Snowboards come in several different styles, depending on the type of riding your interested in: Getting Started - How to choose a snowboard.
1. Choose your riding style.
Riding Styles:
Freeride (All Mountain): Freeride snowboarding is for snowboarders who like to go everywhere. It doesn't matter if you are tree riding, cruising the groomers or dabbling in the park. Freeride boards usually have a medium to stiff flex to hold an edge when going fast and turning. If you enjoy riding the whole mountain then you are probably considered an all mountain rider who needs a freeride snowboard.
Freestyle: Freestyle snowboarders can usually be found in the park, half-pipe or anywhere on the mountain really. Most freestyle snowboarders have a twin shaped snowboard with even flex so they are able to ride
either way on the snowboard. Half-pipe and park snowboards usually differ in flex though. Snowboarders riding the half-pipe have a stiffer snowboard in order for the board to hold an edge as it carves through the transition of an icy half-pipe. While park riders usually have a soft to medium flex snowboard to be able to flex the board during tricks on the snow or rails. Softer boards allow the rider to 'butter' and press the board for style and trick variations. Freestyle snowboards are not just for the park and pipe though, and can be ridden all over the mountain. So if this sounds like your style of riding you are probably looking for a freesyle snowboard.
Powder: Powder snowboards are directional snowboards with a larger nose, and a smaller tail. On a powder day you can't beat having a powder specific snowboard. The larger nose allows you to float on
the snow while your small tail sinks into the snow. If you are sick of your back leg killing on powder days this is the board for you. No longer will you have to struggle to keep your nose from diving into the snow and you flipping over your snowboard. If you are the type going out on 12" days riding bowls, searching for deep fresh snow and hiking you need a powder board.
2. Choose the correct snowboard length.
A general rule of thumb in choosing the height of a snowboard is it should usually be between your chin and nose. Dependingon your riding style and weight will help determine if you should go longer or shorter. If you are riding in the park and spinning you might want to go a little shorter to get the board around easier. Shorter boards also allow for precision dexterity on boxes, rails and jib features for the park rider. If you are freeriding and like to go fast you may want a little bit longer of a board for stability. Your weight is also something you should look at in choosing the correct length of your snowboard. Every snowboard has a weight range on it that lets you know what weight the snowboard supports. If you are not in the weight range of the snowboard it might not perform as it is supposed too. Here is a chart to help choose the right snowboard length for you.
3. Make sure your feet aren't too big or too small for the snowboard. SIZE MATTERS - Boot size is very important when picking your snowboard.
When your foot is above a size 11 you might want to make sure you get a wide snowboard so your feet don't hang over the edge of the snowboard. If your feet hang over the edge of the board they might catch the snow when you are turning and trip you up. In the same respect if you have a size 9 foot make sure you don't get a wide board because your edge to edge turning will be more difficult and slower. Now if you are a woman and have a size 10 foot or larger you may want to choose a mens snowboard so your toes and heels don't hang over the edge of the board either. Again, when your toe and heels hang over the board they tend trip you up and make you fall when making turns on your snowboard. Remember, size 11 and up is usually WIDE.
4. Choose a graphic that you like and if you followed these steps you should be happy with your purchase.
How to choose a binding.
1. Choose your riding style: freeride, freestyle, or powder. The style of riding will help determine the flex of binding you will be most happy with.
Freeriding: Usually snowboarders who like to freeride will choose medium to stiff flexing bindings for more responsive carving and turning.
Freestyle: Usually snowboarders who like to ride the park tend to choose soft to medium flexing bindings to be able to tweak tricks easier. Half-pipe riders usually choose medium to stiff flexing bindings for
more responsive carving and turning in the pipe.
Powder: Most snowboarders riding powder are looking for a medium to stiff flexing binding for more responsive turning in the deep snow.
2. Choose the right style of binding.
Do you need a binding that is quicker and easier to get into or a binding with a toe strap for a more responsive heel side turn. Toe caps on bindings pull your foot back into the heelcup of the binding while covering your toe for a more responsive heelside turn. While there are other bindings like Flow Bindings where the high back comes down for easy access in and out of your binding similar to older 'clicker' step-in bindings. Both types perform well, so it is really personal preference.
3. Choose the correct size.
Every brand of snowboard bindings has its own way of sizing. Once you have chosen a binding that suits your style of riding make sure you get the right size for yourself. Consider your boot. Most boots and bindings will pair up, but some will fit certain boots better or worse than others. An appropriote fit will give you the best responce in your riding.
How to choose the right boot.
1. Choose your riding style: freeride, freestyle, or powder. The style of riding will help determine the flex of boot you will be most happy with. Comfort is very important. If your feet are uncomfortable in the new boot, it will make your feet sore and affect your performance.
Freeriding: Usually snowboarders who like to freeride will choose medium to stiff flexing boot for more responsive carving and turning.
Freestyle: Usually snowboarders who like to ride the park tend to choose soft to medium flexing boots to be able to tweak tricks easier.Half-pipe riders usually choose medium to stiff flexing boot for more responsive carving and turning in the pipe.
Powder: Most snowboarders riding powder are looking for a medium to stiff flexing boot for more responsive turning in the deep snow.
2. Choose the right style of boot.
Are you looking for a quicker system without laces and do you want to be able heat mold your boots?. You still have regular lacing boots with soft lacesso they don't hurt your hands, but also have boots with speed lacing
and the boa system. These new systems of lacing have made faster and easier to tighten up your boots. Speed lacing is proprietory to Burton and allows you to tighten the bottom of your boots and top seperately with the pull of two strings. No more tieing knots, just pull to tighten and pull back on the string to lock. The other system is known as the boa system which many companies have adopted. The boa system uses a thin cable instead of laces and is tightened by a dial at the top of the boot. The next thing you might be interesed in is whether you can heat mold your boot liners or not. Most companies give you the option to throw your boot liners in the dryer to heat them up to better mold to your feet.
Have the right Clothing and Outerwear. Proper Outerwear and under layering is very important for your time on the mountain. Staying warm and dry is necessary for your health and withstanding the elements. Most snowboard outerwear has variing levels of waterproofing, insulation and technical features. Choose according to the area in which you are riding. A rider may need a high waterproofing if the snow is wet or falling. Where another rider may not need high waterproofing, but rather insulation for warmth. Proper under layering can be the best way to control your body heat and allover comfort. Use technical layering pieces and waffled long underwear as opposed to layers of cotton tee shirts and sweatshirts. Underlayers can pull moisture from your body and channel it out through the outerwear, keeping you warm and dry. Safety Injuries are common in alpine and outdoor sports. Snowboarding is no exception. When motion, speed, gravity and the mountain elements are all factored in, snowboarding can be hazardes. Being safe and smart can never be underestimated. Wearing safety equipment is a great way to protect yourself while on the hill. A helmet is a great investment and wise consideration for protection from head injuries. Most helmets now are lightweight, comfortable and stylish. The most common injuries on the hill are to arms, wrists and shoulders. Consider wearing wrist guards if you are new to the sport. They can offer support and strength. Body guards and protective 'armor' is also available. Impact shorts add extra padding and protection to your bodys core, and are great for riders new to rails and boxes. When learning to snowboard, TAKE A LESSON, or go with a skilled rider who is willing to teach you. Having someone show you the ropes will get you riding better faster. That leads to you spending more time having fun and less time falling down. Remember: Snowboarding is whatever you want it to be. SO HAVE FUN! Ride within your limits and aspire to progress!
|
