5 Snowboarding Gifts for Beginners

So what do you buy someone who’s just starting out as a snowboarder or even someone who’s been doing it for a bit now? This list will help clear some of that confusion and your doubts.

1. Tailsaver: We wrote about this back in October so it’s only natural that we include this item in the list. Tailsaver is a simple tailbone /butt protector which is made from ridiculously (their words, not mine) lightweight EVA foam. The good thing about it is that you won’t even notice or feel it when you put it on. It’s perfect for both parks and all mountain riding, especially if you’re just starting out. As the picture below shows, it’s rather hassle free. It’s available to North American, EU, and Australian folks and you can buy your Tailsaver from here.

Tailsaver

2. Snowboarding Goggles: Any beginner will love a pair of good goggles, that are comfortable and wont fog up. If you’re friend wears a helmet, make sure the goggle frames are not too big, otherwise they wont fit comfortable with the helmet on. And if you’re friend snowboards at night (check whether the local snow resort has night riding), make sure you buy goggles with relatively clear lens plates. Oakley and Anon goggles are well known for their quality and fog-free lenses.

Snowboarding Goggles

3. Snowboard lock: There’s nothing worse than having to worry about your board getting stolen and worse yet, finding out that your board was stolen. Buy your friend a board lock, and they’ll thank you forever. It’s inexpensive, but you’d be surprised how many riders just don’t bother to buy one. Any brand will do as they all work in the same way.

Snowboard Lock

4. Snowboarding Pocket Tool: On-snow binding adjustments and screw tightening are a fact of life for any rider. If it’s not for your own gear, it’s usually for your buddies. Pocket tools are small to carry and will prove pretty damn useful on the slopes when emergency calls. I know I’ve experienced this myself, and to be honest with you, it’s annoying have to go to the snowboard/ski tool station every time. Most pocket tools virtually identical, so just buy the brand that your friend associates with the most.

Pocket Tool

5. Wrist guards: Boy are these amazing! If it weren’t for the pair I bought myself when I first started out, I don’t think I’d even be able to write this post. Wrist guards are simply the most important set of protective gear any rider can buy. Plus the confidence boost you get from not having to worry about wrist injuries will come a long way in making you a better rider. Your friend will love you for these! I personally own a pair of the Dakine wrist guards shown in the picture below, and I recommend the same pair as your gift choice.

Dakine Wrist Guards

So that’s the list and trust me when I say this: any of these will make a good gift for a friend just starting out in the sport. They’re inexpensive (well maybe except for the goggles) and they’re very useful products that most riders don’t think about getting at first. If you have any questions or gift suggestions, just let us know.

Snowboard Safety

Snowboard Safety - Ride Smart

Snowboard safety is very important.  Especially so, when you’re just learning to snowboard.  Over 25% of injuries happen to beginners and often on their first run down the mountain. Luckily, I didn’t fall victim to that statistic, but my friend did and it wasn’t pleasant.

Beginners usually don’t spend enough time practicing and have a false sense that they are ready for the trip down the mountain. While you should be practicing more, you can protect yourself with some of these safety equipment.

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  Snowboarding Helmet

  Snowboard Helmet: A good snowboard helmet should be your first safety purchase. The reason is this; your wrist will heal but a head injury can kill you. That is a stark comparison but it is true. You must protect your head. Many snowboarders refuse to wear helmets. It is a macho thing for them. Do not be that stupid. There is no forgiveness with head injuries. More resorts and parks require head gear to ski their slopes. Protect the most important part of your body, your head.

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  Dakine Wrist Guards

  Wrist Guards: Wrist injuries are the most common snowboarding injuries. We catch ourselves with our hands. It’s my natural instinct and believe me when I say it’ll be yours too. Wearing wrist guards help eliminate the injuries to your wrist when falling. They are inexpensive and can save you a great deal of pain. Again, beginners should always wear every piece of safety equipment they can. It is the beginner that usually gets injured, however, 5 seasons on my belt, and I still wear one every time I’m shredding with mother nature.

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  Kneepads

  Knee Pads: Knee injuries are not as common for snowboarders compared to skiers. When they do happen it is usually from impact with an object. These impacts are usually trees or rocks, and even the nasty ice patches appear out of no where. I banged my pad-less knee 2 years ago on an ice patch and it still hasn’t fully healed. Kneepads do help eliminate injury from impacts. Plus they help you remember to keep your knees bent.

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  Tailsaver

  Hip Pads/Tailbone Pads: Hip pads are worn like bike shorts. Extra padding is provided in the hips and tail bone areas. When you fall on your backside the hip pads will help you eliminate injuries. Beginners should wear hip pads because they will fall a lot when learning. Check out our take on the Tailsaver, which is a convenient way to protect your ass.

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  Safety Leash

  Safety Leash: The safety leash really provides protection for other snowboarders. If your snowboard comes loose of your bindings and shoots down the mountain it is very dangerous. It becomes a fast moving projectile that and kill or maim an unsuspecting snowboarder. The leash is attached to your leg and keeps your board close to you if it were to get separated. It also keeps you from searching for your board.