Snowboarding Gear For Short People: Pick the Right Gear For Maximum Fun
Snowboarding is one of the most exciting sports, offering unparalleled thrills – but all too often, short people, especially those under five feet tall, struggle to find the right gear. Many stores simply don’t carry boards and boots designed with short people in mind, leaving you with a sense of frustration and disappointment.
The good news is that there’s hope for all of you snowboarding fans out there who are on the shorter side. There’s a range of specially designed snowboarding gear for short people that can make your ride much more enjoyable. From boards and boots to bindings, helmets and more, you can take all the right steps to find the right gear and have the ultimate snowboarding experience.
In this guide, we’ll show you the different snowboarding gear options available to short people, explain why they’re important and help you figure out which items will work best for you.
Choosing the Right Snowboard
The type of board you choose is critical as a short rider. While some snowboards are unisex and designed to fit riders of all heights, you can find snowboards tailored specifically to shorter riders.
Shorter, narrower boards provide more control for the rider, reduce drag and increase the stability of the turns. Ideal for those under five and a half feet tall, these boards are often available in 140 and 150 centimeters. If you’re taller than 5’6’’, you can still opt for a shorter snowboard, as many brands offer boards down to 140 centimeters in length, which can improve your turns and jumps.
Snowboard Bindings
Snowboard bindings should fit snugly and be well-fastened. Used to secure your feet to the board, these mechanisms need to be well-fitted to enhance your riding abilities.
For short people, a board’s straps should sit extra close to the mounting plate. This helps to create stability during turns and jumps, and allows you to have greater control. You may also want to adjust the inner straps (or ladder straps) to add extra pressure and secure your feet better. It’s best to take your time when adjusting the bindings – and have a professional do it if necessary.
Choosing Snowboarding Boots
Most people opt for soft, comfortable boots when they snowboard. But as a short rider, you should look for snug, low-profile boots that better accommodate your smaller size and provide superior control.
Stiffer boots, which offer more support than their softer counterparts, are recommended for short riders. Higher price point boots (usually over 200 dollars) often come with thermic liners and shock-absorbing systems that reduce vibration and provide a better power transfer. You’ll also want boots that come with compatible bindings, ensuring that your feet are snug and secure – and providing you with the control you need to make those sharp turns.
Picking the Appropriate Helmet
When it comes to snowboarding, the importance of a good helmet cannot be overlooked. Even if you’re an experienced rider, make sure you choose a helmet that fits correctly.
When choosing a helmet, it’s essential to consider its comfort. A helmet needs to be snug, but not too tight. Helmets for short people are available in different sizes and shaped for snug fits.
A well-fitting helmet shouldn’t shift when you shake your head. Furthermore, it should provide adequate vision, allowing you to move your head without feeling constricted by the helmet.
Wearing the Right Gloves
Gloves are another important piece of gear for short people. It’s easy to grab your board and get onto the slopes with regular gloves, but they may not be designed with short people in mind.
Short gloves provide extra coverage, help improve your grip and provide a better connection with your board. Also, shorter gloves help avoid drag, as you won’t have the extra fabric bunching up in the palm of your hand.
Snowboarding Goggles
Whether you’re a short rider or a tall one, a good pair of goggles is a must-have. This piece of gear allows you to traverse the slopes safely and protect your eyes from the reflected sunlight. Additionally, it will also shield your eyes from snow and wind.
Goggles for short people include a foam insert that sits just above the bridge of your nose, providing extra comfort and better grip. Goggles should also sit low, closer to your eyes, to give you more peripheral vision.
Other Essential Snowboarding Gear
There are several other important items to get the most out of your snowboarding experience. Layering clothing and using insulating base layers can help you stay warm and keep your muscles from getting too cold. Snowboarding jackets and pants should fit snugly, but still be loose enough to provide you with full range of motion.
It’s also a good idea to have an extra warm hat and wear neck gaiter or even a facemask to protect your face from the cold, wind and sun. And don’t forget the sun screen!
Look for gear that specifically caters to short people. Longer coats, thick socks and extra wide boots may be designed with taller people in mind and can make riding difficult and less comfortable for shorter riders.
Conclusion
Snowboarding is a lot of fun and a great way to get your adrenaline pumping. But it’s also important to make sure you have the right gear for a safe, enjoyable experience. As a short rider, you’ll want to choose items specifically designed for your size and stature.
The snowboarding gear available for short people includes boards, boots, bindings and helmets, as well as other essential items, such as gloves, goggles and base layers. Look for gear that fits snugly, is comfortable, and provides you with the most control on the slopes – so you can fully show off your skills and have an awesome time snowboarding.
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