2. GET THE EQUIPMENT

Now we can start talking about snowboarding equipment. All you really have to worry about are the three Bs: the board, the boots, and the bindings.

Board

Snowboards are usually made of a wooden core wrapped in fiberglass and encased in a plastic or fiberglass cap with metal edges. The top of the board is known as the deck while the bottom is the base.

When getting a snowboard, the two most important considerations are its length and waist width. Measured in centimeters, the length of the board depends on the rider's weight, height, and riding style, while the width usually depends on the size of the rider's foot. Here's how to pick the right board:

  • As a rule of thumb, a board standing on end should reach between the rider's shoulder and bridge of nose.

  • Most adults need a board between 150 cm and 165 cm tall.

  • Waist width (or the width at the board's middle) is primarily a function of foot size. The bigger your feet, the wider board you'll need. Generally, the toe and heel of the boot should be flush with the edges of the snowboard. People with size 11 feet (or bigger) usually require a wide board.

  • Consider your weight. Smaller, lighter folk should get a shorter, flexible board (to give them some weight for control), while bigger, heavier people should get a longer, rigid board (to help them sail along the smooth powder).

  • Beginners should consider more flexible boards, since they offer more control (albeit less speed).

  • You should definitely rent a snowboard your first couple times out. That way you can experiment with different styles and feels.

  • Finally, you should never hesitate to ask one of the salespeople in a store to help you out.

Boots

Most snowboarders' boots are known as "soft boots," due to their construction with soft materials such as waterproof leather and nylon. No more clunky ski boots! When picking out a pair, here's what to consider:

  • The most important considerations are fit and comfort.

  • Try the boots on with only one pair of socks (preferably the socks you intend to snowboard in).

  • The fit should be snug, and your heel should not rise up too much when you bend your knee forward. You should not feel any pressure points or pinching.

  • Make sure that your ankle feels secure.

  • Again, if you're a novice, just rent the boots. Sample around until you find a pair you like, and then buy those.

  • Once more, ask a salesperson for help. That's what they get the big bucks for.

Bindings

Bindings (that is, the straps) are what connect your feet to the board, so they're pretty important. When choosing a binding, keep in mind that your choice of boots will affect your choice of bindings and vice versa; they must complement each other:

  • Most freestyle and freeride snowboarders use high-back bindings with two straps to secure the boot.

  • Some freestylers prefer low back systems, while some freeride snowboarders prefer three straps instead of two; it's really just personal preference.

  • Recently, step-in bindings have moved to the forefront. Like ski bindings, these do not rely on straps to secure the rider to the board. While these eliminate the time and hassle of "strapping in," they do require special boots and can sometimes become troublesome when snow gets jammed in them.

  • When your selecting a binding in the store, bring your boots with you so that you can make sure they fit properly.

  • Need we repeat, "rent first, then buy"?

When the time comes to attach the bindings to the board, consider both your stance width and stance angles:

  • Stance width: The distance between the two bindings (that is, how far apart your legs are). Your stance width should measure about the same as the distance from the bottom of your heel to the middle of your knee.

  • Stance angles: The way your feet point on the board. Your feet might be directly perpendicular to the board (standing purely sideways, like the goose in the picture above), or they might point slightly forward.
Narrower stances allow the board to flex more easily, while wider stances give more rotational maneuverability (make spinning easier). Freestyle riders generally have wider stances (the bindings are farther apart) with their stance angles at around 0° (meaning their feet point directly across the board). Alpine riders have narrow stances with their feet pointed towards the front of the board. As always, ask the salespeople to help you with these numbers.

Renting

A note on equipment: Snowboarding can be damn expensive. So at the risk of being repetitive, we again insist that you rent your equipment first. Here's the lowdown on rentals:

  • Rent equipment from a local shop instead of at the mountain to avoid time delays and incorrect gear (those mountain stores often run short in equipment on crowded days, and they may try to get you to rent ill-fitting equipment).

  • Most shops rent a complete set up (board, boots, and bindings) for about $30 a day, and some will even apply all rental charges to the eventual purchase of a new board.

New boards range from $350-600; boots: $150-250; bindings: $130-200; complete set-ups: $600-1000+ (look for package deals). Although pricey, the snowboard market is seasonal, so shops often boast deep discounts during the summertime.