| For some individuals snowboarding has replaced skiing | | | | As with skiing, snowboard equipment must |
| as the winter sport of choice for some. Having | | | | encompass not only the requirements of the sport, |
| evolved from techniques used in surfing and | | | | but also protect against the weather conditions that |
| skateboarding, it has increased in popularity over the | | | | are necessary for snowboarding. Winter equipment |
| years. | | | | such as warm clothing, earmuffs, hand/foot |
| A great workout, it tones the entire body while | | | | warmers, and boot dryer are must haves when it |
| providing a cardiovascular workout that provides for | | | | comes to snowboard gear. Sunscreen, sunglasses, |
| strengthened heart muscles and improvement of | | | | maps, and a basic hydration system are required |
| oxygen delivery. It can be a great sport for those | | | | snowboard gear as they are for all physically laborious |
| who want a physically demanding activity. | | | | outdoor activities. |
| Shopping for a Snowboard | | | | Winter Gear |
| There is a lot involved in getting into snowboarding, | | | | Be sure you are prepared for the cold temperatures |
| not the least of which is snowboarding equipment. | | | | before you head out to the slopes. As with skiing, |
| The list of this equipment can be quite long | | | | the cold is a given. A solid winter coat, gloves, |
| depending on the preparedness and seriousness of | | | | earmuffs, and hat are must have snowboarding gear. |
| the snowboarder. | | | | You need to consider not only temperature, but also |
| A snowboard is an absolute necessity for any | | | | the sun. Carry chapstick, sunscreen, and sunglasses |
| snowboarder. A snowboard resembles a small | | | | to avoid excess sun exposure and damage from the |
| surfboard, equipped with bindings. To find a | | | | snow glare. |
| snowboard that is right for you, first you must | | | | Safety First |
| determine your own needs such as what kind of | | | | Regardless of where you decide to snowboard, you |
| snowboarding you plans to do. There are several | | | | need to consider other safety factors. A helmet and |
| types including freestyle, freeride, and race. Each | | | | pads can help prevent serious bodily injury. A basic |
| type of snowboarding requires a different type of | | | | first aid kit is not a bad idea either. And what if you |
| board. There are many different sizes, brands and | | | | were to get lost? Even if you are familiar with the |
| models - so be sure to shop around. | | | | area in which you are snowboarding, it is not unwise |
| Additional items to consider when shopping for a | | | | to have a travel guide or map among your |
| snowboard include the length and width of the | | | | snowboard gear. A signaling device can also be useful |
| boards, tail and tip length and width, maximum | | | | in case you are lost or trapped due to an avalanche. |
| stance, sidecut, ability to maneuver at high speeds, | | | | Before You Hit the Slopes |
| weight and sliders, or binding holes. There are also | | | | Individual snowboarders can best determine their |
| women's specific boards available that are narrower | | | | own needs, and what should be among their |
| for smaller feet and are more able to accommodate | | | | snowboard gear. A seasoned snowboarder will have |
| a lighter rider. | | | | a better knowledge of brands and types of boards |
| Other types of snowboard equipment include, of | | | | as well as the overall dangers. The best way to find |
| course, the snowboard itself. Additional gear is boots, | | | | out what is right for you is to shop around and ask |
| bindings, winter wear such as jackets, gloves and | | | | questions. And be prepared! Nature is your playing |
| hats, helmets etc. | | | | field with this sport so you must always prepare for |
| Preparations Against Mother Nature | | | | the unexpected. |