Choosing the Right Skiboards
All skiboards are fun and way easier than snowboards or skis to learn. Most everyone is up and riding on skiboards in a few runs and from then on, the fun really begins. So, in a sense, any skiboards that you select are going to be a blast right away. Consider this the quick selection method - find something you like the looks of, at a price you want to pay, buy them right now, and hit the slopes. You won't look back.

However, if you are more particular about finding a pair of skiboards that are suited to your personal style, there are a few additonal factors to consider:

Height and Weight
It is important that you feel your skiboards will handle your height and weight. Most skiboards are intended for those 59" and above in height. We do carry skiboards for those under 59" however. Skiboards, not being like skis, don't require certain sizes for a certain height and weight. However, it is important to consider this factor somewhat. Some skiboarders swear by their Kneissl Big Foot's or Alpina 77cm - our shortest boards (all under 70 cm) even though they may be 6' tall. Kids and adults use these boards and can totally advance to extreme skiboarding on them. Yet, others may feel more comfortable on longer skiboards. If you are unsure, a general range of 75cm to 90cm is a safe bet for all around riding.

Performance
Choosing the right skiboards for you depends a lot on what you want to do on them - this is one of the most important factors. Do you want to jam through moguls, get air and land some outrageous tricks, cruise the halfpipes, lay out carves on the groomed runs, dance down the slopes turning 360's, one-foot turns, etc., hideaway in the glade runs, explore extreme terrain, float in deep powder or all of it (all-mountain skiboards)? Shorter skiboards are more manueverable, easier to learn on, great in moguls, glades and have more of a feel of in-line skates. They tend not to handle those long, deep carves as well and don't have the surface area for smoother landings or work that well in powder. Longer skiboards offer more speed and allow for the deeper, shoulder-to-the-ground carves. Big air addicts usually go with longer boards because of the extra speed and surface area for landing tricks. A symmetrical twin-tip design is a must if you like tricks (on the ground and in the air). Of course, construction of the skiboards also contributes to performance (with the better quality construction yielding higher performance and dependability). In most cases, you do get what you pay for with some exceptions.

Here are some additional tips:

Just starting out?
If you don't plan to get too much air and enjoy jamming on the ground, but want something to learn on and advance, check out Alpina's (77cm), Snowjam's (75cm and 90 cm), Canon's Heritage 90cm, Salomon's Miniverse 90cm, Fischer Web 90cm, Head's Big Easy 94cm, Line's Fly 90 and 99cm, Summit's 85cm, GPO 75cm, Klimax Fantail or TKT, or the K2 Fatty. These are all easy to get up on, will not only introduce you to the sport, but will also allow you to advance on them without having to upgrade (and are of course total fun right from the start).

Just starting out, but you love going big and riding aggressively?
Love getting air and landing awesome jumps? Jamming down the slopes and laying out some awesome carves? You will want skiboards that deliver the speed you need and have the surface area for landing on your feet as well as a twin-tip design. On the more narrow side, which feel more like a combination of skis and skates, are the high performance skiboards from the following manufacturers: Atomic's e-zone (99cm and 120cm), Elan's Integra (99cm), K2 Fatty 88cm, Line's Fly 98cm, Salomon's Minirace 99cm, and the Stockli Raver XXS 94cm. These models will handle more like skis and are the easiest for skiers to transition into with quick edge to edge responsiveness.

On the wider side, with greater width at the tips, tails and waist, which perform more like a combination of skates and snowboards are the high performance skiboards from the following manufacturers: Canon's Heritage (90cm) & M7 (99cm), Line's Pro 90cm and 98cm, Fischer Web XXL 99cm, Klimax TKT twin, Salomon SB10 99cm, Snowjam 75cm and 90cm twin tips, and Summit's 85cm. In addition, for those who like longer boards, check out Line's twin-tip skis and the Fischer Airstyle (153cm). The wider skiboard design carves more like snowboards (on edge), are great in powder, and have more landing surface for jumps.

Want a true All-Mountain skiboard? Like cruising the entire mountain - glades, moguls, groomers, pipes/parks, powder and backcountry, all of it? Then consider the following: Snowjam 90cm twin, Line's Pro 90cm and 98cm, Summit's 85cm, Salomon's SB10, Fischer Web XXL, Atomic's e-zone 120cm and Canon's Heritage and M7 models. Of course, some skiboarders would include other products we carry in this section, so it is truly a matter of personal preference.

Upgrading from last season? Since by now you are a confirmed addict, most likely you know what you are looking for. You probably have a good feel for what you want and reading through the descriptions and specs should help. You can also call our experienced staff for recommendations based on your specific needs. Do consider top-of-the-line high performance skiboards and bindings however. At this point, get the best. You can keep your old pair for friends to try so that they can keep up with you. Check out the all-metal rock solid bindings from Bomber Industries (the elite) to start or our all aluminum Extreme or SBX bindings. These high end bindings can be added to any boards with a 4 hole pattern, such as Canon, Line, or Summit.

How about for Kids? For those under 59", we have a few models that are perfect for kids to learn and have fun on skiboards from the start. Check out the popular Salomon's Grom (62cm). The next step up would be the GPO Rider 75cm. If they are a little taller, closer to 5', and are looking for a wider design, then Alpina's 77cm or Snowjam's 75cm are great choices.

What about Fantail Skiboards? Quite popular for those who enjoy carving, moguls, powder, glades, especially because the back end - usually squared off - can act like a back break and feel more like riding a boogie board through the snow. They just aren't as good for going backwards as the back tip will catch. These are a treat and everyone should have a pair of these around as they are so easy to use. Klimax had one of the first fantails. A true classic, the Klimax Fantail at 76cm works for a wide range of ability levels and terrains.

What about Snow Dancing? Yes there really is such a thing. Fancy footwork, even couples dancing. Look for skiboards with the most skate-like feel such as the GPO Rider 75cm, Summit 85cm, Canon Heritage and the Snowjam 75cm.

Ultimately, you will have fun on any of these skiboards. So you could say that it just comes down to personal taste in graphics, design and of course, price. Make sure you check out the reviews on specific skiboards and if you would like to talk with someone before making your final choice, our experienced skiboarders can discuss your options with you to make sure that you get the skiboards that are right for you.

What about release bindings? While most skiboard bindings are non-release (they won't come off when you fall), some skiboards come with conventional release bindings. The following models come with release bindings: Head's Big Easy 94cm, Atomic's 120cm and the twin-tip skis from Line and Fischer. All are highly durable. The only exception are the twin-tip skis between 100 and 153cm that we carry which mount with conventional releasable ski bindings and the Big Easy 94cm and Atomic's 120cm.

Again, for more specific recommendations, always feel free to call us at 800-784-0540 or email us at info@skiboards.com. We are happy to help.

The staff at Skiboards.com.