snowboarding noob...help?

lionken07

lionken07

Joined
May 8, 2003
Messages
236
ok its almost winter time so me and my pals finally decided to go snowboarding for the first time.

We did some research on what gear and stuff to get but are pretty much clueless. we don't really want to rent the stuff they have there as thats kinda nasty...

Any expert here on what gear to get? I'm talking about full package which includes everything that we needed to snowboard.

I'm not looking to spend a leg or anything of that sort so anything that's near decent will do. I'm looking to spend around $500-600 on the whole package. Hat, gloves, jacket, pants, snowboard, goggle, and boots (anything I miss?).

any sites where we can get a full package or anything?

Like I said I'm pretty much a noob when it comes to snowboarding so any help will do...

:eek:
 
My experience has taught me to never cut corners on fit. I only board recreationally but I've gone through my share of gear along with some hard lessons.

Boots are my top priority. I will spend as much as I have to get as close to a perfect fit as I can. This my is my primary interface to my bindings and board. If my boots are loose, constrictive or anything less than comfortable and snug (much like ski boots), then they will translate into a very unsatisfactory experience. My first pair cost me $350.00 (thought I was getting a good deal on some cool boots) and they sucked. My current pair, which are close to perfect, cost me $150.00. <shrug> Goes to show you, price isn't everything. Shoot for miminal heel lift and minimal pressure points.

Goggles are subjective...I prefer to get a pair with dual thermal lens to minimize fogging and I make sure they seal my face well. Any gaps where air can rush in will just annoy the daylight out of me. I wear contact lens too, so any air movement will tend to dry them out. I wear Oakleys, but I forget which model as all the other Oakley models don't fit my funky Asian face!

Helmet is now my third priority. I've seen stars once in my life and that was from a nasty head smacking when I first started boarding. It should fit much like a cycling helmet. You're out there to have fun...and accidents will happen. I wear a "lid" so that I can come back the next day and board again.

Everything else follows the above 3 items, in my personal order of priority:

-Goretex gloves (wet hands suck)
-Goretex pants (wet ass sucks, as you'll be on your ass as a newbie much of the time)
-Goretex jacket/water resistant jacket. Functional, comfy and protective clothing is very much underrated. If you're not comfortable, you're not going to have fun.
-Bindings, the second most important thing in terms of hardware. I have Flow bindings, because I find strap bindings to pinch too much and I want to be able to use any boot with my bindings. I avoid proprietary step in bindings because...well, they're proprietary. They're convenient for the most part, but your boot choices can be a little bit more limited. Do some research on this.
-Board - get this sized and assessed by your local pro shop. Your weight, height and riding style will be factors in what board you purchase. I ride Option, because they work and I like supporting local businesses (Canadian in this case). I would love to buy a Burton...just a touch expensive for me. :)

Get at least one lesson from an instructor, but take as many as you feel is necessary.

Anyone else out there that can provide some feedback for myself and lionken07?

Oh, and have fun!!!
 
Seriously, don't blow all of your chas right away. Got to a sporting goods store and but yourself a coat that will suit the weatrher in your area. Make sure you have wasrm pants, and some good gloves. I hate mittens, but I only wear them when I snowboard. Look at EMS for their mountain climber mittens.

Goggles, I have a pair of dragons. Just some fog proof oakleys will work.

Dress for the weather. The colder it is, add an extra shirt. Here in ohio, on day's when it's not snowing, I jsut waer a pair of sweatpants and a pair of baggy jeans to go riding in.

Double up on your socks. Tall winter thermal socks.

And really, if it is your first time, rent your board. If you hate it, you will be ready for a blizzard. just rent your board.
 
wow many thanks to you guys.

I'm 5'8" and 140 pounds so I think I'm not obease lol. I wear 9.5 shoe size.

how long of a board should I get? (cm?)

I'm also looking into the Bonfire Kinetic T10 jacket. It seens to get good review so I'm going to look into that. A lot of people say its waterproof.

How about pants? I'm still looking for the right kind of snowboarding pants I mean I don't want to get teh wang wet you know what I mean?

we are planning to go to belleayre Mt. but its not certain yet. anyone been there? Might probably have to stay a night or two...

BTW, I was looking at the packages they have in the-house.com, do they includes whatever you need to mount the binding to the board? or you have to buy stuff to mount them? I hope I'm able to mount them myself if I do decide to order it there.
 
Your board should go about up to your chin. If you want more speed or maneuverability, that will affect the length, but generally, chin.

I would actually recommend overalls over pants. If you have a moderate amount of speed and fall on your back with your head up-mountain, some snow is going to get under your jacket, and it is not pleasant to have that freeze on your back. Overalls cover that area of your back, and an additional benefit is that it is much more difficult to get snow in your pants (equally unpleasant). Make sure it is waterproof, and has reinforced knees and butt.

Mounting the binding to the board takes eight screws (probably included) and a #2 phillips screwdriver. It isn't hard at all, but what you'll probably not be sure about are the angles and the spacing. Everyone has their preference, but I board regular (not goofy), and I keep my feet a little more than shoulder width apart, centered on the board, with my left foot at 12 degrees, and my right foot at 3 degrees.

I haven't kept up with all the makes and manufacturers of equipment, so I can't help you there. I'm still using most of the stuff I bought ten years ago when I started, and I can tell you that materials-wise, Gore-tex has held up great.

Have fun and be safe!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top