Are you planning to hit the slopes in warm weather conditions? With the sun shining bright, you will definitely need the right gear to keep you cool, comfortable, and protected. While most snowboarders tend to think that winter is the only time for snowboarding, warm weather snowboarding can be a real thrill.
Warm weather snowboarding presents some specific challenges that you need to tackle to ensure your riding experience is safe and enjoyable. For instance, the heat and humidity that comes with the warmer temperatures can make the snow mushy and slow, affecting your control, and speed. Additionally, heat can impact the quality and durability of your gear, especially the snowboarding boots.
In this post, we’ll explore the relationship between heat and snowboarding boots, as well as highlight the essential gear you need to enjoy your warm weather snowboarding trip. Let’s get started.
How does heat impact snowboard boots?
Snowboarding boots play an integral role in your experience on the slopes. They help protect your feet from the cold, provide support and stability, and control how you interact with the board. However, exposure to high temperatures and humidity can significantly impact the functioning and longevity of your snowboarding boots.
Firstly, the heat can soften the inner lining of your boots, causing them to lose shape and support. As a result, you may experience reduced control over your board, which can be dangerous, especially when snowboarding at high speeds. Additionally, the softened lining can cause your feet to move around inside the boots, causing friction, blisters, and soreness.
In some cases, the heat can cause the glue that holds the sole of the boot to the upper to break down, leading to separation. This can cause your boots to lose their water resistance properties, making your feet wet and cold, which can ruin your snowboarding experience. Moreover, the separation can weaken the boots’ structure, leading to tears, cracks, and holes, requiring you to replace them sooner than expected.
What gear do you need for warm weather snowboarding?
To ensure you have a fun and safe snowboarding experience, here are some essential gear items you need to carry when heading out in warm weather conditions.
1. Snowboarding jacket and pants
The right snowboarding jacket and pants are essential gear items for warm weather snowboarding. They should be breathable, lightweight, and waterproof to keep you cool, dry, and protected from the sun’s rays. Opt for gear made from moisture-wicking fabric that helps keep sweat away from your skin. Additionally, choose bright colors or patterns to reflect the sunlight rather than absorbing it.
2. Sunglasses or goggles
The bright sunlight can cause glare and reflection off the snow, making it harder to see. Hence, you need to carry sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes and enhance your vision. Choose high-quality lenses that offer excellent UV protection and polarized lenses to reduce glare.
3. Sunblock and lip balm
Warm weather snowboarding means you’ll be exposed to harmful UV rays from the sun. Hence, you need to protect your skin and lips from sunburn and chapping. Use high SPF sunblock and reapply frequently and carry lip balm to keep your lips moisturized.
4. Hydration pack or bottle
Snowboarding is a physically demanding activity that requires lots of energy and water. Hence, you need to stay hydrated by carrying a hydration pack or water bottle. A hydration pack is ideal since you can drink water without stopping, and it keeps your hands-free for snowboarding.
5. Snowboarding boots
As mentioned earlier, snowboarding boots play an integral role in your experience on the slopes. Invest in high-quality boots designed to withstand warm weather conditions. Look for boots made from breathable materials with moisture-wicking lining to keep your feet cool and dry. Additionally, choose boots with a precise fit and support to help you control the board better.
6. Helmet and protective gear
Lastly, don’t forget to carry a helmet and protective gear to protect you from injuries in case of falls or accidents. Choose gear made from high-quality materials that offer excellent protection without restricting your movement or comfort.
Can you wear shorts while warm weather snowboarding?
While wearing shorts might seem like the perfect solution to keep cool, it’s not advisable to wear shorts while snowboarding. Snowboarding is a high-risk activity that exposes you to various hazards such as cold, snow, ice, and falls. Wearing shorts exposes your legs to these hazards, increasing the risk of injuries, frostbite, and hypothermia.
Moreover, wearing shorts provides little protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays, putting you at risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Additionally, shorts offer no insulation, exposing you to cold temperatures, reducing your comfort and performance.
Conclusion
Warm weather snowboarding presents some unique challenges that require you to carry the right gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. When heading out, carry snowboarding boots designed for warm weather conditions, sunglasses or goggles, sunblock, a hydration pack, helmet and protective gear, and a snowboarding jacket, and pants. Avoid wearing shorts, and opt for clothing made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials that provide protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
With the right gear, you can have a fantastic time snowboarding in warm weather, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and thrilling ride down the slopes. So, don’t let the heat stop you from chasing the sun and experiencing the joys of snowboarding.
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