Beginner women's board?

[Tromboli]

I have been boarding a handful of times but am now thinking of buying my own board. I've tried to do my research and figure out what the heck I am getting but am still a little unsure.

I am 23, female (by the way are there any actual girls on here? all I've read about girls boards are boyfriends/husbands or fathers looking for boards for someone else) 130-ish lbs, 5-3 (and a half) I usually switch from goofy to regular depending and we have season passes to a small place here in Ohio. I haven't been there yet but can't imagine it will be very big. I have no interest in riding the park.

budget? 3-400. Boots and bindings included (I'd be willing to do a little more for the right board.)

I originally wanted the 2011 Arbor Push Arbor Push 2011 Snowboard Review but it seems no one is selling it anymore (and I know I'm lame but I don't like the graphics on the new one lol) now I have found another I like but a guy I talked to online says I could find something much better. Camp Seven Featherlite 2012 Snowboard - Camp Seven - Brands

Help me out. Suggestions would be awesome. What else should I be looking at? Whats the best way to find a good board? Since I tend to ride switch should I be looking for a twin? or does it really matter?

[Wiredsport]

Originally Posted by Tromboli

I have been boarding a handful of times but am now thinking of buying my own board.

Help me out. Suggestions would be awesome. What else should I be looking at? Whats the best way to find a good board? Since I tend to ride switch should I be looking for a twin? or does it really matter?

One question, when you say you ride switch, do you mean that you are going back and forth from regular t switch (falling leaf)? It would be a little advanced to be riding switch after just a few days.

PS: I am very biased on this. Camp Seven is a Wiredsport brand and I designed that graphic

[Tromboli]

Well, I guess I don't fully know what switch means,other than riding with the back of the. Board in front (which is essetial what I do when I switch from right to left first). My problem is, when learning I never knew which I was, goofy or regular, I am right handed in everything but for some reason I felt comfortable riding left foot first. So I'd switch back and forth to see which I liked better and never really decided (I think I'm goofy though I am going to try to stick to that this season and see how it goes. But I'd still like a board I'd have the option for.).
P.s. The graffics of that board are awesome

[bseracka]

The most important place to spend money is on a quality well fitting pair of boots.

[Wiredsport]

Originally Posted by Tromboli

Well, I guess I don't fully know what switch means,other than riding with the back of the. Board in front (which is essetial what I do when I switch from right to left first). My problem is, when learning I never knew which I was, goofy or regular, I am right handed in everything but for some reason I felt comfortable riding left foot first. So I'd switch back and forth to see which I liked better and never really decided (I think I'm goofy though I am going to try to stick to that this season and see how it goes. But I'd still like a board I'd have the option for.).
P.s. The graffics of that board are awesome

Actually that is exactly what switch is and it is great that you are getting comfortable with both directions right off the bat. It is WAY harder to learn that later. So stoked that you like those graphics!

That deck actually uses a very cool profile which starts with ever so slightly lifted contact points, flows into two big cambers under the bindings and the uses a rockered section between the inserts. It is vertically laminated poplar with center cut tighter grain "stringers on the inserts for durability and pop. Rubber foil at the edges on the deck and base for dampening and edge adhesion. Full wrap edges and an easy to repair extruded base. Biax over Triax glassing. We warranty these for 3 years. The are very light and very tough. This is a directional twin that is designed as an all mountain do everything model. It rides great switch!

[mastershake]

hey. my gf is 5-5 and about 130ish and i got her a Ride Compact board in 143cm. Its nice and small so she can control it and its very very light, the quality is pretty awesome..i was a bit jealous myself since i ride an old old Santa Cruz board. On her 2nd day ever she was already doing a very controlled leafing down the mountain and i think the board/boots/bindings have a lot to do with that. worth checking it out.

[MeanJoe]

Mind if I ask where this small place is in Ohio? I'm in Ohio and have season passes to Mad River Mountain.

[ChristinaAK36]

Im a chick!

Good boots are a must. Make sure you get a board that isnt too much for ya (some are more aggressive, not for beginners) and get the right size. My first board is too short, but easier to learn on. So now I'm looking for a board more fit to my height and weight. However, doesnt leave me alot of room to progress because its a good beginner board but I need more now.

Snowboard Sizing Guide, Size Calculator Theres a size guide

Second, check out shayboarder.com for her reviews. The guys on here try, but thats been my suggestion. She demos and reviews ALOT of stuff and since we dont get any demos in my area, its nice to see the reviews from a chick. Plus she has goody giveaways all the time. I've gotten my next board narrowed down to a few after reading her reviews and doing some more research.

Good luck.

[Tromboli]

Its in Akron not sure what its called. When I say small its probobly tiny. We had no idea there was a place anywhere near us.but its better to be able to go once or twice a week at a small place than once or twice all season.

[Olivia]

I'm an actual girl, and like mastershake's gf, I ride a Ride Compact. It's the first board I've owned and I'm still a bit of a beginner, but my riding has improved greatly over the few times I've been out on it this season. Definitely a huge step up from the rental boards I used to ride.