Jibbing with the Best: Gear Up for Snowboarding.
For the adventurous snowboarder, jibbing requires the right gear. From the board to the bindings, boots and more, this guide covers all the essentials. Jumping right into the winter season, it’s important to understand what tips and tricks can help you get the most out of your jibbing sessions.
Snowboarding has become an increasingly popular sport. With an estimated 3.8 million people hitting the slopes each year, experts predict that number to only increase as more snowboarders seek out the adrenaline rush and unique challenges that the sport can offer.
Jibbing is a particular form of snowboarding that involves performing tricks such as sliding along rails, boxes, or other features of a park or terrain park. This type of snowboarding has become popular given its unique set of stunts and tricks that set jibbing apart from other types of boarding.
For those who want to try jibbing this winter, it’s important to have the right gear. Here’s a look at the essentials that you should consider when gearing up for jibbing.
Snowboard
The first thing that you need to master jibbing is, of course, a snowboard. Jib boards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but a jib-specific board is generally shorter and more flexible. This makes them easier to manipulate and control and helps you stick those landings. The board should be long enough to reach the tips and tails but still short enough to stay maneuverable.
Bindings
The bindings of your board are also important when it comes to jibbing. As with the board, bindings can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most jibbers generally prefer bindings that are slightly more flexible. This is because they allow you to make small adjustments while jibbing, which makes tricks and landings a bit easier to stick.
Boots
Patience and practice are key when it comes to learning jibbing, and having the right boots is also essential. That’s why most jibbing riders opt for boots that offer the best combination of comfort and support. Generally speaking, boots with softer stiffness are better for jibbing, as they will allow you to move more freely while jibbing.
Boots that come with more stiffer soles, on the other hand, can often be too stiff for jibbing and can even make it harder to land certain tricks. It’s best to look for boots that have a softer flex rating but are still a bit stiffer than a park riding boot.
Protective Gear
Finally, any snowboarder should also wear the appropriate protective gear when engaging in any activity on a mountain. Aside from wearing a helmet (which is an absolute must), you should also consider investing in elbow and knee pads, as well as some wrist guards for added protection.
For the serious jibber, a few pieces of gear are worth considering. Impact shorts offer protection in case of big falls, and a neck brace can provide more unwelcome surprises.
It’s also a good idea to invest in some warm clothes and a good pair of snowboard gloves, too. Even the most serious jibbers are likely to take falls occasionally, and having several layers to soften those falls – and keep you warm afterwards – is always a good idea.
Conclusion
Jibbing is an adrenaline-packed form of snowboarding that requires a specific set of gear. From the right board and bindings to supportive boots, protective gear, and more, this guide can help get you started. Don’t forget to keep your gear in top condition, too, so you can stay safe and have the best jibbing experience possible!
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