speed, adequate carving, relatively down with down-unweighted turns, boxes in the park, grabs, 180s of smaller features, manuals, butters.
Where do you Fit?
I am always curious to know how others are progressing. If you want to, you can leave a comment below describing where you think you fit in the spectrum. We are all at different levels so there is no right or wrong place to be. Any general comments, questions or feedback are, as always, very welcome.
RELATED POSTS
Hello,
I am a 64 year old, 5’2″ 145lb rider (started when I was 60) looking to move up from skill level 4 and have been riding an Arbor Ethos (147) from the beginning. I just bought a ’24-’25 Jones Twin Sister (146) for next season and am looking for advice on boots and bindings. My Arbor is set up with Burton Scribe bindings and I wear Burton Mint Boa boots. My primary goal for next winter is to start carving.
Hi Toni, thanks for your message.
I would look at something around 6/10 flex for both the boots and bindings, given you’re looking to carve and to be a good match for the board and still not too stiff for your level. 5/10 flex would also work, but I wouldn’t go any softer than that. For bindings, I would check out this list. And for boots this list.
As I’m sure you already know, fit is the most important thing for boots, after that, the right flex, then other things (e.g. shock absorption).
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I currently have a nitro team gullwing 157cm and looking at something a little more freeride orientated but not too agressive. I am intermediate level. 160lbs, 5ft 11, Size 8 US boots (recently sized down after some advice from a shop that my old broken boots were actually too big). I have seen an offer on an Orca 150cm but just slightly concerned it may be too wide for my boots size now and could find the turn intiation too slow. Do you think this could be a problem and would there be anything else you would recommend for me? Like to try to find powder wherever possible but want something that will still be good on groomers. I also looked at the capita navigator but worried about the edge hold on days when its a bit hard/icy. Thanks, Mark
Hi Mark, thanks for your message.
Yes, it would be wide for your boots, but that’s the idea of this board. You ride it shorter to compensate for it. I think the 150 would be just right for your specs for this board. I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 157/158 – and that’s what you’re riding in the Gullwing. Sizing down to 150 is enough for you for the Orca, IMO. That’s the size I would go with if it was me with the same specs.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Your recommendations helped me buy my first board, the Nitro Lectra, and I love it! I was a beginner and have since made it to Intermediate Level 5. I was wondering if the Never Summer Infinity is different enough to justify an upgrade.
My riding goals & style:
– want to become solid Intermediate 6
– prefer all-mountain style
– want to do some ground tricks and switch riding, but figure the Lectra will be good for all those needs
– don’t reliably get powder or ice, but want a board that’s slightly better at varied conditions than the Lectra
And one more question: I have boots and bindings that suit beginner needs for the Lectra (Mint boa boots and soft Union bindings), so would I need to upgrade those for the stiffer Infinity board?
Thank you!
Hi Jennifer
Thanks for your message.
The Infinity is a pretty easy going board, so it’s not going to be a huge upgrade technically from the Lectra. It will be a step up, just not a big one. If that’s what you’re looking for (not too big a step up and something that’s still easy riding), then it’s a good choice, but if you want a bit more of a challenge and a bit more of a step up, there are other options.
If you do go Infinity, I think you get away with your beginner bindings/boots, just because it’s not an overly stiff board. Ideally, I think you’d go a little stiffer in your boots/bindings, but you wouldn’t have to with the Infinity. If you were going to more of a 5/10 to 6/10 flex board for your next one, then I would be more inclined to upgrade your boots/bindings at the same time.
Hope this helps
I was hoping you could review the Kemper freestyle board for 2021-2022 in the 146cm. Would that be a good option for a newly intermediate rider who is 5’2 145lbs who does mostly all mountain but wants to get into a little bit of park? I’m also mostly riding icy conditions. Thanks
Hi Brooke
Thanks for your message.
We haven’t tested the Kemper Freestyle, so couldn’t say for sure if it would be suitable or not. The one thing that would concern me about it is it’s flex rating, which is 7/10, which you might find challenging for your level and particularly challenging if you’re trying to learn tricks on it. Hard to say how stiff it is for sure, having not ridden it, as flex ratings tend to differ between brands. But if it’s a 7/10 flex the way we would feel 7/10, then it would be stiffer than ideal, IMO. Beyond that can’t say much, having not tested it or any Kemper snowboards in general, to really get a feel for what it might be like.
i’m wrighting a paper at school what are your thoughts on kids doing advanced snowboarding.
Hi Olivia
I think, and this is just my opinion, that kids can be doing advanced snowboarding, so long as it’s in a safe way and they’ve built up their skill over time and it’s an appropriate next step for them.
I think it’s important that they don’t get ahead of themselves and try something that’s too far outside of their current skillset. But if it’s taking small steps and gradually improving and adding new skills when it’s appropriate to do so, and remaining in control and not trying to reach too far before their ready, then I think kid’s can be advanced and doing advanced things. But I do think it should be done carefully, in control and with appropriate protective gear.
But I’m not an instructor or anything and I don’t have any specific knowledge in snowboard instruction or kid’s snowboard gear, so this is just my opinion.
Good luck with the paper.
hi its Olivia at school i’m writing my paper notes you helped a lot iv’e been doing this 6 years and needed another opinion.
Hi there! Thanks for writing this piece.
I feel I fit best currently within the 6 bucket. This makes me feel happy, because I just started boarding a year ago. Hockey background, but no prior ski, surf, or skateboard/longboard experience. I’m 28 years old. I’ve ridden 26 total days in the past 12 months at 15 different resorts, most in northeastern U.S. I live in New England. Most mountains are 3+ hours away from me, and I have a full-time 8-5 hybrid-remote job. I like watch YouTube videos, read articles, and try different gear. Picked up skateboarding between last season and this one, which has helped a lot.
As far as snowboarding goes, I am confident with 180s and usually spin some before every run now – that was a big goal for me to hit, as well as comfort with turns both regular and switch. I can butter, but for only a few seconds, so I’d like to extend that time. I’ll focus more on dry-train for butters in the off-season or on easier slopes. I love to check behind me when I can and see clean lines. I find lips fun and dabble in off-piste in the woods and on edges of groomed trails, which are best when they are fluffy. I’m able to do ollies, small jumps, and board-slides on boxes both regular and switch. Getting more and more air is a consistent goal for me. Even though I wear knee and wrist guards and always a helmet, pipes are intimidating. The great news is that blacks are always doable now, even if they’re icy. I haven’t tried a grab yet, but that is an upcoming goal; same for 360s and 50-50s.
I appreciate you pointing out that improvement accelerates with a plan and clear goals. Thanks for defining these different skills within each level!
Hi KS
Thanks for your message. Great to hear you’re progressing nicely. Definitely helps when you can get a good number of days under your belt early on. Great that you have a plan to try more things too – always looking to improve and learn new skills on the board is a great way to not only improve but get even more enjoyment. Happy riding!
I’ve been curious about something with all of the board reviews I’ve read. What do you consider fast? And what is considered a small, medium, and large jump? I’ve read reviews like on the Rome Agent that talk about how it’s not comfortable going fast. The top speed I hit the other day was 36 mph, which in my opinion is fast but definitely not as fast as some people go. Is that a speed where a board like the Rome Agent wouldn’t be comfortable? And the jumps I do are in the 8-30 foot range (lip to knuckle), which I would consider small to medium. Is that right?
Hi Markham
Thanks for your message and great questions.
In terms of speed, I would say anything in that 20-30mph range is medium or moderate speed. <20mph is slow speed. From 30-40mph is moderately fast and anything in that 40mph+ is fast. We typically try to speed test to around 50mph. I certainly know people who do 70mph+ but that's incredibly fast and we don't test to those kinds of speeds.
So 36mph would be in that moderately fast area - at which the Agent can handle decently well. I wouldn't say it's ultra stable at that speed but can certainly handle it.
In terms of jumps, there's no exact standard because of different lips, heights and each resort tends to rate them differently. But I would say roughly speaking:
XS: 10-15'
S: 15-20'
M: 20-30'
L: 30-40'
XL: >40′
Hope this helps
I think I am a 5. I would like to progress to 6. Are there certain things I should definitely look to learn to progress there. I understand that without seeing someone ride, its difficult to tell what exactly to do, hence group/private lessons are probably the best way to go about it. But if you were to give an advice on what things to learn for an intermdiate snowboarder to improve their comfort level on black, what would you suggest?
Thanks
Hi Aditya
Thanks for your message.
Easiest and fastest way to improve is lessons for sure. Having the right gear for you and your riding style is also super important – and on the other post, we hopefully have that side of things sorted. If there’s one thing technique wise that’s the most worth mentioning, it’s probably in the knees – most people to being with don’t have enough bend in their knees. Sometimes it feels like you do, but often you’re not bending them as much as you think you are. That’s of course only one thing and a good instructor will find several things to improve on.
Good write up and thanks I had wondered what my skill level would be if looking to get some lessons. Gear by skill level has been a bit frustrating for me. After hiring for a few days to try snowboarding the next season I picked up soft boots feeling like they would last me a fairly short season as a beginner from what a read. Within a few days I was linking turns fairly well and found they weren’t for me, they felt so washy and unsuportive so I moved to something firmer (burton swath)… Having picked up a stiffer side of medium all mountain board (lib tech trs) as a first board I was inclined to bomb down hills rather than butter and play (purchased a seperate board for this for next season lib box knife) before the end of my 14 day first season I was bombing down the steepest slopes I could find riding switch anywhere lacking features in my line to save my legs and pushing it by jumping rocks and gaps in the steepest parts available on what was left open at the end of the season. By this stage these boots felt like they wouldn’t go to waste as I will keep them for my box scratcher but still felt these were not supportive or responsive enough.. so now on a 3rd set of boots and purchasing stiffer bindings within 14 days of boarding… feeling like I had at bare minimum wasted time and mondy buying any soft boots… I feel like if I was to get into park more I would still prefer to be doing this at least somewhere around medium… I’m sure in a general sense the advice is sound. I just wish I read somewhere some kind of advise that said some thing along the lines of… if you feel like you’re going to be fairly aggressive more so than soaking up the atmosphere… don’t be scared to jump straight into some firmer gear… It’s like riding lowered suspension or putting on some ballet shoes… it might not be comfortable to walk in but if you’re here to dance you need them. Maybe my mistake was trying softer gear on a firmer board… But I feel like even to butter and ride park (which i did only try a bit of, board slides and 50/50 on some low rails and some jumps) I still wouldnt consider dropping to anything below a 4/10 as I can’t imagine ever spending a whole day just in a park. My suggestion in hindsight is if you feel like you are going to be more aggressively onto it… picture yourself how you could see yourself riding within a season and buy for that, could save yourself time, money and just have more chance of getting into some gear thats going to carry you forward. Back on topic is say I’m about a 5 doing many things well but lacking time on the snow and experience to have matured the skill, if I can make it to 6 next season I’ll be quite content to stay about there. No desire to bust any backflips or 720s off natural features. 360s big pop and grabs just fine for me. Definitely a lot of fun picking a line and trying to nail every feature you’ve picked out just as you had imagined.
Hi Scott
Thanks for your message and input. Always good to hear other rider’s experiences. It sounds like you have progressed super-fast, like out-of-the-norm fast, which is cool, but does mean that you’re a more unique case. But yeah, definitely even for park riding going up to medium is a good way to go in terms of boots (bindings and board depends)- which is why I feature mostly mid-flexing boots in this list – >>My Top Freestyle (medium flex) Snowboard Boots. Boots softer than 4/10 are pretty much strictly beginner boots (though there are some people I’ve talked to who prefer really soft boots – even quite advanced riders, so there’s some personal preference too).
But yeah, riding softer boots on a stiffer board is definitely something I wouldn’t do or recommend. I always recommend to match the boot and binding flex with the board, or slightly stiffer with boots and bindings vs the board, but don’t usually recommend softer boots/bindings vs board. So, you’re definitely echoing my experience there.
But yeah a lot of it I think in your case is that you’ve progressed super fast and also you’ve naturally progressed to a more aggressive style. A lot of beginners if they start out with gear too stiff, loose confidence and progress slowly. Personally I’d rather be in your situation of progressing really fast, and having to update your gear to keep up, than being stuck progressing really slowly on gear that is too technical or too stiff, so, bar the money factor of course, you’re in a good place, IMO!
That’s very informative rn I’m a level 6 rider I can hit blacks and double blacks and layout carvs however my park skills aren’t the best and I will focus on them next season. I just can’t seem to get my balance after a jump and ride these rails. I didn’t focus much on the park this season as it was under construction most of the time where I snowboard but next season I should be able to finally get some hours in the park.
Hi Nate,
I just finished up my second day snowboarding on the mountain and I was able to get in a couple blue runs without falling towards the end of my day. I find myself getting in a rhythm at times where I can go from toe to heel and back very smoothly. Based on the scales I would say I’m between low end intermediate to high end beginniner. I took lessons my first day and have been just learning by mistakes since then. I know my progressions seems very quick and I’m kinda skeptical of maybe I’m over exaggerating my skill. However by my second day getting my toe side just clicked at one point and I had been pretty good with my heel side, so linking them seemed to come naturally when I was trying to figure out how to stay in control down the mountain. Next time I plan on warming up on a green run and then go back to doing blues. I’m ready to buy my first board but would be interested on some suggestions first. Thanks for reading all that! Also I’m 20 years old and am a very active person if this helps gage my situation for you.
Hi Shubh
Thanks for your message.
If you feel confident that you’re progressing fast and want to go for something a little more than a beginner board, I would check out the following:
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
If there’s anything specific in there that takes your eye or if you’re weighing up between a couple of them, hit me back if you have questions about them.
Hope this helps
Wow! Its nice to know which level i am now. Im level 3 after 6 days in the slope!
That’s awesome! Sounds like you’re progressing really nicely!
Hello
I’m doing research about snowboarding could you tell me what would be the best boards to start off with, what to look out for, and where I could start practicing how to snowboarding.
Hi Mason
Thanks for your message.
Check out the following links (the first one is specs to look out for when choosing a beginner snowboard and the second is my top 15 beginner snowboard recommendations).
>>How To Choose The Best Snowboard For A Beginner
>>My Top 15 Men’s Snowboards for Beginners
In terms of where to start practicing, that would depend on the area that you are in and what the local ski resorts are. All ski resorts will have a beginner area – I’ve never come across any resorts that don’t have a beginner area. For some tips for getting started, check out the following:
>>7 Steps to Better Snowboarding
Hope this helps
Hello Nate,
You are really great fellow, thank You very much, all Your lessons are the best. Now, I see that You are master in this field and your advice will be big to me.
Here is the situation, I want buy a new snowboard and I am not 100% sure about my decision. Until this moment I have drove my friends ancient Forum 165 cm Wide board. That was huge board for me since I am 70 kg / 180 cm / 42 EU Shoe size. Unbelievably, I have became good on it and I manage to get Intermediate level 4.
Now I want to buy my very own board that I am going to love and take care of him. You know that there is a big market, and I am confused about so many choices. It is impossible for me to demo some boards because there are not Snowboard shops with demo boards in my country Bosnia and Herzegovina. So I have read tons of content and I have shortlist from which I can not chose the right one because I am unsure and I really want my new board to be perfect for my preferences. I have no interest in park, rails, jibing and freestyle. What I like is free riding, powder, speed, carving, tree riding and groomers in resort and only in one goofy stance direction.
The board from top of my shortlist based on my preferences is Nidecker Escape 2018-158 cm for 268Euro, but I am not 100% sure, can You please give me your opinion, it will mean a lot to me. Other boards from shortlist are:
Salomon Sight 159 ( I know it is great, but I am afraid it is too soft)
YES Basic or Typo 158
Burton Clash 158
K2 Standard 158
Of course, Your suggestions are welcome, budget 300Euros.
Thank You very much and kind regards!
Boban
Hi Boban
Thanks for your message.
I think you’re really going to appreciate a shorter board, especially when riding trees. I would say something around 157, 158 would be a good size for you based on your specs, ability and your riding preferences.
Given your riding preferences, I feel like the Sight, Clash and Standard are all going to be on the softer side for you – especially for carves and speed. Since you like to ride in powder and like to ride directional and aren’t worried about riding switch, then the Basic probably isn’t the best option either. The Typo is a better choice but given your style you could go stiffer, more setback and more directional than that again.
I haven’t ridden the Nidecker Escape and don’t know much about it, but based on the specs and a little research, it looks like the most suitable for what you’re describing – but having not ridden it, I couldn’t say much more about it.
I would also check out this list for more options – most on there would be suitable for what you’re describing, IMO.
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
Probably the most suitable from that list are the:
~ Ride Wildlife
~ Rossignol One
~ Jones Mountain Twin
~ Slash Brainstorm
~ Never Summer West
The other option which would work really well, which I rode recently would be the Nitro Team.
None of those would be 300 EUROS at their normal price, but if you can find a deal on them in your size (most 2018 models are now on sale in North America but not sure about in Europe) you might be able to find them for close to 300 EURO.
Hope this helps
Hello Nate,
Thank you very much, you are the best!
Of course you helped me, I have eliminated those Standard, Sight, Basic and Clash, but now I have boards from your list in my shortlist, so I am in the beginning 🙂 , Never Summer was my dream but it is too expensive in Europe, 500 Euro at least.
But there is one alternative and I am blindly warmed up for that. There is second hand Never Summer Cobra 161 from 2014 season and it is in mint condition, it is on Swiss market, and has been driven only on Swiss Alps for few days a year and it is priced 300 Euro with Burton Mala Vita bindings set. I know it is a little hi tech for my level and it is 161 cm, 2 cm bigger than I need, but is it possible that Cobra works for me? What is your respected opinion on this, should I go with that or should I wait little more so I can find something else?
Thanks ahead and very best regards!
Boban
Hi Boban
I think the Cobra (in some ways the pre-cursor to the West) would work for you, but my biggest concern is that the 161 will be too long for you. If I was you I would wait until you could find something else. Certainly sounds like it’s in good condition and the price is good and the board I think would suit you, but size is really important and even with all those other things being right, the wrong size can really affect how you enjoy the board. It would work, but if I was you, I would wait to try to get something in a slightly shorter size.
Hi Nate,
Thank You very much, I will listen your respected advice, and heavy-hearted
skip this offer 🙂
Kind regards and best wishes!
Boban
You’re very welcome Boban. Keep me informed with what you get in the end – and if anything else comes up and you’re not sure about it, feel free to send me a message and I would be happy to give you my opinion
Hello Nate my good man 🙂
I just wanted to let you know that I’ve, after long and heavy decision making process, finally putted my hands on Nidecker Escape 2018 deck. It was very tight race between Ride Wild Life 2018 and this one, but after tons of research I’ve decided for this. Somehow, Escape called my name little louder 🙂 Price was 268 Euro, and I think that was good bang for the buck value.
Needless to say, I can’t wait winter so I can try this deck, especially because I also have new boots and bindings too, 2018 Deeluxe Deemon and 2016 Burton Custom, I am very anxious for snow and white mountains 🙂
I will let you know my impressions as soon as I try this setup, but I really believe that I will not be disappointed.
Kind regards and very best wishes 🙂
Boban
Hi Boban
Thanks for the update. I’m also itching for the season to start!
Look forward to hearing about what you think of your new setup.
Hey Nate, tons of awesome info on your site, thanks so much for dedicating so much time and effort to help the rest of us.
I would say I’m probably just into level 5 range but I only get the chance to ride a couple times a season so I’ve been there a while. I have been riding a K2 raygun 159W for probably the last 6 years and while I’ve had tons of fun on it I think I want something a little more flexible and playful without going with a full on park board. If I find myself in a park I’ll hit small/medium jumps but I’m certainly not spending the day there, I’m more interested in finding natural hits and just having fun all over the mountain. I’ve got a little speed/daredevil side in me but I wouldn’t say that’s my priority either. Is an all mountain freestyle board better than just “all mountain” or would it be over my skill level? I love the “rocker” feel of the raygun compared to the old camber burton I learned on 15 years ago but I haven’t really tried anything else. Any thoughts/recommendations would be appreciated. I’m 6’3, 180lbs and 12-13 boot. Thanks!
Hi Andrew
Thanks for your message.
It’s sounds like an all-mountain-freestyle board would be a really good match for what you’re describing – and definitely a lot of them would be great for your level too. Check out the following for some options:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
And I’d also add Lib Tech TRS and Salomon Assassin to that list – and remove the Assassin Pro (just that it’s likely too stiff for what you’re after).
In terms of length, something around 160 for this type of board, for your specs.
In terms of width, you’ll need to go wide for sure. If you ride with more freestyle angles, like +15/-15, I would say anything 261mm and 271mm in terms of waist width would be suitable – but if you ride with a very straight back binding angle, then you’ll have to up that minimum (oh and that’s assuming size 12s). Check out the following for more on waist width. Also take into account your current board and it’s width and if you haven’t had any issues there, then you can take that into account too.
>>Snowboard Width Sizing
Oh yeah and some of the boards in that list (Rider’s Choice, Greats and Proto Type Two) are asymmetrical twins. For those angles of +15/-15 or similar are recommended.
Hope this gives you some options and more info to go off
Thanks for all the great info, I really appreciate you taking the time. I have seen your breakdown of camber profiles which explains the differences well, but I’m a little fuzzy on what works best for the riding style I’m looking to (hopefully) progress towards. In your opinion what are the main differences between hybrid rocker and hybrid camber profiles in regard to riding styles. I’ve only ever ridden (a very old) traditional camber and the Raygun with flat base/rocker tip and tail. Would one be better for butters and presses? I’ve never been too interested in rails but would like to learn butters and just a more freestyle type of riding without catching edges and falling constantly feeling like I’m starting over as a rider trying to progress from just all mountain cruising lol.
As far as boards go have you ever ridden the Capita DOA or have thoughts on any Burtons like the Process (flying V?) or any others. The TRS looks great but may be out of my price range. I’m leaning towards the Proto Type Two, Riders choice or the Assassin but just exploring options since I’m not in a hurry. Also what are your thoughts on mountain twins? Not sure how many options are out there but just heard the term a couple times in my exploring…
Hi Andrew
In terms of riding style, I would say that something like flat-to-rocker, like your Raygun is a good beginner profile and a good profile for riding jibs (boxes, rails etc). But can lack in terms of pop, spring out of turns and edge-hold. So, not necessarily good for steep, fast riding or riding in hard conditions.
Between Hybrid Rocker and Hybrid Camber, I don’t think either is really more suited to a particular style, IMO. It depends more on the feel that you like. I find that hybrid rocker boards tend to feel a little looser – just having that rocker between the feet makes for a looser feel, in my experience. But how loose, depends on how long the rocker section is and how pronounced the rocker is. Hybrid cambers are more stable feeling – and can go beyond stable to feeling locked-in (again depending on how long the camber sections are and how pronounced they are). But they don’t tend to feel loose, in my experience.
In terms of buttering, in my head I’m always thinking that something with rocker tip and tail will make a board easier to butter, which would point towards hybrid camber as being better for buttering, but in practice I find hybrid rockers tend to be just as good for buttering a lot of the time. I think one of the keys is how flexible the tip and tail are. Some boards are stiffer tip and tail and softer between the bindings and some the other way around. Boards with softer tip/tail tend to be easier to butter, in my experience. I think rocker there probably helps a little bit, but I think it’s the flex that makes more of a difference.
The DOA, is a more aggressive style all-mountain-freestyle board and one that’s not the easiest to butter (still definitely butterable but not as easy as the others listed, in my experience. The PT2, Riders Choice, Assassin and Process Flying V are all pretty good for buttering.
The Process Flying V is kind of in between all-mountain-freestyle and all-mountain. It’s pretty much a true twin, but it has a setback stance (12.5mm) – so that makes it closer to all-mountain than all-mountain-freestyle. But that doesn’t mean you have to go all-mountain-freestyle, so the Process Flying V ould be suitable. Though it’s not the best in hard conditions, so if you ride those a lot, then the others would be more suitable, IMO.
The term “mountain twin” from what I can tell just means a directional twin board (usually from what I’ve seen twin except that the nose is a little longer than the tail) that has a centered reference stance. Arbor make a few of them. Something like this would also be an option. So, the all-mountain-freestyle boards we’ve been looking at (e.g. PT2, Rider’s Choice, Assassin) are all true twins (symmetrical in every way (except that the PT2 and Rider’s Choice are Asym twins but essentially true twin) and are centered. Mountain Twins, from what I can tell, are always directional twin but with a centered stance (different to the Flying V which is a true twin with a setback stance). Hope that makes sense.
Unless you were hearing about the “Jones Mountain Twin”, which is the name of one of Jones’ boards. Which is actually a directional twin with a 20mm setback stance and falls squarely in the all-mountain category, in my categorization of them – so wouldn’t fit the definition above.
Hope this gives you more info to go off for your decision
I think I’m a Level 4 Intermediate, and I say this because I’m a snowboarder in the North East USA so it doesn’t compare to the west…..such as Jackson Hole. Just went out there my first time, two weeks ago. Fell pretty hard. It was quite humbling and eye opening, however it did motivate me to travel to become better. I’m used to riding on icy granulated, so powdery snow was new to me. I also have foot pain issues, and was ready to give it up, but love it so much that I refuse to. I’d like to take a lesson, but not sure where to go or who to choose. I’ve linked turns on double blacks and cruised them without issue in the north east, so I might be down playing my ability, but definitely want to get better. Any advice?
Hi Shay
Thanks for your message
I would say that getting a lesson (most resorts have professional instructors) in on of the biggest things you can do – having someone who knows technique to have a look at your riding and point out areas that you can improve on is invaluable. A private lesson is the best way to go, IMO, because the whole lesson is tailored to you, and you are the sole focus of the instructor. Group lessons are still good, but not going to get as much out of them as a private lesson, IMO.
The other thing is having your own gear (if you don’t already) so it’s always a consistent experience for you – and as well as having your own gear, having gear that is suitable for your height, weight, style of riding, ability level and the conditions you ride in.
So, if you don’t have your own gear yet, then I definitely recommend that. And if you have it already but you’re not sure if it’s suitable or not, let me know what you have and I can give you my opinion on it, if you’d like.
Another thing for getting better, especially if you’ve been riding for a while, is to have goals and to have a progression plan, so that you’re always improving whenever you’re on the mountain, rather than just going through the motions.
Check out the following as well for some more tips:
~ The 9 Most Important Snowboarding Tips for Beginners
~ Get Better At Snowboarding with a Snowboard Progression Plan
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I would consider myself a level 5 rider on the verge to level 6.
I am 6″4 and weigh around 210 lbs, 11.5 US Size Boots (29,5 CM)
I would like to freeride and powder as much as possible but will enjoy piste with friends too.
I do not try to butter oder switch and i managed to spent max 10 minutes in a park in all these years, so thats nothing for me here.
Up until now I was on a 159 NITRO Team Gullwing Wide on a Raiden Blackhawk from 2011 (both).
I have the chance to purchase a libtech or GNU board for a good price so out of the 3 , is there 1 that sticks out for you?
Skunk Ape 165 CM Wide
T. Rice Gold Member 163 CM
Mullair 161 CM Wide
I am new to new tech so I don’t really know what Magnetraction and stuff can do for me here.
I was thinking about a Bent Metal Solution on Top of that.
But I am a little concerned, that a flex 8 board with a flex 8 binding might be little too much for my skill level and / or that both the T.Rice and the Mullair might be too short for my weight / heigth.
Thanks already!
Best,
Norman
Hi Norman
Thanks for your specs.
First of all, in terms of length, I would be looking at something around 164, 165 for you based on your specs, skill level and riding style. But that doesn’t mean you couldn’t step down to something 162, 163 – especially considering you’re used to a 159. And especially if you are going to go with something a little stiffer, then sizing down will help to make that board a little more forgiving than it would be in a longer size. Also, since you’ll moving from a fully rockered snowboard to something that has camber in it, it’s going to feel different and feel more aggressive. But in saying that I think you’ll appreciate a bit of camber in there, especially given your description of how you like to ride.
The Skunk Ape is going to be the easiest going of the 3 of those, with the most mellow camber profile and the Mullair the most aggressive in terms of camber profile – and probably the stiffest. But it’s also the smaller sized board, so that will make it a little more forgiving.
Overall, I think the Skunk Ape is probably going to be the best for your ability level and in terms of being the easiest transition from your other board – apart from the jump up in length.
Magnetraction basically just gives better edge-hold in hard/icy conditions.
In terms of binding flex. If you’re going to go for a board that is stiffer than it’s a good idea to go for a binding that is stiffer too. It will actually make your ride more difficult if you have a soft binding on a stiff board than a stiff binding on a stiff board. If you ride with a softer binding on a stiffer board, then it’s hard to transfer the power needed to drive the stiff board – so it makes it harder to turn that stiffer board. So, if you are going to go for a board that’s 7-8/10 flexing, then a binding that’s 8/10 flexing is a good way to go.
Hope this gives you more information to go off
Hey Nate,
thank you, that helped a lot. I appreciate the time you spent on this thorough reply!
Initially I was even considering the Skunk Ape in 169W considering weight / size of me plus the desire to freeride but that might just be a little too much of a change compared to my gullwing.
Thanks also on the bindings, that cleared it up and the stiffer it is here.
Based on your reply I thought about it and removed the mullair from my list, leaving the
Gold Member and the Skunk Ape on the table.
I’ll give it another thought. Thank you!
You’re very welcome Norman. Hope you’re having an awesome season and you enjoy your new board, whichever you go with.
Hi, first of all I love your site. There are tons of knowledge here. I wonder if you could help me decide on a board. I’ve been renting one for the last couple of seasons and think it’s high time I bought one. I’m level 4 give or take, all mountain type of person. Park is not for me. I’m a woman 150lb, 5ft5in tall (167cm).
I was planning to buy a Roxy xoxo (149) Roxy Radiance (148) or a Gnu b-nice (148). What do you think about such choices and lengths. Maybe you would recommend something else. The more I read the less I know so I’ll be grateful for you advice:)
Hi Dominika
Thanks for your message.
In terms of size I would say something around 148, 149cm, is a good bet, given your specs and ability level.
I think those options would be fine for you, keeping in mind the following to help with your decision.
~ The B Nice will be the loosest feeling of those boards – the easiest to initiate turns on but the least stable feeling – it’s probably something you are more likely to want to upgrade quicker from, compared with the other two.
~ The Radiance is probably the most advanced out of those options – it’s got more camber and a little stiffer flexing
~ The XOXO is in between the other 2. It’s still stiffer flexing than the B-Nice (but still mid flexing whereas the B Nice is medium-soft) and with more camber but the camber in the camber profile is still relatively subtle but not as subtle as it would be on the B Nice – making it a little more stable and a little more advanced.
As a level 4 rider, I would recommend the XOXO or Radiance over the B Nice. Also, I would say that the B Nice is more of a freestyle deck – and the XOXO and Radiance are all-monuntain-freestyle decks. I think something all-mountain or all-mountain-freestyle is the way to go for you. If you’d like to check out more options from those categories, check out the links below.
>>My Top 5 Women’s All-Mountain Freestyle Snowboards
>>My Top 6 Women’s All-Mountain Snowboards
And just to make sure that we get you on a board with a good width for you, can you also let me know your boot size (or shoe size, if you’re not sure of your boot size).
Hope this helps
Thank you for your advice:) I finally went for the XOXO 149 and I’m really happy with it. It’s easy to maneuver and quite forgiving:) I also bought Union Juliet bindings and I like this combination a lot:) Thanks again for setting my mind on the right track. Unfortunately the riding season is already over for me:( Well, till the next year…
Hi Dominika
Thanks for your message an you’re very welcome. Awesome that you’re liking your new setup!
I’m 53 yrs old and a low number 4. I ride about 3-4 a week. I ride how I used to surf, try to keep mellow and stylish. Would I be able to ride Never Summer West?
Hi Kt
Yeah, I think you will be fine on the West. There is a semi-loose kind of feel, with that Rocker between the feet. It’s not super loose by any means but there is a little bit of looseness there – so you’ll get a bit of a surfy feel from that. And in terms of being around that level 4, it’s not an overly challenging ride. It’s certainly not a beginner deck but I’d say it’s fine for anyone intermediate and up. In saying that, the 2018 West is a little more aggressive/less surfy than previous models. You can also check out my review of the West at the link below, if you want more details.
>>Never Summer West Review
If you were looking for something similar but wanted it a little more forgiving and a bit more surfy, then I’d recommend the Never Summer Snowtrooper. You can check out my review on that too, if you’d like.
>>Never Summer Snowtrooper Review
Hope this helps
Great read Nate – I’m digging the process. My master plan is to do some NZ Heli-boarding (goal) – Im probably about Intermediate 4 at the moment – what Level do you think I need to aim for to make that happen?
Hi Roo
Great goal to have!
I would say you want to be at least at an advanced level (level 6) and even then you would want to go guided of course. Heli-boarding is not something I’ve had the chance to do yet – but definitely on the list!
Just note that going from level 1 to 2 can be very quick but each subsequent level takes a bit more time to get up to. So going from 2 to 3 is usually slower than 1 to 2 and 3 to 4 is usually slower than 2 to 3 etc.
Hi Nate!
very interesting to read. I’m probably like level 3. I was wondering if you have like a rough estimate on how much time it will take to advance from one level to another? like from level 3 to level 5?
I am currently doing a season in argentina and I’m already after 9 days of snowboarding.
Do you have any estimate what level will i get to at the end of the season? The goal is to have like 90 days in total.
Hi Alex
I think the answer depends on a lot of things. In 90 days you can progress a lot for sure. You could even find yourself as high as level 6. But I would say that moving from level 5 to level 6 probably takes longer than moving between the other levels. Moving from level 1 to 2 can happen in as little as a day or even a few hours if you are confident.
Moving from level 2 to 3 would usually take at least 4 or 5 solid days on the hill.
Moving from level 3 to 4 would take a bit longer again maybe more like another 10 – 20 days on the hill.
Then moving from level 4 to 5 might take 15 to as much as 50 days.
And moving from level 5 to 6 might be more like 20 to up to even 100 days.
These are all only estimates and depends on a few things. But I would say it takes a little longer to progress as you move up. People tend to move up very quickly at first and then it’s a bit more time and focus for each subsequent level.
One of the things that it really depends on is if you are focused or not on achieving things. For example, you could ride for 90 days and just cruise and not really be aiming to be able to improve – you could just ride. And there’s nothing wrong with doing that and you’ll definitely improve to an extent doing it that way. But if you have a focus and set yourself targets/goals and once you’ve achieved those set yourself new targets, then you can improve at a faster rate in my opinion. But there’s nothing wrong with cruising and improving slowly – but if you want to improve quicker then having a plan is a good idea.
You can check out the following link to get some ideas on how to plan your progression if you feel like you want to improve quickly. You could definitely be getting at least into level 5 by the end of the season if you get 90 days in and you have a bit of focus.
>>Snowboard Progression Plan
Hope this helps and have an awesome season!
Nate, I love your site. It’s by far the most helpful and accessible i’ve come across. I’m trying to choose a snowboard and getting myself worried about not selecting the perfect one! 😉 i think I’m at the high end of intermediate 4 starting to progress (only just!) into level 5. I’m female, a little overweight at the minute (13stone) and XX metres tall. I was thinking about buying a Burton Flying V Deja Vu board – which sounded ace! – but when I went to the store they were pushing the Capita Birds of a Feather which I’ve read amazing reviews about. I’ll probably not be a park person, nor off piste, more likely on groomed piste. Really keen to get something that holds an edge but isn’t too stiff as i’d like to learn to butter and press. Do you think Deja Vu or Capita is better for me ? The guys in the store said they’re much of a muchness. Also, what size do you think I should go for?
Hi Lee
I think that the Deja Vu Flying V is the better choice. The main reason I say that is that he Birds of a Feather is a more aggressive feeling board and will have a stiffer feel than the Deja Vu Flying V – that has its advantages but if you you are are a casual rider or are looking for something a little bit softer for butters then it might feel a little too stiff. That said, it is generally the case that if you are a little bit above the weight recommendations, then the flex of the board will feel softer – in which case the De Ja Vu might feel a little bit too soft.
I don’t really agree that their much of a muchness – both boards are quite different. The Deja Vu has a Hybrid Rocker profile and the Birds of a Feather has a Hybrid Camber profile (that has a good bit more camber than the De Ja Vu too). The Birds of a Feather is stiffer and has a centered stance. The Deja Vu has a bit of a setback stance. The Birds of a Feather will have better edge hold in harder conditions. The Birds of a Feather will be better for riding switch, for jumps and also more stable at speed. It will also be the better carver of the 2. The Deja Vu will be better in the powder (though you may not have to take that into account too much about that if you plan to stay on the groomers most of the time). The Deja Vu will have a slightly looser feel and the Birds of a Feather will have a more locked in feel. The Deja Vu is a good board for beginner to intermediate riders and is easy going and easy to ride. The Birds of a Feather is a more advanced board and is less forgiving of errors and would be easier to catch an edge on. It’s a more difficult board to ride but you can also get more out of it if you put the effort in.
So they are very different, IMO.
In terms of size I think that the 152 in either the Deja Vu or the Birds of a Feather would be the best size for you – but if you can let me know your height (it just says XX metres in the comment above, not sure if that was a technical glitch), then I can give a more accurate size recommendation. Also if you were able to let me know your boot size, then I can advise as to whether I think the width of these boards will be suitable.
Awesome advice- thanks Nate!
You’re very welcome!
Hey Nate,
Love the site. I am taking up snowboarding again after a 20 year hiatus. Can’t wait to get out again – I would have fit in as a 5-6 back in the day – but concerned about my current skill level (tbd)
I picked up a Templar as it seems to be a good board. Had the tech changed a lot? Any advice to someone reacquainting themselves with the mountain? Think muscle memory will be enough or will a lesson or two be in order?
Thanks in advance
Paul
Hey Paul
Yeah the tech has changed a lot in 20 years! Awesome that you are getting back into it.
I would definitely have a lesson or 2. It will ensure that you get back into it with proper technique and will also help you to get back up to speed a lot faster. Even those who’ve been riding for a while benefit from lessons. It’s hard to tell in ourselves what bad habits we’ve picked up but an instructor can pick them out.
If you’re still not convinced you can check out my posts below where I took lessons after 7 seasons of riding. It’s safe to say that I am a much improved rider after lessons. Definitely worth the investment.
>>Should I Take Snowboarding Lessons: My Experiment to Answer That Question
>>Do I Need Snowboarding Lessons? The Answer to my Experiment Part 1
>>Snowboarding Lessons Do I Need Them?: The Answer to my Experiment Part 2
Hope this helps and welcome back to the mountains!
Hi i started snowboarding this season and have definitely learned allot. this page has described each stage very well and explained where i fit in. it turns out that i’m level 5 🙂 thx very much.
Also any tips on 180’s and grinds
Hey Lars
Awesome to hear that you started snowboarding and that you’ve made so much progress so quickly – you’ll be a pro in no time at this rate!
One of the most important things for 180s is being able to ride switch well. The better you are at riding switch the easier it will be to do a 180. You can check out the post below for some more tips on 180s. I find the snowboardprocamp videos are really good (you’ll see a couple of them on the post at the link below). I’d check out their videos for learning jibs too.
>>How to do a 180 on a snowboard
Hello,
I’m probably upper level 2, I find it easy to go toe side to heal but can’t quite get the shitch back from heal side to toe, any tips?
Hey Jess
Going from heel to toe is the most difficult to start with for most people.
I think most of the time the issue is not enough bend in the knees. People tend to get more bend in their knees going to heel side naturally but not so much on the toe edge. Try to focus on making sure you bend your knees when on that toe edge. Some people think they are but aren’t really or aren’t as much as they should be. I had this issue when I started out.
Hope this helps,
Nate
Your site is well put together and very informative. Great recommendations and well researched.
Thanks Donna – appreciate your feedback!
Great article! I would like to try snowboarding. That would be a great activity for the whole family. Great tips for being a newbie. Another thing I have wanted to try is Cross Country Skiing. Great information and might just have to try t this year!!
Thanks Angela! You should try it. And yeah definitely great for the whole family. I’ve seen kids as young as 3 or 4 and know boarders in their 60’s. So grandparents could even take their grandkids!
wow you sure make it understandable
Hey David – thanks for your comment! Glad it’s easy to understand