If you’ve ever panic-bought a snowboard mid-season, maybe because your old one broke, or that board you’ve been eyeing finally went on sale, you’re not alone.
It’s easy to get swept up in the hype when there’s fresh snow falling, friends egging you on, and demo days clouding your judgment.
But summer? Summer’s different.
There’s no pressure.
No FOMO. No powder days. No rush to make a decision because you’re heading to the mountains this weekend.
Which makes it the perfect time to actually stop, breathe, and ask the bigger question:
Is the board you're riding even the right size?
I sized wrong for years
My first “real” board was a full 8cm too short for my weight and specs, but the guy in the shop said it would “keep me nimble.” What it kept me was unstable. I couldn’t ride fast, I sunk in powder, and my tail kept washing out.
I blamed my technique. I thought I just needed to “get better.” What I actually needed was a longer board… and also to get better.
Summer gives you clarity
This is when you can actually think about what worked and what didn’t. You’ve got a whole season’s worth of feedback to process — how the board handled, what terrain you ended up loving, where you struggled, what you wish felt easier.
That reflection window? That’s where smart sizing happens.
What to ask yourself in the off-season:
- Did you feel like your board was twitchy or unstable at speed?
- Were you struggling to float in deep snow?
- Did you notice heel or toe drag when carving?
- Was the board hard to control, or too soft for your weight?
- Do your goals for next season include different terrain or a new style?
If you said yes to any of that, your board might not be the right length or width for you — and summer is when you fix it.
Board shops aren’t in a frenzy right now
If you call or email a snowboard shop in the summer, you’re more likely to get thoughtful help. No line out the door. No chaos. No holiday-season overwhelm. Just enough time and space to talk through what you need (and maybe even score an off-season deal).
Snowboarding doesn’t stop when the lifts close, it just shifts into thinking mode. If something felt off with your setup last season, now’s the time to fix it. The snow will come back. Better to meet it with a board that actually fits.
Not sure where to start? Try our calculator. It’s fast, and way better than guessing by your chin.
