Just as the womens' snowboard market has expanded, so too, has the children's market. Last year, you could count on two hands the number of snowboard manufacturers who offered kids' snowboards. This year, it's hovering around 32. As a reflection of this increase, there are also more kids snowboard classes offered at more resorts around the country, which means you can stick 'em in school while you go rip with the gals.

Here are some general rules for purchasing a board for your child. Remember that the world of snowboard equipment is based on the size of men's feet. Just as you look for a board with a narrow waist that matches the size of your feet, do so for your child. Have them stand on the board and measure how close his or her feet come to the edge. You may want to account for growing, so keep that in mind. For optimal riding, the board should come shoulder-high, but I'd suggest purchasing one that goes as high as your child's nose to give them some growing room (and to save you from purchasing a new board before the end of the season). Also, check the flex of the board. Some manufacturers, who shall remain nameless for the sake of my own personal security, say they offer children's boards, when they are simply offering shorter versions of their adult boards. When you cut a board to half it's intended length, the flex needs to be accounted for. Otherwise, it'll be as stiff as, well, a board. Not fun for the little guns. All the boards I know of are directional or twin-tipped, which makes sense if a child isn't sure if they're goofy or regular-footed. Kids tend to spin around a lot also and hit kickers, so this may be the best option. I don't know of any racing or carving boards for children, but that doesn't mean they're not out there. You may have to do some further research if you're keen on having your child ride a carving board (for a future in racing) or if you' prefer them to ride in a hard-boot set-up.

Some snowboard-centric resorts are so accommodating (such as Stratton Mountain, Vermont, and The Canyons, Utah), that they offer a variety of children's boards to demo or rent. You may opt for renting the first season, to save you some money and to adjust to your growing child's needs. When you and your child have had a chance to determine which brand fits best with both your requirements, (i.e. your money, their rate-of-growth), then it's time for Santa to make his delivery.