Snowboarding is a thrilling winter sport that’s enjoyed by many – both adults and children alike. But what is the right age for kids to start snowboarding, and are there different requirements for children’s snowboards compared to those for adults?
We’ve got the answers for you, including the ideal age for children to take up snowboarding and how to choose the right size snowboard for them!
At what age can children start snowboarding?
First things first: There’s no one-size-fits-all age for children to start snowboarding. The key factor in determining if your child is ready to hit the slopes is their individual development.
Some children may exhibit the necessary skills to use a snowboard as early as age three. However, the majority of kids typically begin their snowboarding journey between the ages of six and nine.
Here’s a valuable tip: Many ski schools now offer specialised snowboarding courses for children, providing them with an excellent introduction to the world of winter sports.
Which snowboards are best suited for children?
When it comes to selecting snowboards for children, lightweight and manoeuvrable options such as freestyle or all-mountain boards with a twin shape are a great choice. These boards are more forgiving and easier to control.
In terms of length, the following guidelines can be helpful: Ideally, the snowboard should reach up to the child’s shoulders but no higher than their chin. In contrast, adult snowboards can go all the way up to the nose.
For kids and beginners, shorter boards are generally preferred as they are easier to manoeuvre. This is particularly important for children since they may not have the necessary strength to control longer boards.
Here are some specific values to consider when choosing a children’s snowboard:
- If the child weighs up to a maximum of 25 kg and is between 0.8 and 1.25 m tall, the maximum board length should be 80 cm.
- If the child’s weight falls between 26 and 45 kg and their height is between 1.26 and 1.55 m, the recommended board length should range from 80 to 90 cm.
Consequences of choosing the wrong board length
Selecting the right size snowboard is crucial to ensure your child’s comfort and well-being while snowboarding. The longer the board, the more effort and force are required to control it. This can result in discomfort and fatigue, causing your child’s feet to hurt after a while.
Family-friendly ski resorts
Are you still looking for a family-friendly ski resort? On our blog, we have compiled convenient lists of the top destinations in Austria, France and Switzerland.
INTERSPORT Rent tip
Rent snowboards at INTERSPORT Rent
Children grow so fast! To avoid having to buy a new snowboard with each growth spurt, we recommend taking advantage of the INTERSPORT Rent snowboard rental option! You can rent equipment at over 800 locations in 14 countries.
