The Ultimate Guide to Freestyle Snowboarding Gear: All You Need To Know.
Snowboarding is a thrilling, adrenaline-packed and incredibly popular winter sport. As with any extreme sport, there are certain items of clothing, protectors and gear you need to have in order to make the most of your time in the snow and not put yourself at risk of injury. Choosing the wrong gear for your style of snowboarding can not only hamper your performance, but also lead to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations.
That’s why, if you’re planning on perfecting your freestyle snowboarding skills, it’s vital that you have the very best gear for the job. Read on for our ultimate guide to freestyle snowboarding gear – so that you can look good, perform at your best and feel safe wherever your adventures take you.
First up – snowboarding boots. Freestyle boots are designed to give a softer feel and increased flexibility, making them much more suited to that style of snowboarding. Boots that have better cushioning, greater shock absorption and plenty of cushioning are usually the best choice, and they should have a relatively warm lining to keep your feet nice and cozy in cold temperatures.
“Freestyle snowboard boots should have cushioning, shock absorption and plenty of cushioning”
Once you’ve chosen your boots, it’s time to select the right bindings. Freestyle snowboarding requires the most agile bindings with the most flex for speed, control and comfort in the terrain park. Look for bindings that are lightweight and offer quick and precise adjustments, with a soft flex for extra flexibility. Some bindings also come with extra features such as ankle straps and toe caps to give you that little bit more comfort and stability – perfect for those who are serious about freestyle boarding.
When it comes to your board, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Your board should be shorter and more flexible than an all-mountain board and should also have a centered stance. This is because freestyle snowboarding requires more spinning and sharper turns, so you want a board that can turn quickly and can maintain its grip when you’re spinning around.
“Your freestyle snowboard should be shorter, more flexible and have a centered stance”
Finally, it’s the extra gear – protectors and jackets – that will help improve your performance and keep you safe. There are plenty of specialist jackets and body protectors available nowadays offering premium weather protection and insulation, so look out for those. Ideally, for increased safety, it’s also advised to wear a helmet when you’re practicing your new tricks and spins on the slopes.
Now that you’re fully kitted out with the right freestyle snowboarding gear, all that’s left to do is get out there and have the time of your life. Enjoy!
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