Essential Equipment for Snowboarding |
Tuesday, 30 October 2007 |
Compared to some of the other winter sports, snowboarding is a relatively new
sport. Despite its relative infancy, snowboarding has quickly become a sport
that is enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts. Snowboarding is taking off as a
very popular winter sport, especially with the younger generation. Children are
able to utilize the balance that they learn from land sports such as
skateboarding to quickly learn to navigate the slopes on a snowboard. Another
reason for the popularity of snowboarding is the minimal amount of equipment
required to get you started. While it is advisable to start of renting equipment
until you decide whether or not you will enjoy the sport, once you are ready to
purchase equipment there really isn’t too much in terms of essential gear. Your
snowboard, boots and binding cover the basics that you will need. In addition,
quality outerwear will make your day on the slopes much more comfortable and a
helmet is a recommended piece of safety equipment.
When choosing a
snowboard there are a number of factors to consider including your style of
riding and your physical characteristics. Some of the types of snowboards
available include those for technical freestyle, freeride, freecarve and racing.
Technical freestyle snowboards are made for those who enjoy performing tricks
and visiting snowboard parks. These snowboards tend to be very lightweight and
on the high side in the price range. Freeride snowboards are designed for the
majority of snowboard riders and have the versatility that enables them to be
used on any part of the mountain. These snowboards run the gamut of prices and
can be found in all shapes and sizes. Freecarve snowboards are designed for the
snowboarder who enjoys carving out wide turns and speeding down the mountain.
Experienced skiers who transition to snowboarding often favor this board.
Freecarve snowboards tend to be more expensive than other types of snowboards
and tend to be longer than other types of snowboards as well. Racing snowboards
are designed for the snowboarder who has a serious need for speed. These
snowboards are long, stiff and narrow and while great for downhill snowboarding,
are not designed for performing tricks. Age, weight, height, foot size and
gender also factor into choosing a snowboard with weight being the most
significant factor. While most snowboards have wide weight ranges associated
with them, it is important to ensure that you fit within that range for the
board you choose. If you are too light, the board may be difficult to control
and if you are too heavy, the board may not respond as quickly as you would
like. Talk to the salesperson about all of the factors above and they should be
able to help you choose a snowboard that will suit your needs.
The boots
you choose can also impact your day on the slopes. In general snowboard boots,
are sized to fit like regular boots so there is usually not a significant
difference between your snowboard boot size and your regular shoe size. As with
any boots though sizing can vary from different manufacturers so trying on the
boots is recommended. Snowboard boots should fit snugly to avoid blisters and
other discomforts but they should not be so tight that they are uncomfortable.
When choosing snowboard boots, it is advisable to wear socks that are of a
weight that you will be wearing when you snowboard to reflect an accurate fit.
Bindings are the final piece of essential equipment for snowboarding.
The two main types of bindings include strap in bindings and step in bindings.
As the name implies strap in bindings hold your foot in place with a strap
system. The strap system can make getting ready to ride cumbersome but many
experienced riders have become proficient at strapping in. This type of binding
is comfortable and is very responsive in turning making this type of binding a
favorite of riders who enjoy trick riding. Step in bindings are becoming
increasingly popular with new riders because they are so easy to use. They are
easy to get into or out of and they are great for inexperienced boarders because
they provide good edge control.
Snowboarding is a new sport that is
taking off very quickly. The essential equipment includes a snowboard, boots and
bindings. Beyond that a helmet is recommended for safety and comfortable and
weather appropriate clothing are recommended for making your day on the slopes
more enjoyable.
Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click.
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