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What Type of Equipment Do I Need To Go Snowboarding?

Are you planning on going on a snowboarding holiday? Maybe this is with your family, friends or through your school or college? Well if you have been before, then you will know the score. However if it's your first time, you're probably thinking, what equipment do I need to go snowboarding?

 

If you are just starting out with snowboarding, then you will probably need to know what equipment to take. Whether it's your first time, or if you haven't been for ages and need to get new equipment, here is a guide to all things you will need to go snowboarding.

 

Now it should be noted that snowboarding equipment can be expensive, especially if you decide to buy when you get to your resort. This is why it is sensible to buy some equipment before you go. You don't have to buy all your equipment and certain things can be rented when you get there, which actually works out cheaper.

 

What should you buy?

 

Thermal and Waterproof Pants – Underneath your waterproof snowboard pants, you should wear tight thermal pants to make sure you stay warm. On top of this layer should be thick and roomy waterproof pants. These should keep you both warm and dry, but also enable your skin to breath.

 

Fleece Jacket and Snowboarding Jacket – First of all, you need to make sure you wear layers, so start with a thermal shirt. On top of this you need to wear a fleece jacket as this will protect you from the cold weather whilst still allowing your skin to breath and perspire. Finally you need to wear a large, thick waterproof and windproof snowboarding jacket.

 

Goggles – It is wise to pick these up before you go, as you need a pair that you are comfortable with. Goggles will protect your eyes from the hazards associated with snowboarding, including harmful UV rays, wind, snow and ice.

 

Gloves, Hat and Thermal Underwear – As with the thermal pants and jacket, it is essential that you wear thermal underwear and thick woolen socks as you will be spending hours on a cold and sometimes wet, mountain. Your socks need to be thick to protect your feet when wearing your snowboarding boots. Before you put your helmet on, you should also wear a beanie hat, so that you do not expose the top of your head or ears to the cold temperatures. Finally you also need to protect your hands from snow ice and impact so you should choose snowboarding gloves designed to withstand these conditions.

 

When it comes to renting equipment, you need to think to yourself, "how many times am I going to go snowboarding a year?" If the answer is more than once or twice, then it might be worth considering purchasing such equipment. This will be more expensive in the short term, but you will end up saving lots of money in the long run as you won't need to rent every time you go snowboarding. For those just starting out though, it is definitely recommended renting this type of equipment.

 

What should you rent?

 

Board – The type of snowboarding you will be participating in will dictate the type of snowboard you will need to use. E.g. Mountain terrains will use freestyle or freeride boards, whilst Alpine terrain will use carving boards.

 

Bindings – These are placed on the board and attach your snowboarding boots to the board. Once you choose your snowboard boots, this will determine the size and type of binding.

 

Boots – These are designed to protect your ankles and feet when snowboarding. They come in regular sizes, so do not differ to what you are normally used to.

 

Helmet – These are increasingly common for snowboarders as they protect your head from the dangers you may face if you were to have an accident.

About the Author

Vincent Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. He recommends SnowSkool who offer a variety of skiing and snowboarding courses, at various snowboard and ski camps.

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