Snowboarding
is generally thought to be easy to pick up than skiing though it may
take a short while to get used to the fixed stance required and you`ll
need a strong sense of balance. Having your feet fixed to the board and
the awkward shuffle may at first seem peculiar, but a little bit of
perseverance can lead to a lot of fun.
A
Bit of help to begin with
It
is recommended that beginners take lessons before being let loose on
the slopes. Whilst we don`t really have the luxury of ski resorts in
the UK, there are many dry slopes and indoor slopes around. It can be
expensive hiring a personal tutor, but for groups or families the cost
can be spread out and people certainly seem to progress more quickly
with this added help.
Snowboards
The
main piece of equipment required is obviously the snowboard itself, and
for first timers it may be easier to simply rent a board upon reaching
your destination; the boards can vary in length and width and there are
several factors which should influence the type of board you choose
such as skill level, rider weight, foot size and type of snow
conditions. Regular (or `Reg`) stance snowboarders stand with their
left foot forward, and `goofy` with their right foot forward.
Which
Board to choose?
Short
Boards tend to be easier to manoeuvre and therefore make the ideal
choice for beginners as well as those experts who like the freedom to
perform freestyle tricks. When standing the board upright, a short
board should come up to the riders shoulder or chin.
Medium
Boards are for those intermediate or more advanced snowboarders and
will general reach the riders chin or nose; and Long Boards are
generally better suited to the advanced snowboarder as they are ideal
for speed, powder snow and for `carving` (method of manoeuvre)
– Long Boards tend to reach the riders eyes to above their
head.
Equipment
As
well as a decent snowboard, having the right attire for snowboarding
is also important. The right footwear will make a big difference and
snowboarding boots are considered to be a lot more comfortable than ski
boots. The boot should fit snugly when laced up and doesn`t have any
uncomfortable pressure points or allow your heel to rise from the heel
of the boot. There are two main types of `binding` for a boarding boot;
the `step-in` and the `strap-up`. Beginners and children should start
with the step-in varieties which have a little pin on either side of
the boot sole which clips into the base-plate bindings. They have a
swivel adjustment and a safety line which clips onto the laces at the
front.
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Clothing
General
ski clothing should be suitable for the beginner snowboarder
but essentially you`ll need warm and waterproof trousers; (some come
with a little extra protection around the bottom area which may be a
relief later on) and a good jacket, socks, fleecy hat and gloves. Take
a good pair of dark sunglasses or goggles too, and in some areas, sun
block may also be required.
Protective
Gear
All
snowboarders should consider wearing protective gear; the most
common injuries in this sport are broken wrists but you can buy or hire
wrist protectors. Younger children particularly should wear brightly
coloured (easily seen from a distance) helmets and knee pads though
these aren`t exclusively for the youngsters.
So with all the right gear
and a little bit of instruction, you should
be ready to discover the joys of snowboarding, and see for yourself
just how addictive it can be; take a look at DC Shoes UK to help you get started.
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