Snowboarding for Children

More than 80% of the kids who practice winter sports choose snowboarding so don't be too surprised if your kids think it's uncool to ski and insist that they snowboard instead.

Whilst children may be able to first get on skis as young as three, snowboarding should be started a few years later at around age five - seven. 

This is because snowboarding requires more muscle strength and co-ordination than skiing. When 3 year-olds start skiing, they are just getting used to standing on the skis and learning to slide short distances, which requires only the ability to stay upright on the skis. Because you cannot simply slide straight on snowboard, a child must have the muscle development to start turning the board staright away.

Lessons are essential if your kids haven't snowboarded before. Professional instructors are trained to teach your child in a safe and fun environment that will insure a positive experience and instill the desire to keep learning. See our Ski School section for more information.

It is important to have the proper equipment in order to make the experience a productive and enjoyable one for your child. See our section on renting versus buying.

Here's an equipment checklist:

Children's Snowboard

Kids ages 5-7 years: The board, standing on its end, should reach no higher than your child's armpits.
Kids ages 8-15 years: The board, when standing on its end, should reach between the armpits and chin.

Children's Snowboarding Boots

Kids ages 5-7 years: Because a child's dorsal flexors (lower leg muscles) usually haven't developed enough coordination to allow him to use both edges of the board, a hard boot is needed to prevent ankle flexion and allow the child to use the toe side edge of the board.
Kids 8-15: Soft boots and regular strap bindings are a good choice for this age group because they allow them to utilize ankle movements to create balance.

Additional equipment (all ages)

Snowboarding involves a slightly higher risk of injury than skiing (around 3-5 injuries per thousand days riding compare to 2-3 injuries per thousand days of skiing).

The majority of injuries are to young men who are new to the sport and have not taken any lessons.

Most injuries, especially to young riders, are to the upper limbs, the most common being wrist injuries. Wearing wrist guards can cut that risk by as much as half.

The next most common injuries are head injuries (a good reason for your child to wear a helmet), and then lower limb, mostly ankle injuries.

You can reduce the risk that your child will suffer an ankle injury by making sure he wears boots that are soft, but not too soft. Newer hybrid style boots are now available that offer a stiffer inner boot with more support within a soft outer boot.

Boarders Jumps & Stunts

Don't be surprised if the moment your child gets on a snowboard he develops an uncontrollable urge to jump or "catch air." But remember - the riders you see jumping and performing tricks in videos and on television are professional riders.

• If your child is going into a snowboard park, make sure he knows park etiquette:

• Do not stop on or below jumps.

• Make sure the landing area is clear before jumping

• If it is a new jump/feature, ride over it before attempting to jump it

• Stay in control.

• Have your child show you his latest trick. It's good to know what they are attempting when you are not around.

Comfortable Stance

Because a snowboarder stands sideways on the board, he has to have to decide which foot goes towards the tip of the board, there are two types of stance on a snowboard, depending on which foot is forward: "goofy" and "regular".

A "goofy" rider will place his right foot closest to the tip.

A "regular" rider will have his left foot forward.

If your child participates in another board sport like skateboarding, wake boarding or riding a scooter, they can use the same stance.