Snowboarding Gear for Teens: Essential Safety Tips.
Whether your teen is just getting into snowboarding or they have been a pro for years, it’s always essential to make sure that they have the proper snowboarding gear. Snowboarding can be incredibly enjoyable, but it can also be dangerous when teens are not properly equipped and dressed for their activity. As parents, it is our job to make sure our teens have the right equipment and safety gear for snowboarding.
From helmets to snowboards and boots, it is important to make sure your teen has all the essential pieces of snowboarding gear. In this blog post, we are going to cover the basics of purchasing snowboarding gear, as well as five key safety tips for teens to follow when hitting the slopes.
When it comes to snowboarding gear, there are five primary components to consider: a helmet, snowboard, boots, bindings, and jacket/pants.
1. Helmet: Safety should be your teen’s first priority. It is important to make sure they have a quality helmet that fits properly and is properly adjusted and secured. Helmets should be lightweight yet strongly built and have a proper fit on the head. Many brands have size specific helmets and feature adjustable interior straps and fit adjusters to make sure your teen’s head is properly and safely protected. Also, make sure that the helmet meets standard safety requirements, as indicated by its certification.
2. Snowboard: Once you’ve got a helmet, you will need to buy a snowboard. Pay close attention to the size and the shape when purchasing a snowboard. The snowboard size should generally correspond with the height and weight of your teen, typically ranging from 90 to 160 centimeters. If they are new to snowboarding, they should opt for a board that is around 110-130 centimeters. If they have been snowboarding for a few years and their skills have progressed, they may be ready for a longer board. For shape, typically camber plays best for beginners, and hybrid camber (rocker with flat camber towards the tips of the board) is better for intermediate and advanced riders.
3. Boots: Once you have the helmet and the snowboard sorted out, boots are the next essential piece of gear. Your teen will be spending most of their time on the mountain wearing their boots, so comfort and fit should be the main concerns. First and foremost, the boots must fit properly with enough space in the toe area, as well as support around the ankle and heel. Most snowboard boots are comfortable and offer additional foot, ankle, and shin support with the different lacing techniques, such as lace-up, lacing harness, and strap closure-systems.
4. Bindings: The next piece of gear to pick up are bindings. These are what will attach the boots to the board and provide added support while on the mountain. Snowboard bindings come in a variety of sizes and styles. To ensure a perfect fit, your teen’s boots and bindings should be in the same size range. Most snowboarders will opt for a flexible binding, as they provide comfort and freedom of movement while still having enough support.
5. Jacket/Pants: Now that your teen has the necessary pieces of snowboarding gear, it’s time to pick out a quality snowboarding outfit. A snowboarding jacket and pants should be water and wind-proof, as well as made from materials that are breathable and insulated for extra warmth. The fit should also be comfortable and adjustable, with room for layers underneath for extra warmth and protection.
Safety Tips for Teens:
1. Wear a Helmet: We cannot stress this enough – wear a helmet at all times, no matter how skilled you think you are. Helmets provide life-saving protection from head and brain injuries and should never be taken for granted.
2. Know Your Skill Level: Before heading out to the slopes, make sure that your teen knows their skill level. It is important to understand the difficulty associated with each slope and only head out onto trails that match their abilities.
3. Obey Trail Rules: Always obey the slopes’ rules and regulations. This includes ensuring proper safety gear is worn, staying on marked trails and areas only, and not skiing or snowboarding outside the designated area.
4. Stick to Your Limits: It’s alright to push your limits on the slopes, but do so in a safe manner. Take things slow and don’t take unnecessary risks.
5. Educate Yourself: Before heading out to the slopes, make sure that your teen knows how to use their snowboarding gear and understands the various etiquette when it comes to snowboarding. We recommend taking a safety course or lesson for first-time snowboarders.
With these simple safety tips, your teen will be well equipped for a safe and enjoyable day of snowboarding. Remember to always put safety first and make sure your teen is properly informed on the importance of wearing proper snowboarding gear at all times. Have fun out there and enjoy the ride!
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