First Time Snowboarding Checklist
Preparing for a snowboarding or skiing trip may be overwhelming, especially if you have not done it before. You will need to make a decision between buying and renting the snow equipment. Renting may be a better option if you are new to either sport. It will also open you up to many other brands. Afterward, you will be able to settle on the best brand
I would also highly recommend taking some lessons if you have never hit the slopes before. I promise it will make your time out there much more enjoyable. Snowboarding or skiing lessons will come in handy to help you avoid unnecessary injuries. Both sports are a highly demanding physical activity so you will need you to know how to maneuver, and when to take a break. Getting the newbie lessons from an expert is your best option for avoiding injuries.
When it’s time to make a decision on snowboarding gear, a guide or checklist is essential. The following first time snowboarding checklist will make your snowboarding experience worthwhile.
Snowboard Equipment
This should be your first checklist. There are a few necessities when it comes to gear. Therefore, being keen on your brand selection is key to a successful snowboarding event. Your set of snowboarding gear should have the following:
- Snowboard– There are 3 main types of board shapes. Camber, which is a very stable, controlled ride. Flat, which gives great control while remaining to feel like you are floating across the snow. And rocker, which provides a very surfer feeling and enables high-level riders to utilize the terrain parks better.
- Bindings– Bindings vary in flexibility. Flexible bindings will provide more versatility to do tricks, which is why they are more-so for advanced riders. Stable hard bindings provide great support and a stable ride if this is your first time on the snow.
- Boots– Both of these items pair to be omnipotent when going onto the mountains. Make sure your boots fit snug. Boots that are loose will be tough to control your ride in. Boots that are too tight will put you in the lodge rubbing your in-soles very fast, not fun.
- Socks– Don’t underestimate the importance of quality snowboard socks. Choose moisture-wicking, cushioned pairs and make sure they’re long enough to fully extend above your boots. This prevents rubbing and sore feet, keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable all day on the slopes.
Snowboarding Outwear
Looking good on the mountain could not only feel good but also come in handy when looking for friends. I wear a retro onesie that my dad wore in the eighties. It is quite flashy with colors of yellow, purple, and teal. There’s no way anyone loses sight of me. Along with nice style, it’s important to have all other essential gear:
- Snow Jacket/Onesie– Your jacket must be waterproof, have a considerable number of pockets, and is snow specific. If you can get one with a hood and vents that would be awesome. Importantly, the jacket must be able to fend off snow from getting into your pants, thus, it has to be long enough. This is why we recommend a onesie. When you fall, there’s no way for snow to go up your back.
- Hydration Pack – A proper snowboarding hydration pack with extra pockets and an easy-access bladder is essential to prolonging a day on the slopes with minimal downtime.
- Snow Pants– If you’re not going to go with a onesie, the pants must be waterproof and able to keep off snow from entering into your boots. Perfects pants are the ones which have inner boot gaiter.
- Hat– Carrying a hat or a beanie will help cover your head. If you wear a helmet, which you should (get past the “dork” label), wearing a balaclava maybe be more beneficial than a hat.
- Mittens or gloves– They must be waterproof and can keep you warm for as long as you will spend your day out. I highly recommend mittens as they will certainly keep your hands warmer.
- Facemask– It is an optional outwear. However, by having it you will shield your face from snow, sun rays and wind as you slid down the mountain. Nothing is worse than your nose freezing and not being able to do anything about it until you stop.
Snowboarding Safety gear
Your safety is paramount during snowboarding. Safety gear will help you avoid injuries, but will also give you the confidence to do more which is critical in snowboarding. You will need the following safety gear for your snowboarding activity.
- Helmet– Having a helmet will help you avoid head injuries in an event of a fall while on the slopes. Snowboarding falls can happen, even if you consider yourself experienced. Get a helmet which will stand multiple impacts without damage, this will save you some cash. Also, be sure that your helmet is comfortable. This is something you’ll be wearing all day.
- Goggles– Your eyes are precious, thus, you will need to protect them from snow, sun, and wind. You do not need a very expensive pair at all, but a nice pair with an anti-fog coating on them would be worth the extra cash.
- Knee pads– They will help protect your knees if you fall on your knees. You don’t really notice them when riding either.
- Butt pads– As a beginner, you will more than likely spend most of your time on your butt. It is inevitable.
- Wrist guards– My dad bought these for me as a kid and I fought him on wearing them. Now I wear them every time I hit the slopes. They more than likely have saved me from a sprained wrist once or twice.
Now that we have highlighted the must-have items before you set off for a snowboarding event for the first time, here are some optional ones you may consider to have.
- Earphones– If you are a music enthusiast, they will help you find a rhythm as you will be snowboarding. Be careful though, as you may not be able to hear other riders.
- Lunch– If it is a nice powder day, you won’t want to waste much time not riding. Bring a small meal with you that provides some good energy to keep going.
- Extra Phone Battery – The cold will only drain your phone battery even more. Getting caught without your camera for a nice picture, or the ability to find your friends on the mountain is not fun.
Now that you are familiar with the necessities as a beginner for a snowboarding activity, it is time to get out there and shred. Have fun!