Snowboard Boots, Jackets, & Pants

Snowboard Gear

Many beginners do not realize that the most important snowboarding gear is your apparel.  Most people come to snowboarding were first skiers.  The apparel is different for snowboarders.  Snowboarders burn much more energy than the skier does.  This means they must wear different apparel.

The snowboarder must dress in layers.  This allows him to stay warm but to also shed layers when getting too hot.  There are normally three layers of clothing advisable for winter sports.  They are:

• Base or Inner Layer: This is the first layer of clothing and consists of your shorts, t-shirt, and socks. This layer traps the warmth of your body and allows moisture to pass through and away.  There are specialty fabrics that were developed for the military that make the perfect base layer.
• Middle Layer:  This layer is your general clothing.  Fleece and outer clothing.  It provides the extra layer of warmth.
• Outer Layer: This is the outer most clothing and usually consists of a water proof jacket and ski suit or pants.

The layers all work together.  A snowboarder can open a layer if he or she is too warm.  This is the advantage of a layer system.  You do not want to get chilled on the mountain and have moisture close to your body.  This can lead to hypothermia and dangerous health conditions.

Other gear you will need for your snowboard trip:

• Helmet: This should be one of the number one pieces of safety gear on your purchase list.  Do not skimp here.  You want to buy the best helmet you can find.  Make sure it is a comfortable fit.  You only have one brain.  One fall backwards can lead to serious head injury.  Protect yourself.
• Snowboard:  You should rent several different types of snowboards and try them before you buy.  Learn which type of board and style you are comfortable with before you shell out your hard earned cash.  Renting the board will let you find the board that is perfect for you.
• Boots and bindings:  You should also rent these items.  Boards, boots and bindings are fitted and are different for each different snowboard style.  Renting this equipment lets you try them before you buy them.  Find your style first, and then buy.
• Wrist Guards: This is an inexpensive item that you should be wearing the first time you step on the mountain.  It will help eliminate injury to your wrists when you fall.
• Hip Padding:  This is a safety product you should purchase and wear on your first trip on the mountain. It saves your bum and hips when you fall.  It is also an important layer that helps keep you warm.
• Gloves and Goggles:  These items are very important.  Your hands are very exposed and will spend some time in the snow.  Protect them with good waterproof gloves.  The goggles are also very important in protecting your eyes.  Your eyes can be damaged from the suns UV rays.  You will also spend some face time in the snow while learning.  Protect your eyes from ice and snow with a good set of goggles.

These products are the main snowboarding gear you should worry about.  There is no better fun than to thrash down the mountain on your snowboard.  Having the right gear ensures you will have an enjoyable day.

Related posts:

1. Snowboarding Goggles
2. Snowboard Boots: What You Need To Know
3. Snowboard Safety
4. Burton 2010 Boards, Bindings, and Boots Reviewed