| 1. Buy Boots before a board | | | | 3. Don't go on the slopes without protective |
| Your board and boots are your most expensive | | | | equipment |
| outlay. Starting out you can normally get away with | | | | There are two essential pieces of safety equipment |
| hiring both board and boots up on the mountain but it | | | | for snowboarders - wrist guards and goggles. 25% of |
| pays to check before you go . Ensure to be there | | | | all injuries to snowboarders are wrist injuries and the |
| early if you are hiring to get the pick of the kit. | | | | majority of these are fractures. Easily avoided with |
| However you may want to consider buying your | | | | the use of wrist guards. Check to see if you can hire |
| own pair of boots. This way you'll know they fit, | | | | them at the same place you pick up your board and |
| they won't have been worn by someone else and | | | | boots. |
| over time they will mould nicely to your feet. The | | | | Goggles will ensure you have good visibility all day |
| added bonus is that you can walk from the car or | | | | and will protect your eyes from icy blasts on the |
| chalet and not have to worry about changing your | | | | chair lift and snow when you wipe out. You may also |
| footwear. Snowboard boots aren't like ski boots and | | | | want to consider a helmet especially once you start |
| they are pretty comfortable to walk in. | | | | to progress to faster speeds. |
| Make sure you try a few different styles and lengths | | | | 4. Book some lessons |
| of board before you purchase one. Make a habit of | | | | Book lessons before you go or when you first get to |
| remembering which size you have ridden and how it | | | | the mountain as you don't want to be sitting around |
| felt. If you have bought your own boots you will also | | | | waiting or worse trying to teach yourself. Getting |
| get a feel for the width of board you need. | | | | technique right from the start is essential as bad |
| 2. Mountain weather is unpredictable and dangerous | | | | habits can be hard to correct later on. There are |
| With skifields being fairly accessible people forget | | | | normally a variety of lessons on offer and it is worth |
| when they step out of their vehicle or chalet that | | | | trying to either get one on one or small group |
| they are at altitude in an environment where the | | | | lessons. This way you will receive more attention |
| weather can change rapidly. Dressing appropriately is | | | | from the instructor. |
| the first step in ensuring a comfortable but also safe | | | | Lessons should be followed up by lots of practice. |
| day on the mountain, even if you are only on the | | | | Ideally have a lesson in the morning, have a break |
| learners slopes. Clothing is all about layers and except | | | | and then go and practice. The next day you can ask |
| for spring conditions you should start with base layer | | | | your instructor about any problems you were having. |
| of polypropylene or their merino equivalent. Additional | | | | 5. Snow is highly reflective |
| mid-layers such as a fleece or merino sweater can be | | | | If you have never spent much time in the mountains, |
| added depending on where you are skiing and the | | | | or have never experienced a clear day in the |
| expected wind chill factor. Waterproof pants and | | | | mountains, the reflective power of snow can come |
| jacket are essential. A warm hat and proper gloves | | | | as quite a shock. Use suncream and a good pair of |
| are also on the must have list. | | | | goggles to counter the bright conditions. |