Flex, width and length are the three most critical factors. You don’t want something really stiff, because these kinds of boards tend to be hard to control at slow speeds and will feel twitchy – a bit like learning to drive in a Ferrari!

A mellower board will be more forgiving and playful, so you’re less likely to catch an edge.

For a first board, something around chin height is about right. If you’re heavier-built, then you could add a few cm so it’s closer to your nose.

Some last words of advice: when choosing a snowboard, try not to get hung up on the graphics – the picture on the top doesn’t affect its performance!

Finally, more expensive boards are not always better. High-end boards are often full of pricey material like carbon for added stiffness, which is actually way less fun when you’re starting out or learning tricks. Save yourself some cash and get something you’ll enjoy.

Ready to buy? Check out the latest snowboards at Surfdome.