Snowboarding is great fun and good exercise, too.
You need to look the part but make sure you warm and dry as you will ride in extreme temperatures.
The right equipment is essential and We will provide the advice you need.
Helmets and hats
The helmet has become a standard
snowboard gear for many snowboarders.
The temptation to try tricks is irresistible and boarders tend to fall over a lot more than skiers so it makes sense to ensure the head is well protected.
If you are not wearing a helmet, a hat is equally as important as you need to keep yourself warm and most heat is lost through the head.
Goggles and glasses
Another Snowboarding Gear is for Eye protection that very essential in the mountains.
Wearing goggles or sunglasses shields the eyes from the glare of the snow and improves visibility.
Goggles are best used in snowy conditions or for high-speed riding, and offer more protection in a fall.
Both goggles and sunglasses should have full UV protection.
Jacket and tops
Snowboard jackets may look slightly different to ski jackets, but they both carry out exactly the same function.
Weather in the mountains can change quickly so a waterproof jacket, preferably with hood and zipped pockets, is a must.
The key to staying warm on the mountain is to wear plenty of layers. Thermal T-shirts, sweatshirts, hooded tops and fleeces all do the job well.
Waterproof Gloves
Waterproof gloves or mittens are essential
snowboarding gear as boarders' hands come into contact with the snow a lot.
Mittens will keep your hands warmer but gloves are better for gripping ski lift tows.
Guards are useful extras to help you against the inevitable bumps and bruises that go with snowboarding.
Falls can be particularly hard on the wrists and knees.
Trousers
Another Fifth
Snowboarding Gear is Trousers
Snowboarders tend to favour baggy clothing to give them room to express themselves.
Boarding trousers should be waterproof and warm.
Some come with extra padding around the knees and backside as riders tend to spend a fair amount of time kneeling or sitting down.
Snowboarding Boot
A bad set of boots can be a real pain.
As a general rule, they should be a snug fit but you should also be able to wiggle your toes.
Wear thick socks when trying them on, have both feet measured and leave them on for at least five minutes to check how comfortable they really are.
Binding Snowboarding Gear
You choice of bindings will be dictated by the type of board and boot you are using.
Freestyle bindings go with soft boots and are strapped into the bindings by adjustable clips.
Step-in bindings are a recent innovation, allowing the boarder to lock in just by stepping on to the board.
Step-in boots are similar to soft boots but slightly heavier, as they contain attachments on the sole to link into the bindings.
Alpine boards, which are less popular with all-round boarders, use ski-style boots and plate bindings.
Snowboarding Board
Your choice of board depends on what you want to get up to on the slopes.
Most boarders tend to favour freeride boards as they perform well on most terrain and can be used for both carving and tricks.
Freestyle boards tend to be shorter and are more popular with half-pipe specialists.
The alpine board, with its curved nose and flat tail, is designed for speed and tight carving, which is why it is favoured by slalom riders.
The optimum length for a board is determined by your height, weight and where you stand on the freestyle/alpine debate.
Longer boards tend to give better control for carving and shorter boards make it easier to do tricks.
Those with bigger feet should choose a wider board to stop the heels and toes dragging in the snow.
You may want to start with a good second-hand board before you splash out on a brand new one.
Sorel 1964 Premium ($100 - $130)
Boot dryers - Peet/DryGuy ($40)
Monarch 'One Planet' Pass ($439)
K2 Grom Pack ($300-335)
Pistil Jax Wristlet ($26)
Airblaster Ninja Suit ($110)
The Napsack - Poler ($130)
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