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
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
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
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
Friday, December 12, 2008
Snowboarding Safety Tips
Before you head out on the slopes, you should take the time to check all of your equipment to make sure that it is working properly. This includes checking your snowboard to make sure that the bindings are secure and that there are many ridges on the bottom of the board that could get caught on rough patches. Oiling the board before you take it out will help reduce friction and allow you to have a safe ride on most snow conditions. If you will be snowboarding with a group of people, you should make sure that their snowboards are in good working condition as well.
When snowboarding with others, you should agree on a meeting place and time. This is important when snowboarding in a new place. Safety in cold weather does save lives. Meeting a few hours after you begin will ensure that everyone is safe. You should snowboard in teams if possible. While you should not snowboard when there are many people skiing and snowboarding, you should try to find slopes that have other people on them. They will be able to help in case you are injured and need medical assistance.
Make sure your snowboard boots are functioning properly before you go outside. Make sure all the buckles are working and that they are not too tight or too loose. If your boots do not fit properly, then you may fall while on your board. You can twist your ankle or break your leg if it gets turned the wrong way. Checking all equipment is important, but you should pay particular attention to your boots. If you don’t think your boots are suitable, you can rent some for the day.
Snowboard bindings are used to keep your feet planted on your board. If they are loose, you could injure yourself. Replace any bindings before you go on your trip. This will help reduce the risk of injury. Snowboarding requires you to jump, slide, and turn quickly. You will not be able to do any of these things if your bindings do not work.
When packing for your snowboarding trip, you will have to remember to bring enough warm clothing, hats, gloves, and snowboard goggles so that you will be warm. Goggles will help you see where you are going and will prevent you from injuring your eyes. When snowboarding, it is important to always know where you are going. Being able to see will reduce your risk of being injured.
When you have checked all of your snowboarding equipment, you will be ready to go on your trip. Checking your equipment right before you head out will help to keep you even safer so that you will be able to have a fun trip.
By: C. Deveraux
When snowboarding with others, you should agree on a meeting place and time. This is important when snowboarding in a new place. Safety in cold weather does save lives. Meeting a few hours after you begin will ensure that everyone is safe. You should snowboard in teams if possible. While you should not snowboard when there are many people skiing and snowboarding, you should try to find slopes that have other people on them. They will be able to help in case you are injured and need medical assistance.
Make sure your snowboard boots are functioning properly before you go outside. Make sure all the buckles are working and that they are not too tight or too loose. If your boots do not fit properly, then you may fall while on your board. You can twist your ankle or break your leg if it gets turned the wrong way. Checking all equipment is important, but you should pay particular attention to your boots. If you don’t think your boots are suitable, you can rent some for the day.
Snowboard bindings are used to keep your feet planted on your board. If they are loose, you could injure yourself. Replace any bindings before you go on your trip. This will help reduce the risk of injury. Snowboarding requires you to jump, slide, and turn quickly. You will not be able to do any of these things if your bindings do not work.
When packing for your snowboarding trip, you will have to remember to bring enough warm clothing, hats, gloves, and snowboard goggles so that you will be warm. Goggles will help you see where you are going and will prevent you from injuring your eyes. When snowboarding, it is important to always know where you are going. Being able to see will reduce your risk of being injured.
When you have checked all of your snowboarding equipment, you will be ready to go on your trip. Checking your equipment right before you head out will help to keep you even safer so that you will be able to have a fun trip.
By: C. Deveraux
Grab That Snowboarding Vacation!
The Snowboarding Vacation
Is a vacation in your plans this coming winter or spring? Perhaps you are in the mood for something other than taking the yearly trip to "someplace warm?" Maybe you would prefer not to drop another five thousand dollars on a cruise? Want a little excitement? Want to feel the wind through your hair and the mountain sun on your face? Well grab the family and head out for a snowboarding vacation!
Skiing and Resorts
There was a time when snowboarding was for the skiing outcasts. It was even difficult to find a ski area that would allow them to use their runs. Thankfully, those days are long gone. When snowboarding hit the world consciousness at the 1998 Olympic games at Nagano, Japan, well, the world changed!
Today, snowboarding is as popular (more so?) as downhill skiing and you can find that activity at any ski resort. Snowboarding resorts are a mecca for the "snow set." They host a huge array of activities that reach far beyond just skiing down the slope. Both singles and families will find the environment entertaining and relaxing. Couples will love the intimate surroundings of forest walks and cozy fire places, and families will be able to easily entertain the children while the parents find rejuvenation of the spirit.
Some of the most well known resorts that offer both Alpine (downhill) skiing and snowboarding were listed in Ski Magazine:
Deer Valley, Utah
Vail, Colorado
Whistler/Blackcomb, BC
Aspen, Colorado
Snowmass, Colorado
Park City, Utah
Breckenridge, Colorado
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Steamboat, Colorado
Sun Valley, Idaho
Many of these locations offer package deals attractive to both those challenged with limited time and/or financial considerations. Also, there are often packages designs with the busy lives of parents in mind or those seeking a romantic retreat. There is something for all folks at these resorts.
The snowboard vacation, though, is actually much more than skiing. Many resorts are within driving distance of other attractions such as amusement parks or other outdoor activities such as hiking or rock climbing. This "critical mass" of collocated attractions and locations are what put the bargain in a snowboard vacation and make your dollars go farther.
A Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere
Perhaps it’s too much to expect that raging downhill on your snowboard is viewed as "romantic" or "cozy." But the truth is that a snowboarding vacation is so much more than just doing the slopes. Perhaps after a long tiring day on the slopes (and one too many tumbles?), you'll notice that river rock fireplace or that outdoor Jacuzzi at your resort cabin (yes, cabin-just as often as a conventional hotel, you can have a cabin). Mix in the right company and this suddenly becomes interesting. And lets not forget the "après-ski" or after ski party. Many resorts throw some wild parties, and while you may not see that as cozy or romantic, who knows where it will lead later.
Work at Play
Sometimes it’s a hard concept to wrap your brain around; however, think about a corporate snowboarding vacation! Many companies take sabbaticals; what could be more relaxing than working at play (playing at work?) high in the mountains? Once you get over the shock of doing something fun "at work," it makes eminent good sense. Think about it: every resort has meeting halls and offers conferencing and catering service. When the work is done (or not!), you hit the slopes for a much deserved injection of radical…on the corporate dime no less.
The Bottom-line on the Snowboarding Vacation
Vacations at Snowboarding resorts make sense. There are a large number of activities for singles, couples, and families. Unlike "going to the beach," there are countless places to see and do once you have had your fill with skiing. The snowboarding vacation offers excitement, solitude, romance, and relaxation all in one.
By: Dean Deal
Is a vacation in your plans this coming winter or spring? Perhaps you are in the mood for something other than taking the yearly trip to "someplace warm?" Maybe you would prefer not to drop another five thousand dollars on a cruise? Want a little excitement? Want to feel the wind through your hair and the mountain sun on your face? Well grab the family and head out for a snowboarding vacation!
Skiing and Resorts
There was a time when snowboarding was for the skiing outcasts. It was even difficult to find a ski area that would allow them to use their runs. Thankfully, those days are long gone. When snowboarding hit the world consciousness at the 1998 Olympic games at Nagano, Japan, well, the world changed!
Today, snowboarding is as popular (more so?) as downhill skiing and you can find that activity at any ski resort. Snowboarding resorts are a mecca for the "snow set." They host a huge array of activities that reach far beyond just skiing down the slope. Both singles and families will find the environment entertaining and relaxing. Couples will love the intimate surroundings of forest walks and cozy fire places, and families will be able to easily entertain the children while the parents find rejuvenation of the spirit.
Some of the most well known resorts that offer both Alpine (downhill) skiing and snowboarding were listed in Ski Magazine:
Deer Valley, Utah
Vail, Colorado
Whistler/Blackcomb, BC
Aspen, Colorado
Snowmass, Colorado
Park City, Utah
Breckenridge, Colorado
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Steamboat, Colorado
Sun Valley, Idaho
Many of these locations offer package deals attractive to both those challenged with limited time and/or financial considerations. Also, there are often packages designs with the busy lives of parents in mind or those seeking a romantic retreat. There is something for all folks at these resorts.
The snowboard vacation, though, is actually much more than skiing. Many resorts are within driving distance of other attractions such as amusement parks or other outdoor activities such as hiking or rock climbing. This "critical mass" of collocated attractions and locations are what put the bargain in a snowboard vacation and make your dollars go farther.
A Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere
Perhaps it’s too much to expect that raging downhill on your snowboard is viewed as "romantic" or "cozy." But the truth is that a snowboarding vacation is so much more than just doing the slopes. Perhaps after a long tiring day on the slopes (and one too many tumbles?), you'll notice that river rock fireplace or that outdoor Jacuzzi at your resort cabin (yes, cabin-just as often as a conventional hotel, you can have a cabin). Mix in the right company and this suddenly becomes interesting. And lets not forget the "après-ski" or after ski party. Many resorts throw some wild parties, and while you may not see that as cozy or romantic, who knows where it will lead later.
Work at Play
Sometimes it’s a hard concept to wrap your brain around; however, think about a corporate snowboarding vacation! Many companies take sabbaticals; what could be more relaxing than working at play (playing at work?) high in the mountains? Once you get over the shock of doing something fun "at work," it makes eminent good sense. Think about it: every resort has meeting halls and offers conferencing and catering service. When the work is done (or not!), you hit the slopes for a much deserved injection of radical…on the corporate dime no less.
The Bottom-line on the Snowboarding Vacation
Vacations at Snowboarding resorts make sense. There are a large number of activities for singles, couples, and families. Unlike "going to the beach," there are countless places to see and do once you have had your fill with skiing. The snowboarding vacation offers excitement, solitude, romance, and relaxation all in one.
By: Dean Deal
Access To Inexpensive Snowboarding Lessons
Before a snowboarder puts any money into buying snowboards and snowboarding gear, they feel they need access to inexpensive snowboarding lessons first. They probably will feel a lot better about taking up the sport of snowboarding if they know that they can learn the basics in a short amount of time and will feel confident that they will not make a fool of themselves when they attempt a jump for the first time.
There are many ways for snowboarders to gain access to inexpensive snowboarding lessons, but paying for a few honest lessons at a ski resort will generally render the best results in the shortest amount of time. Many ski resorts offer snowboard rentals at a fair price and beginners can also obtain all of the snowboarding gear that they will need for the few days that they will be spending on the slopes.
The first day of lessons on snowboarding will teach them how to select the right sized snowboard for their body type and the instructor will be very thorough in explaining how to don the boots and tighten straps. They will stress the importance of wearing the proper type of glove, which will allow them to grip the snowboard securely for the various tricks they will learn in the coming days. The instructor will also stress the importance of wearing jackets while snowboarding and the importance of maintaining the proper body temperatures.
The public library will also be a good place to gain access to snowboarding lessons. This inexpensive outlet of information is certain to have numerous books on the subject of snowboarding, and a list of the various tricks that can be done with a snowboard. A novice snowboarder can gain a wealth of information about the history of snowboarding and view numerous videos of champion snowboarders in action. After a few trips to the library and numerous hours of reading the material, it is quite possible that the snowboarder will feel confident enough to experiment with the information that has been studied and learned.
Another way that snowboarders gain access to inexpensive snowboarding lessons is to watch friends practice. Some snowboarders experiment with their snowboarding techniques in their back yard when no snow is present on the ground. Some snowboarders will spend a weekend or two testing out methods for making jumps and put those moves to the test when they finally go on vacation to the mountains once or twice a year. Of course, snowboarders are likely to exchange ideas any time they are together and paying attention to those conversations is always helpful.
Some novice snowboarders will gain access to inexpensive lessons by just watching people at a ski resort. They are sure to pick up snowboarding terminology at various points during a trip to the ski slopes with friends. They can also use their home computers to search the internet for the terminology and if they are fluent in the language of snowboarding, they might even be able to find out where the cheapest places are to snowboard and know ahead of time what lodging costs will be before they go on a trip.
By: James Brown
There are many ways for snowboarders to gain access to inexpensive snowboarding lessons, but paying for a few honest lessons at a ski resort will generally render the best results in the shortest amount of time. Many ski resorts offer snowboard rentals at a fair price and beginners can also obtain all of the snowboarding gear that they will need for the few days that they will be spending on the slopes.
The first day of lessons on snowboarding will teach them how to select the right sized snowboard for their body type and the instructor will be very thorough in explaining how to don the boots and tighten straps. They will stress the importance of wearing the proper type of glove, which will allow them to grip the snowboard securely for the various tricks they will learn in the coming days. The instructor will also stress the importance of wearing jackets while snowboarding and the importance of maintaining the proper body temperatures.
The public library will also be a good place to gain access to snowboarding lessons. This inexpensive outlet of information is certain to have numerous books on the subject of snowboarding, and a list of the various tricks that can be done with a snowboard. A novice snowboarder can gain a wealth of information about the history of snowboarding and view numerous videos of champion snowboarders in action. After a few trips to the library and numerous hours of reading the material, it is quite possible that the snowboarder will feel confident enough to experiment with the information that has been studied and learned.
Another way that snowboarders gain access to inexpensive snowboarding lessons is to watch friends practice. Some snowboarders experiment with their snowboarding techniques in their back yard when no snow is present on the ground. Some snowboarders will spend a weekend or two testing out methods for making jumps and put those moves to the test when they finally go on vacation to the mountains once or twice a year. Of course, snowboarders are likely to exchange ideas any time they are together and paying attention to those conversations is always helpful.
Some novice snowboarders will gain access to inexpensive lessons by just watching people at a ski resort. They are sure to pick up snowboarding terminology at various points during a trip to the ski slopes with friends. They can also use their home computers to search the internet for the terminology and if they are fluent in the language of snowboarding, they might even be able to find out where the cheapest places are to snowboard and know ahead of time what lodging costs will be before they go on a trip.
By: James Brown
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
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
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