Snowboarding Gear- An Essential Guide
How to Buy Snowboarding Gear
Snowboarding Gear
Snowboarding gear and equipment are essential requirements if you intend to hit the slopes. It can be dangerous to just do it as the saying goes. So if you want to snowboard like a pro go prepared and buy the best snowboarding gear you can afford from the start. You obviously need a snowboard but there are quite a few other snowboarding essentials you should have. Here’s a quick winter sports gear shopping list so you can purchase everything you need from the shop in the shortest time possible and get started with your new pastime!
Snowboarding Gear and Equipment for Beginners
Snowboard – the most obvious piece of snowboarding gear that you need so we will start here. As a beginner you do not wan to dive into the most expensive snowboard on the market. After all you may not like it. The type of board you buy will depend on how good you can become and performance is all tied to the type of boards you get. . Your choice will also determine the level of agility and speed you’ll enjoy when you’re snowboarding.
Snowboards are designed for specific purposes and to be used for specific conditions. Some are better on ice than others while some perform better on powdery snow, others do a combination of both yet are not specific to the prevailing conditions. It is best to try as many different boards as you can before purchasing your preferred choice.
There are three main basic types of snowboard
Freestyle snowboards- these are short to medium length and flexible with both tips upturned, and are more suited to novice snowboarders which will probably include you. For a beginner it is easier to control a freestyle snowboard, you do want to say on the board after all not sit in the snow. It is a good all round snowboard which can allow you to carve until you reach high speeds.
Freeride snowboards- more suited to the snowboarders that have developed from the novice stage but have not yet reached the stage where they can call themselves a pro. It can basically do everything you need with medium flexibility and both tips upturned. Freeride snowboards are probably the most popular type of snowboard because it allows people to measure their snowboarding skills and develop their talents without hurting themselves with a more advanced board. The board carves well you can go big and still be manoeuvrable enough to overcome bumpy rides.
Alpine snowboards- This is the third type of snowboard. The opposite of the flexible freestyle snowboard as it is far more rigid. In fact is used because of its rigid build. If you are a thrill seeker who has mastered all the skills of snowboarding then this is for you. This board is made to do one thing, go as fast as you can in one direction. There is a slight kick at the tip of the board and less to no kick at the tail. They are used by all the advanced snowboarders who hone there skills, practice tricks and enjoy the thrills of going downhill at incredible speeds.
Snowboarding Boots – A most important part of the snowboarders arsenal is the choice of snowboarding boot. While doing jumps and turns at speed it is very important safety issue for the protection of the snowboarder. . Besides offering comfort and warmth to your feet, they also prevent this area – which includes the ankles – from physical injury, or at least reduce the risk of encountering it. Again, there are several types of snowboarding boots that you can choose from.
Soft boots are great for allowing the maximum amount of movement in all directions. They can be a bit shaky if you are travelling at very high speeds. They can be reinforced with stiffer bindings but should also be comfortable enough so that you can walk around or drive in them
Hard boots or ski boots are more rigid and designed for more precise control. They are best for high velocities and getting precise response from the snowboard.
When purchasing snowboarding boots, make sure that you purchase those which are durable and you feel comfortable wearing for long periods of time.
Snowboard Bindings – you now have your snowboard and boots so what now? Your snowboarding gear needs to be tied together using snowboard bindings. Although they may appear flimsy, snowboard bindings in fact play a significant role in keeping snowboarders safe while out in the field. The bindings are the hardware that keep you attached and in control of your board. They should allow you to move freely and must be comfortable but should also be fitted correctly. There are several types of snowboard bindings for you to choose from: strapped, flow-ins, plated, step-ins, and those without base (baseless). However you should try out which is best for you as everyone will have a different stance width and general foot placement. This can only be ascertained by you and with some expert help.
Snowboarding Clothing – Just like boots, the right snowboarding outfit will keep you safe and secure from physical harm. Four things to consider are fit, quality of material, style and cost. You need to have a full range of motion while not getting exposed by hypothermia or frostbite. For warm dry riding try the three layering system of clothing used by many mountaineers and alpinists. This consists of an under layer for wicking sweat. An insulating layer for keeping warm. An over layer for protection against the elements and waterproofing. Always wear a hat of some sort as this is where 90% of body heat is lost.
Snowboarding Goggles – Lastly, contrary to popular belief, snowboarding goggles are not used for aesthetic purposes only but have a very functional purpose. Rather, they are worn by snowboarders for eye protection, wind protection, and protection from UV light. It’s important to see very clearly where you’re going because there are a lot of dangers that you’ll encounter when you’re snowboarding.
This is the main snowboarding gear that you need before starting out. You can add things like wrist and knee protection but do not go overboard at first.