Welcome to the Jibbing Revolution: The Complete Guide to Snowboarding Gear
It has been said that if you don’t jib, you don’t truly snowboard. This might be an accurate statement for jibbing, the most gripping facet of snowboarding. Jibbing inspired feats that draw the attention from snowboarders and spectators alike, making it no surprise that jibbing is the most poplar avenue of the sport.
For those unfamiliar with the term jibbing, it refers to an off-piste snowboarding activity with an emphasis on performing tricks or stunts on man-made features such as rails, boxes and other advanced structures. Getting the most out of riding is, therefore, heavily dependent on having the correct snowboarding gear for jibbing. This complete guide will get you going on the path of jibbing glory.
What Gear Do I Need?
To jib with rocket like power and style, you’ll need to invest in appropriate snowboarding gear. A comprehensive list of the necessary equipment is as follows:
1. Snowboard: A solid park board with plenty of flex is essential for enhanced performance when jibbing. A stiffer board is usually better for an all-mountain rider, however, these boards tend to tweak out and make it difficult to get the full effect of your jibbing manoeuvres.
2. Snowboard Bindings: This is the primary form of connection between your snowboard and your body. It is imperative to select the perfect fitting snowboard binding, as it supports your weight, transfers energy to your snowboard and helps you absorb shocks.
3. Boots: Snowboard boots are key to giving you the perfect fitting for making precise moves when jibbing. Stiffer boots tend to be more responsive and give you better control, however, comfort should be a top priority.
4. Protective Clothing: Having the knowledge of what type of kit best suits your jibbing is essential so you should invest in a good quality helmet, gloves and other protective kit you need to keep you safe while out on the jib.
5. Other Accessories: You can find a number of other accessories to enhance your riding such as wax, board waxers and stomp pads. Many pro riders also like to bring a back pack and energy snacks to keep their energy levels high when out on the slopes.
Snowboards for Jibbing
The snowboard is the primary focus when it comes to jibbing and the most important choice when selecting your snowboard gear. As described previously, you want a board with plenty of flex when jibbing. Boards made from carbon fiber composites are more versatile and tend to have less weight. Though they come at a higher cost, this type of board is the current preference of pro jibbers.
Also, keep in mind that length and width of the board varies in accordance to the type of snowboarding you intend to engage in. The most popular width of board is around 25.5 cm while average snowboards are usually between 146 and 180 cm. Jibbers usually opt for shorter boards of around 140 to 155 cm, as they provide increased manoeuvrability and better balance on rails and boxes.
Bindings for Jibbing
The bindings of your snowboard form the link between your board and your body. Despite the fact that it is just a small piece of kit, it is vitally important for your jibbing experience. When selecting the bindings for your snowboard, you should look at unique features like the highback, baseplate, and straps to appropriate the fit of the you and your snowboard.
Making sure your bindings are the right size is, of course, very important for your comfort and the responsiveness of tricks. You will also want a binding that has reliable and adjustable straps, comfortable padded liners and durable baseplates such as those made from aluminum or canted foot beds allow you flex more naturally while jibbing.
Snowboard Boots
Snowboard boots can make or break your progress as a jibber. Depending on your preference, you can opt for either soft or stiff boots. Soft boots usually provide more comfort and lightness, although they can lack responsiveness when engaging in tricks. On the flip-side, stiffer boots tend to be more supportive and can absorb shocks better.
In selecting your snowboard boots, you must decide based on the type of riding you are doing. Soft boots are perfect for jibbing, as they provide maximum flexibility for better performance on boxes and rails. Comfort should of course be the ultimate consideration as you would want to stay out on the slopes for as long as possible.
Protective Gear
It goes without saying that safety is of paramount importance when snowboarding. Jibbing can be dangerous, as it requires snowboarders to take on various handrails and man-made features. Wearing the appropriate protective gear, therefore, is compulsory for any jibber.
A helmet that fits the right size and shape of your head is a must, as is a pair of snowboarding gloves. It is also advisable to wear some clothes such as a jacket and trousers, as they will provide protection from wind, snow, and cold while also helping to reduce injuries in case of a fall.
Other Snowboarding Gear
Tools such as snowboard wax are quite important when jibbing, as they offer more grip on the rails which will increase your confidence when taking on those challenging tricks. Ideally, the wax should be applied a few hours before you go jibbing so that it can really set into the board.
Another important feature is the stomp pad, which is ideal for giving extra grip when transferring from one side of the board to the other. This little piece of gear also helps restore balance quickly if you lose it mid-trick, so be sure to pack it when you intend to go jibbing.
Lastly, some pro jibbers prefer to have a small backpack on them when snowboarding. This allows for them to store food and energy snacks for when their energy levels get low. Furthermore, a snowboard bag is also a good option for those who have extra snowboard equipment on the mountain that they need to transport.
Conclusion
Jibbing is an excellent way to truly understand what snowboarding is all about. It is a type of riding that can prove demanding and dangerous if the right snowboarding gear is not acquired. That being said, armed with the appropriate gear and the right knowledge, you will be able to jib with confidence and style.
So make sure you invest in the right snowboard board, bindings, boots and protective clothing, as well as other accessories. Also, be sure to check out different snowboarding shops to compare prices and to find the perfect gear that fits your jibbing style. With this knowledge, you should be well equipped to conquer the slopes and become a jibbing revolution!
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