| The basic gear you need to start snowboarding is as | | | | of water proofing spray (i.e. - 3M Scotchgard) and |
| follows: hat, goggles, jacket, gloves, pants, wool | | | | apply a generous coating to your clothes. This won't |
| socks, thermal underwear, boots, and obviously a | | | | ensure complete protection but it will help |
| snowboard. Most of these items you can purchase | | | | tremendously. |
| for next to nothing at your local sporting goods | | | | Choice of hat and goggles is primarily at your own |
| retailer. You can spend as little or as much as you | | | | discretion. The functionality of these products is |
| want on these items considering the price fluctuates | | | | pretty standard. Find something you like and make |
| greatly depending on the product and brand name. It | | | | sure it fits your head. Just be sure that the hat will |
| is not recommended to go out and spend thousands | | | | cover your ears. Like fingers and toes, your ears are |
| of dollars on gear your first time. The cheaper items | | | | very prone to frost bite as well. Hats and goggles |
| or lesser known brands will suffice until you know | | | | come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Have some fun |
| whether or not you enjoy this new sport. Of all the | | | | when buying these and express your own |
| clothing you do acquire however, invest some money | | | | individuality. No one said you have to be a sheep and |
| in a pair of high quality merino wool blend socks and | | | | look like everyone else, just as long as you like it. |
| also if you can afford it buy a pair of name brand | | | | Lastly, but most importantly, you will need a board |
| gloves or something that is made with Gore-Tex. | | | | and boots. You don't have to purchase these items |
| Your hand and feet are the most easily prone | | | | unless you plan on snowboarding the whole season, |
| extremities to frost bite. As previously stated, you | | | | every season. Since this is your first time, it is more |
| will fall a fair amount so you want your hands to stay | | | | cost effective to just rent at your local board shop |
| dry and warm. If you are cold and wet, you will be | | | | or mountain resort. Most rental shops carry a wide |
| miserable and will not enjoy your riding experience as | | | | variety of boards and boots ranging from novice to |
| much as you could. | | | | expert. When they ask you what is your skill level, |
| Depending on weather conditions and temperature, | | | | and they will, be honest and tell them beginner. They |
| that will determine how many layers of clothing you | | | | will set you up with a quality package that is not too |
| should have under your pants and jacket. Obviously | | | | advanced for you. Even though you may be tempted |
| the colder it is the more layers you want. Starting | | | | to get an expert model because they look prettier, |
| with a base layer of thermal underwear, you can | | | | please be advised not to. Not only do they cost |
| wear sweats over those followed by your | | | | more to replace if damaged, but the edging is |
| WATERPROOF pants and jacket. Do not wear jeans | | | | generally much sharper than that of a beginner board. |
| or any cotton based material as your outer layer. | | | | If you start out on a razor sharp edge without |
| These types of fabric will absorb water and stay | | | | having your balance and fluidity conquered, you are |
| wet all day, henceforth making you cold and | | | | guaranteed to catch an edge and either face plant or |
| miserable. If you are unsure about the | | | | hit your head so hard you will not want to |
| waterproofness of your garments, just pick up a can | | | | snowboard ever again. |