So you’ve decided that snowboarding is the winter sport for you. Great! Not only is snowboarding a fantastic way to get fit and have fun at the same time, but it also gives you the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth while getting some fresh air. For many people, their first experience with snowboarding ends up being their last. It’s a tough sport that involves a lot of falling over and getting back up again. However, with the right preparation and advice, it doesn’t need to be as tricky as some might expect. In this article we’ll cover what you should know before trying snowboarding for the first time. From equipment to etiquette, we’ve got everything you need to know before hitting the slopes.
Equipment
Snowboard – The board you choose will depend on many things, including your weight and ability. This will also dictate what type of board you should look for. Width – The width of your board will depend on how you like to ride. A wider board will suit people who like to ride with a more traditional stance. A thinner board would suit someone who likes to ride with an aggressive stance. Length – This will depend on your height. You don’t want the board to be too long or too short as this will affect your ability to control the board. Flex – A softer board will be easier to control, but will also be less responsive compared to a stiffer board. There are many different types of snowboards to choose from, including freestyle, all mountain and freeride boards. Snowboard Boots – These will be very important in keeping your feet warm and comfortable. The most important thing to remember is to make sure they are snug. You don’t want too much movement in the boot, which can cause pressure points. Types of boots – There are two types of boots that you can buy – a soft boot or a hard boot. Soft boots are less expensive, but they are not as durable as hard boots. Hard boots are more expensive but more durable. Snowboard Binding – The binding is what connects the snowboard to the boots. The two types of bindings are heel and toe, with the most common being the toe binding.
Snowboard
If you’re planning on snowboarding, you’ll need to buy a board. The type of board you buy will depend on the conditions that day and your level of ability. Here are the three main types of boards to look for when buying. All mountain boards – This is a good choice for people who are just starting out and want a board that can do everything. Freestyle boards – These are made for tricks and rails and can be a little tricky to learn on. Freeride boards – These are a good choice for someone who is intermediate to advanced and wants a board that can handle all types of terrain.
Snowboard Boots
These are very important in keeping your feet warm and comfortable. The most important thing to remember is to make sure they are snug. You don’t want too much movement in the boot, which can cause pressure points. Types of Boots – There are two types of boots that you can buy – a soft boot or a hard boot. Soft boots are less expensive, but they are not as durable as hard boots. Hard boots are more expensive but more durable.
Snowboard Binding
The binding is what connects the snowboard to the boots. The two types of bindings are heel and toe, with the most common being the toe binding.
Snowboard Jacket
There are two main types of jackets to choose from. These are synthetic and down. Synthetic – These are cheaper and lighter than down jackets and can be used across all types of snowboarding. Down – Down jackets are warmer and are better for more extreme conditions. Snowboard pants – Snowboard pants are very common and will give you more protection than regular snowboarding pants. They are better for more extreme conditions, such as when there is heavy snowfall. Snowboard gloves – There are different types of gloves to choose from, including mitten and fingerless gloves. Mitten gloves are better for cold conditions, whereas fingerless gloves are better for warmer conditions.
Helmet
The number of people who wear helmets for snowboarding has increased in recent years. There are many benefits to wearing a helmet, including better safety and protection. Types of helmets – There are two main types of helmets to choose from, including full-face and open-face helmets. Full-face helmets are better for those who are more advanced at snowboarding, whereas open-face helmets are better for the beginner.
Handwear
The type of handwear you choose will depend on the conditions and what you intend to do while snowboarding. Fingerless gloves – These are good all-around gloves and can be used in most conditions. Warm gloves – These are good for when conditions are very cold. Cold weather gloves – These are for when conditions are below freezing.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a complete beginner’s guide to snowboarding. From equipment to etiquette, we’ve got everything you need to know before hitting the slopes. With the right equipment, a little bit of knowledge and a positive attitude, you’ll be cruising down the slopes in no time. So what are you waiting for? Grab your board and let’s go snowboarding!