If you do decide to take up the sport then the following guidelines about equipment might help.
Equipment
Basic equipment includes a board, boots and bindings. Added to this you will need suitable clothes and maybe some extras such as sunglasses or goggles if you are out on snow. A good alpine centre or outdoor pursuits shop can provide everything you need and in many, there are expert staff on hand to help you choose what to buy. Ask for advice before you buy and don't feel embarrassed about taking your time even if it means visiting the shop more than once.Snowboards
Boards come in a variety of designs with certain features. These features are important for various manoeuvres. Some have a longer tip for deep snow, other have a shorter tip for freestyle riding. If you look at a board from the side, you will see the mid-section is raised. This is called the camber and it adds to the performance of the board as does the rigidity. Generally, stiffer boards with more camber are better for heavier riders and softer boards are better for lighter riders.If you are buying a board, you should choose one that suits the type of snowboarding you want to do. A freeride board is good for general snowboarding and is the one used by most beginners. Other boards used by more advanced snowboarders include freestyle, racer and freecarve boards.
All the styles come in various sizes to suit men, women and kids.
To keep your board in a good condition, learn how to clean it, tune it and wax it.
Boots
If you are seriously interested in taking up snowboarding, then you will feel more comfortable in your own boots. These come in two types: hard or soft. Hard-shelled boots look similar to alpine ski boots but ski boots do not allow you the same freedom to move and they can be uncomfortable for snowboarding.Experts suggest that hard boots are best for high speed carving while soft boots are better for freestyle manoeuvres and jumping. Take advice when trying and buying and take your time deciding which are best for you. Remember to allow room for thick socks. Wear the boots for as long as possible in the shop and again when you get home. If they are not comfortable, don't buy.
Bindings
Bindings are grips that are attached to the board to hold your boot in place. They can be adjusted to suit you. Hard-shelled boots use plate bindings. They have clips for the toe and heel and some have turntables so that you can alter the angle of your position on the board.Soft boots need shell or freestyle bindings. Shell bindings have high backs for support, straps around the toes and sometimes straps around the ankles. They give more support and are good if you are just learning. Freestyle bindings have lower backs and may not have ankle straps. They are generally used by more advanced freestyle snowboarders who want a lot of movement.
Many boards have the bindings already fitted when you buy them and you will notice that the front and back foot are set at different angles. This is necessary to complete the different manoeuvres.
Clothes
In any outdoor pursuits shop you will find a wide selection of alpine clothing. If you are intending to snowboard on snow you will obviously need warmer clothing than you would wear on a dry-ski slope. For snow conditions, choose larger outer clothing so you can wear layers of clothes underneath. Outer clothing should be warm, light, comfortable and weatherproof (wind and water resistant). Snowboarding pants are often lined and have extra padding on the knees and bottom - where you most need it! You can buy separate knee pads for extra protection.The layers of clothing under your jacket and pants should keep you warm but should not feel too heavy or your movements will feel restricted. Choose warm, lightweight, thermal fabrics for underclothes and shirts. Fleece sweaters are a good investment.
You can buy ski socks made from wool or synthetic fibres but you should avoid patterned or ribbed socks. These can rub your feet as you manoeuvre the board. Good gloves are expensive but it is important to keep your hands warm and dry, especially in snowy conditions. Glove liners add extra warmth. Hats are essential, especially in winter, to keep in your body heat.
