The Best Snowboarding Gear for Teen Snowboarders.
When you’re thinking about gifting the teens in your life with something fun and exciting, snowboarding should be at the top of your list. Snowboarding is an exhilarating sport that’s shown to build confidence, create strong bonds with friends, and promote physical and mental strength. Whether they’re hitting the slopes for the first time or need an upgrade to their current gear, having the right snowboarding equipment can make all the difference. It’s important to choose snowboarding gear for teens that is suited for their skill level and the type of terrain they’ll be riding on.
Getting started with snowboarding can be overwhelming and understanding what to get for the sport can be a daunting task. With this guide, you’ll be able to to find the best snowboarding gear for your teen. We’ll cover the essentials, from the board to the must-have accessories, to ensure your teen is safe and comfortable while out on the slopes.
Choosing a Snowboard
The snowboard is the most important piece of equipment for snowboarding and it’s one that should be chosen with care. The snowboard should match the teen’s style, ability, and weight. It should also fit the terrain they’ll be riding on. Understanding what each part of the board is and its overall quality will help in picking the most appropriate board.
Length: The length of the board affects its control and the size range for teens is typically between 130 and 140 centimeters. The board should reach from the chin to the nose to ensure ideal control.
Width: The width of the board should be relative to the size of a person’s feet. This is important for stability and balance. A good rule of thumb is to look for boards that are between seven and eight inches wide at their waist with a sidecut that matches the size of their waist.
Profile: The profile of the board will determine the board’s overall shape. Boards that have a directional shape, with a longer nose than tail, are great for speed and control when going downhill. More traditional boards are perfect for all-mountain riders and often have a twin shape.
Riding Style: When buying a board it’s important to keep in mind the type of riding your teen will be doing. Will they be hitting the park or hitting the backcountry? If they’re into freestyle riding, it’s a good idea to look for a board that emphasizes pop and maneuverability. All-mountain boards are good for all-around riders who just want to cruise and explore the mountain.
Flex: The flex of the board is important for feeling out the terrain and for maneuverability. Soft boards are great for park riders and beginners, while medium boards are perfect for intermediates, and stiff boards are the best for experienced riders.
Bindings
To connect the snowboard to the feet, snowboard bindings are used. It’s important to buy the right bindings to ensure maximum control, comfort, and security. It’s also important to get bindings that match the rider’s boots and the size of the board.
Size: Bindings come in different sizes, usually small, medium, and large. Choosing the right size will depend on the size of the rider’s boots. It’s important to make sure that the bindings fit snugly if they’re too tight they’ll be uncomfortable and leave the rider unable to make full use of the board’s features.
Flex: The flex of the bindings should match the flex of the board and account for the rider’s style. For high performance riding and carving, stiff bindings are ideal as they provide maximum control and insulation for the feet. Softer bindings are great for park riders and beginners as they provide more flexibility and forgiveness when making turns and jumps.
Highbacks: Highbacks are the back portion of the bindings and play a crucial role in transferring energy from the board to the body. Depending on the riding style and boot size, the highbacks should be able to provide enough support and energy while remaining comfortable.
Strap System: Most modern snowboard bindings come with buckles and straps that connect the feet securely and safely to the board. According to many, straps are the most comfortable out of all the binding systems and they provide the most control as well.
Boots
Choosing the right boots are very important as they transfer all movement output from the legs to the board. The most important factor when choosing snowboarding boots is the fit. It’s important to try before buying and look for boots that provide enough comfort and security without being too tight or too loose. The following are the different types of boots to choose from:
Freestyle: Freestyle boots are great for park riders as they offer maximum flexibility and allow for a lot of movement when maneuvering on the slopes. These boots are typically lightweight and come with soft and forgiving flex to give the rider maximum mobility.
All-Mountain: All-mountain boots are made for all-around snowboarding and are great for riders who want to switch from the park to the backcountry. These boots provide great response, support and cushioning for each turn and jump.
Alpine: Alpine boots are for carving, speed and technical freeriding. These are the stiffest boots out there and provide maximum control and response for the riders. These boots are perfect for those looking to really push their limits and take on more challenging terrain.
Jacket and Pants
It’s important that your teen is bundled up and warm while snowboarding and having the right gear will help keep them comfortable throughout the day. There are different styles and materials out there, however, when buying a jacket and pants, make sure they are waterproof and breathable. Look for clothing that has enough insulation to keep the cold out and can wick away sweat.
Helmet
A good quality helmet is a must-have for any snowboarder. Wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the risk of serious head injuries and is an essential piece of equipment for any teen rider. Look for helmets that provide enough protection and a good fit. A well-fitting helmet should cover the forehead but still allows the head to move freely.
Gloves
Gloves are key to keeping hands warm and protected out on the slopes. Invest in a good pair of gloves that are waterproof, breathable, and have enough insulation to keep out the cold. Look for gloves that fit comfortably and allow for easy gripping of the snowboard handle.
Goggles
Goggles are a must-have for snowboarding as they are key for vision and protection. When buying ski goggles it’s important to consider the conditions of the terrain. Choose goggles that provide maximum coverage from wind and snow and that can securely cover the eyes. Make sure the lenses are scratch-resistant, offer UV protection, and are adjustable for different terrain.
Backpack
Lastly, a good quality backpack is essential for carrying additional items needed for the mountain. Look for a backpack that can fit most of the items and is easy to carry. The backpack should be waterproof and offer protection to the items stored inside.
Conclusion
Having the right snowboarding gear for teens can greatly improve their enjoyment and safety on the slopes. Whether they’re a beginner or a more experienced rider, having the right board, bindings, boots, helmet, and other accessories are key to having a great time. With the right gear, your teen will be ready to take on the intense slopes of winter and make unforgettable memories.
Image Credit: Pexels