Kirsty Taylor (Photo Andrew Nickleson)

Snowboards for women used to be few and far between. Women would have to either ride the same snowboards as men or choose from a very limited selection of boards built specifically for them. As snowboarding continues to grow in popularity, more women and girls are coming into the sport...often showing men how to do it!

Innovation

As more women take up snowboarding the board manufacturers have started spending a lot of time and money on developing kit especially for the female side of the market. Men and women naturally differ in areas such as weight, height and footsize. The snowboarding manufacturers have embraced these differences and are now building more snowboards with subtle differences that are specifically designed for women. All this technology and development means that women are now on an even playing field as men and are getting the best riding experience possible.

What are the differences?

Polly Baker

Snowboards for women differ in a number of ways from those that are built for men. Firstly, due to women being smaller, the length of womens snowboards is that bit shorter. A lower centre of gravity in a woman has also been taken into account by the snowboard designers. Womens boards have a different flex and make up to give you the rider the best experience possible. Smaller feet is also one of the main drivers in the different design of a womens snowboard. Boards for women are generally thinner around the waist of the board to ensure maximum control and responsiveness when riding. Overall the designers are doing a great job of ensuring women can progress as quickly in the sport as men and long may it continue.

Benefits of getting a board built specifically for your needs

Even the smallest difference in snowboard design can completely change your riding experience and affect how you get along with that board. For this reason it is important to have a board that is built specifically for the type of riding you prefer. A womens specific board will be more responsive, comfortable and stable. It will be more fun to ride. Without one you may find some things more difficult than they should be hindering your improvement as a rider.

Latest snowboards for women

As mentioned earlier, there are more and more womens specific boards coming to market. Below you can find a selection of this seasons snowboards for women for you to drool over. With descriptions courtesy of Blue Tomato are 5 of the best snowboards for women that can be found.

For a wider choice, more boards can be found at the selection of online shops in the column to the right of this page...enjoy!

Snowboards for women 2010/2011

Atomic tika - £230 ($370 usd). Find out more about the Tika here

Happy-go-lucky head-turner...Can`t wait to get out there and experience some smashin action in the snow? The Tika is your restless companion, taking you up any hill and down any slope. With its diecut base and directional shape, the Tika is a fun, unconventional and easy-on-the-eye ride. The most entertaining way to add some bling to your winter! Flex = Soft

Burton lux - £300 ($480 usd). Find out more about the Lux here

Laid-back luxury.The Lux allows any rider a taste of the high life without having to dip into that non-existent trust fund. Soft Flexing and relaxed from rail to rail, its the perfect board for stepping it up and being ready for whatever the day throws your way. Our maintenance-free Extruded Base flies through the flats, the directional Flex is well-versed through variable terrain, while twin-shaping gives you park prowess no matter which way you point it. Flex = Soft

Forum aura - £200 ($320 usd). Find out more about the Aura here

Become one with Snowboarding!The Aura is an affordable, twin like women`s board with a full wood core for a great response and ollie pop. The part time wage earner is usually forced to search Craigsalist all day to find a board that ends up riding like crap. Not anymore! Flex = Soft

Salomon lily - £200 ($320 usd). Find out more about the Lily here

X Games Gold. Jenny Jones grabs the podium at every major womens slopestyle event on the Lily. Shes down for the snappy flex and Popster pop for ollies. She needs the stone ground base for speed to clear the biggest gaps and she loves the twin shape for cruising and butters.Flex = Soft

Rome lo fi - £270 ($160 usd). Find out more about the Lo fi here

When MFR filmed her three groundbreaking video parts over the last few years, she did it with a Lo-Fi under her feet. Whether she`s popping off a backcountry jump, spinning off a park kicker, ollieing a gap or riding a powder line, she prefers the poppy, smooth, mid-level flex profile of the Lo-Fi 2011. Flex = Mid/Hard

Remember! Before you go and buy your new board, check what size you need. You don't want to end up with one that is harder to ride than it should be. You can find a guide to what length snowboard is best for you by clicking on the link below (opens in new tab).

snowboard sizing - get the right size board for you!

We hope this page has shown you the importance of having a womens specific snowboard if you are keen to get the most out of your riding. If you have any questions about womens snowboards and want to know more then please drop us an email through the Contact us page.