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A Few Things About Snowboarding Tricks (part 1)

July 19th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Snowboarding tricks can seem pretty incredible and maybe just the business of athletes. Though its not the easiest sport to master, anyone in reasonable fitness can master many of the snowboarding tricks. If you learn the basics and practice as often a possible, you’ll probably surprise yourself.

It may seem silly but if you cant swing and carry your snowboard without hitting something or someone, you haven’t mastered the basics. There is also the simple skill of gliding and “skating” over flat terrain before one ever considers attempting snowboarding tricks. When you can stay on the board, carve a little snow, and not mate with a tree trunk when you pick up a little speed, then you can begin thinking about snowboard tips and tricks.

Riding the Board on Your First Snow

Maybe staying on your board sounds silly, even easy, but the truth is, its as difficult as standing for the first time. Its imperative you be comfortable on your snowboard and make it feel like an extension of yourself before ever attempting any snowboarding trick.

Although it may offend your sense of pride, the first time you strap on your board for your first test-drive, do it on a relatively flat area with fewer people around.  Most ski areas have beginner zones for practice. Try not to jump right into snowboarding tricks.

Be sure to place the snowboard flat on the ground. Don’t forget to attach the safety leash to your leg. This is necessary to maintain control of your board in the event that it slips from your control. Your front leg (in the direction you plan to ski) should be placed into the front binding. Fasten the ankle strap only after your foot is securely in the binding. Then you should fasten the toe strap. It should feel snug but not uncomfortable. If not done properly, your boot will come free from the binding…and your snowboard.

When your foot is well strapped into the binding, you can move your leg back and forth. Then stand-up and bring your snowboard toward you with your strapped in foot. Do this a few times with your knee bent, this makes it easier to move the snowboard. Practice this and get the feeling for the movement of the snowboard and how it works on the snow.

We will continue this snowboarding trick in another post…

Beginner’s Snowboarding Gear

July 19th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

The Basics

Snowboarding is one of those sports that galvanizes the attention and fires the imagination. Running down a powdery slope at breakneck speed with the wind in your hair and the winter sun on your face is an awesome experience. But turning from the excitement one may note that all this fun requires a plethora of snowboarding gear. Especially for the beginner, all the choices involved in acquiring the right snowboarding gear can be a little confusing. Lets talk a little about this.

Snowboarding clothing is the best place to start. There are a lot of choices and selections but it basically comes down to what you choose for a snowboarding jacket and snowboarding pants. After that, we’ll talk about the snowboard itself.

Snowboarding Jacket

There are so many different jackets, such as the parka, the vest jacket, hoody, zip necks, cardigans, etc. But keep in mind that it is a personal choice that should be based on personal style and comfort. For instance, if you are a winter skier you will need something more durable and warm than if you ski only in spring.

Many people choose parkas because of all the overall benefits granted by the superior protection.  But many choose lighter designs because of the active nature of the sport. This is why you must buy snowboarding gear based upon your personal needs. And don’t worry about costs, there are numerous deals available such as:Up to 50% off on Arc’teryx at Altrec Outlet

Snowboarding Pants

Some people would argue that snowboarding pants are only a minor consideration; jeans could just as well serve the need for snowboarding pants. The truth is it’s a matter of choice. Many women find it cold running down a slope in winter or spring, for instance. Some men prefer a light fleece jacket in the dead of winter. A good compromise that offers protection for your legs but doesn’t feel like you are wrapped in wool is below:

A Beginners Snowboard Selection

The snowboard is of course the single most important piece of snowboarding gear. They range from around 150 dollars such this Junior’s Chicklet Snowboard or 700 dollars for this Vapor Snowboard. There are a wide variety of snowboards at any price point. A good mid-range board that is still good for the beginner to intermediate is this Control Snowboard.

In terms of skiing style, a board that is designed for “freestyle” is the best for the beginning to intermediate skier. It is more forgiving and handles better for a person still learning the sport. A good example for this is the King Snowboard. Whichever board you choose, be sure that it matches your personal style, level of ability, and the kind of style of skiing you enjoy. For snowboarding styles see our post entitled “Three Popular Snowboarding Styles” Your snowboarding style will dictate many of your snowboarding gear choices.

Snowboarding Boots and Bindings

As important as your snowboard, another piece of snowboarding gear is your boots. They must not only be comfortable but work well with the snowboard itself. These, as well as your bindings (that which holds you or your boots to the snowboard), are key to your skiing success. Basic boots like Men’s Orion Snowboard Boot and bindings like Men’s EX Snowboard Binding are an example of basic but capable equipment that will serve the beginner for a long time to come. Other key factors you will want to keep in mind are the lining of the boots (for support and cushioning) and how well they flex with your movements (this effects control of the board and allows you to regulate speed).

Wrap Up

This basically represents the fundamental needs to a cool buzz down the ski slope. But you will want to consider these last points to be totally comfortable on the slope.

The rest of your snowboarding gear should consist of warm clothing you can use to layer for maximum comfort. This should consist of cotton shirts, fleece pullovers, and then lighter outerwear that is rain or water proof (this last being your snowboarding jacket). This will leave you comfortable but not bogged down in heavy clothing. Besides a good pair of gloves and sunglasses, this pretty much rounds out the major items of snowboarding gear.

Go carve some snow!