Your first snowboarding experience can be nerve-racking and exciting at the same time. The exhilaration of trying something new shouldn’t be diminished by anxiousness. Therefore its highly recommended that you ensure you have everything you need to get the most out of your snowboarding trip. Thankfully, we provided a comprehensive checklist to prepare you for your first experience below.
Snowboard and Bindings
If you don’t own bindings or a snowboard, you’ll be required to rent them from the resort. You’ll discover different types of snowboards, including freeride, freestyle, and alpine. Beginners usually prefer freestyle snowboard as they are easier to control and shorter. Thankfully, bindings will come equipped on the board and come in a variety of sizes to fit your boots.
Snowboard Boots
Specialised snowboard boots will connect to your board via bindings. These are also available to rent at a resort. However, we don’t recommend it. Boots for snowboarding are specifically designed for comfort and therefore owning your own would be much more comfortable. Your shoes need to be snug and not too tight.
Snowboard Socks
Socks are quite remarkable when you go snowboarding as you don’t want cold feet to ruin your day. Since your feet will sweat, you will require socks to wick moisture. Synthetic, thin socks are highly recommended. Avoid getting thick socks as your feet will sweat and eventually lose warmth.
Snowboard Helmet
There’s no denying that your brain is the most vital organ in your entire body and therefore a snowboard helmet is critical. Beginners usually struggle with the control which means head protection is paramount. If you don’t have a helmet, you can easily rent one from the resort.
Snowboard Pants and Jacket
Snowboarding jackets will come equipped with a waterproof and wind outer shell. Your snowboarding jacket needs to be breathable, allowing sweat to escape while keeping you warm. Similar to your coat, your pants will also need to be breathable and weather-proof. In the likelihood that your fall, your pants need to prevent water from soaking through.
Snowboard Goggles
These will essentially assist you in fighting glare while protecting your eyes from wind and snow while riding. When you ride down a mountain, debris and snow can easily fly against your face. This is why snowboarding goggles are a necessity.
Snowboard Gloves
Waterproof and insulated snowboard gloves is another critical piece of equipment that you should get before you ride down a mountain. Your hands will often make contact with the snow, allowing snowboard gloves to protect your hands at all times adequately. Please ensure that your gloves are durable and you will test the tear and wear on them throughout your journey.
Mid and Base Layers
Mid and base layers need to be worn underneath your pants and jacket. On cold days, you will need proper base layering to stay warm. Avoid any cotton products that are not waterproof or breathable. Wool or synthetic materials are ideal for keeping a comfortable temperature.