The Best Snowboards For Kids
Brian 
Marko Kids’attention spans and interest in things change and differ day-by-day, and you, as a parent, need to be prepared and encouraging all the time. Most kids love snowboarding, whether it’s just for fun with friends in some terrain park or it’s traversing the powder-covered slopes. Kids can learn this sport at a very young age, but it’s entirely up to you and your kids as to when and how they learn to shred. Snowboarding is fun and what could be more fun and cooler for your kids than learning to snowboard? And you should, by all means, let your young kids have a go at snowboarding because as we said, it’s fun!
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Stylish graphics
Solid quality construction
Ideal for beginners
Top 10 Picks
1. Nitro Arial
Nice design
Strong build
Versatile
Great for improving and practicing tricks
Not great for beginners
The Nitro Arial is an all-mountain kid’s board with a flat profile that allows for even distribution of the rider’s weight along the snow. The board floats better in the powder than regular camber boards. The twin tip design with symmetrical build makes sure it can be ridden just as easily in either direction.
Read moreMaterials
The core of this board is made exclusively from Poplar wood. This makes it an incredibly versatile option. Adding to the durability, the bi-lite laminates provide incredible strength and responsiveness.
Style
It’s a complete package that doesn’t compromise on quality and performance. The medium-stiff flex of the board makes it slightly receptive to bending, but it excels at maintaining stability at high speeds. The Premium Extruded FH base is a plus. This CAM-OUT camber style provides the rider with smooth transitions and early rises. It is a great style for just about any type of rider. If you are new to the sport or trying out new tricks, this is a great style.
Size
This twin shaped board is available in sizes 146cm, 142cm, 138cm. It can accommodate weights from ninety pounds up to one hundred and forty-five. As the width of the board, it ranges from 16.5" to 21.3".
Value
This is one of the more expensive options on our list, but it's a great investment. Definitely geared towards more adolescent riders, it is a board that they will be able to use for many years. What is even better is that the manufacturer offers a two-year warranty as well.
2. Burton Chopper
Brand recognition
All wood core
Great for learning tricks and improving skills
Fun design
Not suitable for true beginners
Doesn't provide a lot of speed
Burton is a well-known name is in the action sports industry, especially regarding snow sports. This mini-chopper is a great board for kids who already have a knack for this sport to practice and improve their skills.
Read moreMaterials
As with many Burton models, the Chopper also integrates the FSC Certified Fly Core made from pure wood throughout. The core is durable and lightweight and doesn't interfere with the flexibility or smoothness of the ride.
Style
The Chopper is designed like a true rocker. It floats well and is easy to maneuver. The flat-top provides great stability and the symmetrical twin shape makes practicing turns and stops easier. While this isn't an option for a true beginner, it is a great option for a child who is looking to sharpen their skills or try out some new tricks. It rides best in groomers snow conditions. If you are ready to get your child prepared for bindings, you can attach the riglet reel to this board for a nice transition.
Size
There is something for everyone. For the length of the board, you have options ranging between 80cm up to 130cm. On average, the Chopper weighs about 5.3 pounds. This is a great weight that is easily carried by children and allows them to truly feel like they are riding at the same standards as adults. As you go up in length, the size of the effective edges also changes between 480mm to 960mm.
Value
If you have made it this far, you know that this is a quality board. It is priced higher than the plastic options on our list but is much more durable and mature than those options. What is even better is that Burton offers a three-year warranty on all of their boards.
3. Echos 110cm Freeride
Great for beginners
Heavy-duty design
Cool graphics
No metal edges
The Echos 110cm Freeride Style Kid’s board is a perfect board for intermediate riders who are able to take some hard hits racing down the snow. This option comes with some pretty cool artistic graphics which makes it cooler to ride.
Read moreMaterials
A true beginner's board, the Echos Freestyle is made from injection-molded plastic. It is a simple board and features adjustable bindings.
Style
This twin tip style board is a great beginner's wakeboard. The twin-tip freestyle shape and design with sharp, pointed edges for easy steering and control. The large slip in adjustable bindings makes sure no special boots are required while snowboarding. The camber of the board is not listed but we can tell you that it is easy to control. As for the overall look of the board, it has an enchanting black and white checkered design that will engage any kid!
Size
This board is offered at 110cm. It weighs only 3.4-pounds, meaning that children will enjoy handling and carrying it themselves. It is designed for children of five years and up, but not exceeding one hundred pounds.
Value
The Echos Freestyle is priced affordably and is bound to put a smile on any child's face. It is a board that is easy to ride and reliable. If you purchase it when your child is five years old, they will be able to use it for quite a few years.
4. Emsco Group 1069 Freeride
Stylish graphics
Solid quality construction
Ideal for beginners
Not for slopes
A perfect entry-level option made of solid, fiberglass-composite construction, the Emsco Group 1069 Freeride board is a great choice to introduce your kids to snowboarding. The step-in, adjustable bindings, makes this board easy to use and maneuver, especially for the first-timer snowboarders. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to polish their snowboarding skills.
Read moreMaterials
This toy board is a great product at a low price. The solid core is made from polypropylene. The bindings are adjustable, but there have been some durability concerns with the straps.
Style
Because this board is geared towards true beginners, it is best used on simple tracks, avoiding any rugged terrain. It will help the user learn the basics of snowboarding and simple tricks.
Size
The 1069 Freeride is offered in a length of 110cm. It is lightweight and the bindings make it easy for the child to gear themselves up quickly. It is suitable for children aged five to fifteen and up to ninety-five pounds. However, heavier users have ridden it without issue.
Value
This is a steal! Granted, it is not a wooden board, but it is a great option to learn on. With the ability to use the board for at least ten years, it is a worthwhile investment.
5. Lucky Bums
Comes in a variety of colors
Great price
Adjustable bindings
Not a smooth ride
Durability concerns
The Lucky Bums Plastic board is a practical choice of gear to get you little ones into snowboarding. Kids are funny little creatures and this fun product makes learning more playful and enjoyable. Now teach your kids this sport at the comfort of your own backyard or head off to the nearest sledding hill with the Lucky Bums.
Read moreMaterials
This is a simple yet effective option for children who are just gaining interest in this sport. It is lightweight and made of plastic. The traditional shape and glossy bottom make learning the basics of the sport simple.
Style
Ideal for the newbies who like to try their hands on snowboarding, this fun little board easily fits in your rucksack without adding any extra bulk, plus it comes with pre-mounted fully adjustable bindings for a hassle-free experience on the slopes. It effortlessly binds your boots with your ski making up for hours of fun on the slopes. As for the aesthetic style, you can choose from three colors, red, pink, or green. There are no metal edges on this product and it should not be used on resort trails. It is best used on small hills. Some reviewers were disappointed that it didn't provide the speed they were looking for.
Size
You have two options in length here, 95cm or 120cm. The board is suitable for ages nine and up. The weight limit is one-hundred pounds.
Value
This product is very inexpensive. There have been quite a few complaints about the overall durability of the product. However, Lucky Bums is always open to hearing customer feedback and doing what they can to make it right. One thing to note is that this is a toy board for true beginners. Do not expect something that you can take to the resort with you.
6. Capita Children of the Gnar
Hybrid board
A wide range of unique designs available
Great product to enhance your child's skills
Durable
Not for beginners
Expensive
Designed for the little rippers in our lives, this option is as intense as its name. It can perform just about as well as an adult board but is designed to accommodate for lighter weight. Not marketed towards beginners, this is an option for a kid who is well on his way to be the next Shaun White.
Read moreMaterials
Like many quality boards, this one also features an FSC certified core. The core is injected with plant-based Magic Bean resin which increases its durability. The extruded base allows children to practice their rail slides without worrying about damaging their board. The all-around steel edges and fiberglass finish further enhances this product's durability.
Style
The best of both worlds! This hybrid is great for all-mountain freestyle riders. Based on the scale on Capita's website, this product has the flexibility of 3.5/10. The Resort V1 profile gives us a rocker tip and tail, a flat exterior, and camber 5cm past the inserts. This results in a floaty ride with undeniable stability.
Size
While there are fewer options available than with Burton boards, the options are still impressive. The length choices are available are 137cm, 141cm, 145cm, and 149cm. Accordingly, the waist width of the board slides between 238mm to 247mm.
Value
Here's the kicker: the price. It is quite a bit higher than other models, but it is a wicked board that is deserving of a true shredder. If you are a family of snow-sports loving people, this is a great option to enhance the skills of your child. To sweeten the deal, Capita also offers a two-year warranty.
7. Burton Custom Smalls
PurePop Camber
Accommodates almost any bindings
Durable
Lightweight
Bindings not included
Expensive
This option outshines its name. There is nothing small about this board, except the person riding it. One of the most admired features of this Burton board is the PurePop Camber. With all of the best characteristics of a camber, it is also playful and responsive.
Read moreMaterials
The Custom Smalls features an FSC Certified Super Fly 800G core made from two types of wood that are vertically laminated. One of the wood species is hard and the other is soft, providing you with a lightweight, yet durable product.
Style
Now, here is something different. The style of this board is PurePop Camber. It has the traditional characteristics of a camber but features slightly flat zones near the feet for extra pop and enhanced responsiveness. The PurePop Camber alongside the symmetrical twin shape provides the rider with incredible stability whether they ride regular or switch. The Custom Smalls is compatible with just about any binding.
Size
There are only two sizing options here, 130cm or 135cm. These two options will suit a child between 80 and 120 pounds.
Value
Depending on the size you select, the price changes. This board is on the higher end of the price spectrum but it is well worth it. The innovative PurePop Camber makes learning and practices new tricks fun and attainable. This is a great option that your child could take up the mountain right alongside you.
8. Geospace The Original Sledsterz
Durable materials
Lightweight
Comes in a variety of colors
Affordable
Straps do not work that well
If you are looking for a very inexpensive and durable new kids option this Geospace board is a wonderful option. The actual board is shaped to go faster and give you more speed as your child is shredding the hills. This board can even be used on smaller hills and homemade ramps in your own neighboorhood.
Read moreMaterials
The Geospace The Original Sledsterz is designed for 4 to 12 year-olds and is made from a super-strong polymer to last all of the cold winters. The new bindings feature three adjustable settings and can accommodate regular or goofy riders.
Style
Right off the bat, it is clear that this is a learning board and is made from plastic. However, that won't stop your child from thoroughly enjoying it. It is available in three different colors. You can choose from red, purple, blue or green.
Size
It is 40 inches tall by 10.5 inches wide board which makes it great for younger and older children. It is recommended for ages four to twelve. No special boots are needed to use the board which is also an extra plus!
Value
The price reflects the materials used to create this product. It is made of plastic and is an affordable option. There have been some durability concerns, but you must remember to use this product on smooth and calm snow.
9. Burton Chicklet
The symmetrical design provides balance
Better balance
Great stability
Only to be used on a mountain
The Burton Chicklet is made for only mountain terrains. One of its greatest features is the twin flex which is also perfectly symmetrical. With an all-over symmetrical design, this board is as comfortable as they get.
Read moreMaterials
The FSC Certified Fly Core is exclusively made from wood. The wooden core lends the board its playfulness and also keeps the weight down.
Style
It features a flat top which keeps your child to have better balance as they are gliding down the slopes. Its flat profile between the feet means amazing stability, better balance, and continuous edge control. Also the tip and tail kick up with an early rise outside the feet for the catch-free. The Burton Chicklet is shaped with a perfectly symmetrical twin shape. The symmetrical shape helps for a balanced ride that’s equally versatile when ridden regular or switch.
Size
There are plenty of size options to choose from. The shortest available length is 80cm and the longest is 130cm. As for the width of the waist, this ranges respectively from 178cm to 232cm. Amongst these options, you'll find styles appropriate for weights of twenty-five pounds up to one hundred pounds.
Value
Sure, the price of this product is higher than some of the others, but the features are also more impressive. This is a durable board for kids who are seriously interested in this sport. With the Burton name attached, you already know that this is a quality product.
10. Skiweb Kids' Starter
Great kids starter
Nice design
Very lightweight
Bindings are not ready quality
Our next addition is another true beginner's option. The Skiweb Kids' Starter board comes with no metal edges so it is not recommended for ski resort slopes. It is recommended to use in learning areas or hills
Read moreMaterials
The Skiweb Kids' Starter board is a great kids starter that is made from plastic. The included bindings are adjustable to just about any type of snow boot.
Style
This is another board that is meant strictly to learning. It has a smooth bottom and no metal edges. It should only be used on hills and areas that are suitable for learning, not on the slopes. As for the design, the product is a cool blue color with snowflake accents. It embodies the feeling of a winter wonderland.
Size
This option is 95cm long and good for kids from five to twelve years old with a weight limit of 110-pounds. It comes with black adjustable bindings that come with a smooth long bottom. You can even use your child's own boots as the adjustable binds fit most snow boots.
Value
The price of this option is slightly higher than that of other beginner's options. However, this is a great choice for children who are just getting interested in the sport. The ability to use this for at least seven years makes it a valuable investment.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
The material of the base plays a significant role in keeping the credibility of the board in check. There are basically two different types of PE bases used – Extruded Base and Sintered Base. Extruded is relatively a cheaper alternative to Sintered base which makes it ideal for entry-level boards thus making it suitable for beginners. Sintered bases, on the other hand, are comparatively faster, lighter and stronger, so used mostly in high-end boards.
It’s a common assumption to buy with room to grow when looking for products for kids. It isn’t completely wrong, though. It’s equally important to consider the urge to invest in a board that will last at least 10 years. An important factor of your kid’s training is getting the correct size board, which makes it easier to maneuver and learn the basics. If you buy a board that is too long for your kid, the sport may feel boring and discouraging. When the setup matches your kid’s riding style and becomes his/her weapon of choice, that’s when the fun begins.
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Style
A big part of a board’s identity comes from its profile. Until a couple of years ago, almost all of these products were made of traditional camber. However, with the recent influx of technological innovation, there are new styles that reconfigure a board’s natural bend to better suit the needs of a rider. There are so many options available today, each manufacturer with its own board profile. Though every profile rides a little differently, they fit into four basic categories:
Camber Boards
This style offers the most control and stability, making it very effective for riders who perform a lot of jumps and hard carving. It’s the easiest shape to catch your edges on. It might be an older technology, but it’s still the favorite of many riders looking for better stability and maximum response. It’s also an ideal choice for beginners looking to test their skills.
Rocker Boards
This is exactly the opposite of cambers. This style curves upwards the nose and tail, but the angle and the point at which it starts varies from brand to brand. The upturned design makes for a more playful ride and offers extra float in powder. Although they aren’t as fast and don’t hold an edge like cambered boards, they are more maneuverable.
Hybrid Boards
Hybrid boards combine the elements of both camber and rocker boards to create something for someone who enjoys riding various terrains. The shape offers the stability of a camber and all the benefits of a rocker. They are usually directional boards with camber and rocker mixed together but placed in different areas. The options are virtually endless. Though they provide benefits of both the boards, they don’t have the same uncompromised performances of camber and rocker on an extreme level.
Size
Finding the perfect size board for your child is the most important aspect of setting them up for success. Boards for children usually vary from 90 to 145 cm in length, and choosing the right length depending on your kid’s size and skills, is the key. Refer to the chart below to determine the right size based on your kid’s health and weight:
For a child 40 inches tall and 30-40 pounds in weight, a board of 80-90 cm in length would be recommended.
For a child 45 inches tall and 40-50 pounds in weight, a 90-100 cm board would be recommended.
For a child 50 inches tall and 50-60 pounds in weight, a board ranging from 100-110 cm would be recommended.
For a child 55 inches tall and 60-80 pounds in weight, a board of 110-125 cm in length would be recommended.
For a child 60 inches tall and 80-100 pounds in weight, a board ranging from 125-135 cm would be recommended.
For a child 65 inches tall and over 100 pounds in weight, a board ranging from 140-150 cm would be recommended.
Remember, these recommended lengths are just general guidelines. You still have to factor in your kid’s preference and ability before making the purchase.
Value
This is a common concern. So you may be wondering why we shoved this little sub-section at the bottom rather than putting it at the top. Starting from your kids’ basic needs and preferences to choosing boards by size, style, and flex, are most important. You don’t have to spend a fortune to buy a board for your child. After all, it would be unwise to spend hundreds of dollars on something that you’d eventually replace in a few years.
For first-time boarders, it’s not necessary to buy the most expensive board. Most good quality boards will cost you somewhere between $100 to $150. You can typically get a good deal on the equipment at an off-season sale if you wish to save some bucks, without compromising the quality and safety standards of the board. After all, you need the best for you kids, something that’s going to get them a long way and keep them safe.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Materials Size Value Style
Starting off your kids early opens the world full of adventure, fun and unmatched scenery, unsurpassed, from any other sport or interest. It’s a great feeling to see your kid snowboarding for the first time and how they have turned their fondest childhood memories into a passionate experience. It gives immense pleasure to know your kids have grown up and snowboarding has become an important part of their adventurous lives.
Everyone remembers this acronym, right? Keep It Simple Stupid. This is great advice, minus the fact you’re quite intelligent- seeing as you have landed on this site! Anyways, where we are going with this is to remind you to not invest in any overly complicated systems for your children. Make sure that the bindings you decide on are easy to put on and take off and don’t require a ton of adjustments. Another time and frustration saver is avoiding lace-up boots for your child. Not only can they be a hazard if they come untied, but it is something that you will always have to double-check before cruising the slope. A better option is to invest in a pair of boots with the Boa system. This system is easy to use and also seems to interest kids!
Other Factors to Consider
Flexibility
Equally as important as the rest of the factors is the board flex. The flexibility affects how easy it is to turn and maneuver. For a beginner who’s new to the sport, soft flex boards would be an ideal choice for better control and maneuverability. Stiff boards, on the other hand, provide optimal grip while taking stiff turns. Stiff flex gives more stability at high speeds on steep slopes, but these are not the things you want to factor in early on, especially for your kids. For a beginner, we would recommend a 5 or 6 flex rating (out of 10).
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Frequently Asked Questions
q: Is renting snowboarding gear more convenient than buying?
Renting or leasing is a great option for kids, especially for beginners. If you’re not a regular snowboarder or just getting started on the board, consider renting or ask your nearest rental shop about a lease for gear. If you’re lucky, some shops will also allow you to trade in old gear for new as your kid progresses. The best part about leasing is you get state-of-the-art snowboard equipment. After all, you need the best for your kids.
q: What are some of the easiest tricks to learn in snowboarding?
Easy or tough, it all depends on your skills and ability. You can start with the basics and you can always add on or expand on the basics just like any other sport. The biggest thing to remember is to never give up and keep trying as hard as you can. You can start with the basic ollies at the beginning and like that learn to make a 180, and then you take on the 360. It may take a bit longer than usual to master, but these are some basic tricks you’ll learn along the process.
q: How do I determine my stance?
For beginners, regular means your left foot is forward and goofy means the right foot is forward. Regular and goofy are the terms used to describe how one would stand on a board. It’s the first thing they usually ask when you are testing out gear. It’s pretty simple actually – if you put your left foot forward while riding, you’re a regular, and if you ride with your right foot forward, you’re a goofy. It’s easy to tell which stance your kid has by strapping in riding.
q: How do I choose the right option?
Buying a board for a child is easier than buying an adult snowboard. There are very few options on the market that are targeted specifically for younger children, and the ones that are available are less specific. Take into consideration a few factors before making your purchase like the size of the board, style, width, flex, base material, and your budget. Beginners should start with a smaller board for better control and stability. When it comes to price, cheaper options for kids are your best bet as they are easier to maneuver. The width of a board is equally important and it must fit your boot size to reduce toe and heel drag.
q: As a beginner, what’s the hardest thing about snowboarding?
Beginners can be of all ages, and willing to take any shape and size. Regardless of situations and conditions, to be able to master the skills of snowboarding, your kid must be properly motivated and interested in learning the process bit by bit. When taking snowboarding lessons, there’s always some room for error and you’re likely to progress each time you hit the snow. You can descend down the most basic slope, crash and fall a few times, and still get up to take more.
Sources
- , BEST KIDS’ SNOWBOARDS 2017-2018, Article
