Essential Snowboarding Gear For The Beginning Snowboarder

Interested in snowboarding but haven't got a clue where to start or what gear you need? Have no fear, here are the essential items you need to begin your snowboarding adventure.

Snowboard

There are three basic types of snowboards, with each one varying in width and the shape of their tip and tail. Each type is geared for a different type of snowboarding. For most beginners, a freestyle board will be what you want to choose. A freestyle board offers an ease of use, handling and is generally easier to turn, all essential requirements for beginners.

Boots and Bindings

When trying on boots for snowboarding, make sure you select a pair that fits your feet as well as possible. Choose boots that are too loose and you won't get the control you need, choose boots that are too tight and you won't be comfortable. Don't skip this consideration. Also, your boots should keep your feet warm, so the cheapest option might not be the best option. Check the boots for a good amount of lining and cushioning. Next, you'll want to check the flexibility and control the boots will give you. Your boots need to flex properly to allow you to control the board speed and direction. If the boots are too stiff, you may not get the amount of control you need. According to the boot you choose, there will be a type of binding that goes with it. Be sure to try on and test the boots and bindings in the store before you make a purchase. Making your purchase at a store that has a generous return policy is also a good idea. That way you can return or exchange the boots if you find they aren't working for you.

Apparel

Obviously, it's going to be freezing out there in the snow. You'll want to choose apparel that keeps your body warm and dry but also allows you enough freedom of movement to enjoy yourself. In general, you'll want several layers including some long underwear or undershirt, then a cotton shirt above that, then a fleece pullover, then a thicker jacket over that for warmth and finally a waterproof jacket over that. Layering allows you to adjust for your own comfort and warmth as needed. You'll also want to choose some headwear, such as a helmet or beanie to prevent heat loss through your head.

Accessories

One of the most important accessories you'll want to have is a pair of snowboarding goggles. A good pair of goggles will protect your eyes from snow glare, the sun, snow and if you should veer off course, your eyes will be protected from that stray branch that hits you in the face. Other accessories that are also important include gloves, socks, sunblock, ear warmers, scarf and any safety accessories you may need, like wrist and knee guards.

Armed with this knowledge, you should be able to start your snowboarding adventure off with the right gear, safer and more efficiently.

By: L Quinn

Storing Your Winter Sports Apparel

Winter sports can be fun to do especially when you get to do it only once a year… unless of course if you live in Aspen or other places where there are snow all year round. If you live in a place where snow is not as constant, it is good to invest in sports apparel that will last you a lifetime and those that you can keep for a long time.

Below are some tips on how to take care of your winter sports apparel so that you can use them again for the next winter season.

Store it properly

Winter sports apparel can be bulky. In addition to the paddings, which are fairly common in sports apparel, winter sports gears should also be thick and padded to protect the person from the extremely cold temperature. This makes winter sports apparel hard to store. Where can you put such bulky items? If they still have space in their closets, they often put these items folded up there in hibernation.

If the space is not enough, some people just put them in a box and store them in an attic or bodega. One thing that you can do is to buy vacuum bags. With the use of vacuum cleaners, you can suck the air up and lessen their sizes, even the padding. That way, you can stack them up even in a smaller space.

Clean them up.

Before putting them to sleep for the next year, make sure that you have cleaned them. Never put them in storage without first washing them. Dirt and grime, even in little quantities, can ruin the cloth. Stains will also be harder to wash away if it has been there for a year. Besides, insects are more attracted to clothes that are not clean. They might also ruin your sports gears.

Cool and dry

Make sure that the place where you are storing your winter sports apparel is cool and dry. Too much heat can ruin the fabric and affect the padding of the sports gears. Moisture can also seep through and damage the apparel. If they get wet somehow, they will surely smell bad.

Fold them right

Another important thing to remember in storing your winter sports equipment is to fold them correctly. Make sure that the paddings are not crushed. Storing it for a year in this way can completely ruin the shape of the winter apparel.

By: Low Jeremy