Are snowboards unisex?

The short answer is, it depends.

Women's snowboards have a narrower sidecut as well as waist width. This is done predominantly because women tend to have smaller feet and smaller bodies. Women's boards are usually shorter and generally have a softer flex to accommodate the height and weight difference between men and women. Snowboarding used to be weighted more heavily towards men, but companies are starting to produce more products geared towards women.

Women can ride men's boards, if they have larger than the average girl's feet and body frame. Boot size and height/weight has a lot to do with how easily a board can be controlled. With men's boards being larger, having a smaller frame and smaller feet a woman may not be able to maneuver as well (and some men can't either!), although a more experienced rider may be able to pull it off. Should you be determined to ride a board designed for men, going for one with a softer flex would be an ideal option. On the flip side, men can ride women's boards, if they have smaller feet and a smaller frame.

Feel free to take a look at our size chart for both men and women.

For women thinking about getting a men's board, and are willing to spend the money, check out our review on the Burton Custom Flying V, it runs as small as 150cm.