Source: outdoorsactivities.com
So, you’ve decided to take up snowboarding. You’ve heard a lot of great things about it from friends and family and they’ve been nagging you to try it out for quite some time. As is the case with all avid fans of winter sports, they’re probably eagerly waiting for winter to come so they can hit the slopes as soon as possible. And you’re willing to give it a shot and see what all the fuss is about. Be sure to buckle up because you’re in for a wild ride (pun intended). Nothing beats the sense of freedom and jolt of adrenalin you get from gliding down mountains on your snowboard.
While it is mostly fun and games, you do need to think about properly equipping yourself to take on the slippery slopes. The right snowboarding gear will keep you warm and protected to ensure a thrilling and delightful experience. You can easily rent snowboarding equipment but purchasing your own is definitely more cost-efficient in the long run. Buying your own equipment is quite convenient too since you don’t have to worry about renting everything whenever you want to go on an adventure. You buy the things you need only once and they’ll likely serve your needs for years to come. And if you’re wondering ‘what should I wear for snowboarding’, worry not, we’ve put together a list of must-have accessories to get before embarking on your next snowboarding journey.
Glide in Stylish and Functional Snowboard
Source: switchbacktravel.com
We can’t talk about snowboarding without an actual snowboard, right? Not surprisingly, there are a few different types such as power snowboards, freeride, freestyle, all-mountain and split boards. The choice of snowboard mostly depends on your preferences and how you want your overall experience to be. As the name suggests, all-mountain snowboards can be used literally on any type of terrain and landscape, so that might be a good place to start. There are also other factors to consider when looking at snowboards, including the length, width and shape of the board, all of which make their contribution to a better drifting adventure.
Suit Up in the Proper Clothing
Source: switchbacktravel.com
Since snowboarding involves being outside in cold weather conditions, it’s extremely important to keep warm with suitable clothing and prevent hypothermia. Fortunately, there’s a wide array of both women’s and mens snowboarding clothing at your disposal.
Pants
Snowboarding pants are specially designed to maintain your body temperature at a normal level while providing extra comfort and flexibility. Most of them have a tailored and modernised slim fit that mimics your regular everyday pants. They’re multi-functional too since they can come with zipping pockets on all sides as well as a jacket to pant connection to achieve a more cohesive and practical look. Snowboarding pants are one of the preferred mens snowboarding clothing pieces whereas women tend to show a greater preference for snowboarding bibs.
Bibs
There is an ever-growing trend of purchasing thermal bibs in recent years, mainly because they’re extra soft and comfortable. All of the seams are sealed to keep you super dry and snug by preventing moisture from finding its way through. Bibs have adjustable elastic straps for added convenience as well as a reinforced hem for extra security and protection. They’re very lightweight and can withstand even the most extreme weather conditions.
Jackets
The most crucial thing here is finding a jacket that is suitable and comfortable to be in. Sure, it can be easy on the eyes and have a contemporary design, but if it’s not a good fit for you personally, don’t get it. There are loads of options when it comes to snow clothes for both men and women. When considering the size, make sure to take into account the fact that you’ll be wearing warm and thick winter clothes so that your jacket doesn’t feel tight when you actually wear it in the snow.
Base Layer One Piece
The main purpose of a synthetic base layer is to absorb any moisture from your body while snowboarding and keep you cosy and warm. They’re quite thin and breathable so they don’t add any unnecessary bulk. Don’t buy one that’s too tight because that will limit your ability to move freely.
Additional Snowboarding Gear
Source: snowandrock.com
Now that we’ve covered the most basic essentials, let’s have a look at the accessories.
Mitts and Gloves
Surely you don’t want your hands to be exposed to harsh and cold weather conditions so you’ll need to pack a pair of gloves or mitts. Gloves offer a little more versatility as opposed to mitts since you can easily move your fingers. Their leather palm coating offers a more secure grip and some even have a touchscreen compatible thumb and index finger so you can use your phone without taking them off.
Helmets and Goggles
There’s always the risk of injury when you’re going down the slopes at high speeds. Wearing your helmet is your safest option to lower the possibility of severely hurting your head. Make sure it’s not too tight or too loose, it should be just the right fit for maximum safety.
Goggles prevent glare and protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun as well as any strong winds you might come across.
Thermal Socks
If you’re anything like me and have poor circulation which results in cold and sweaty feet, then you definitely need thermal socks to retain your body temperature. Most of the socks are knee-length to prevent skin rash and irritation from your boots. You don’t need super thick socks since your boots are probably already insulated. Choosing the right type of thermal socks will depend on a number of factors such as size, materials and cushioning.
Wrist Guards and Hip Pads
When you’re just starting out, it’s smart to invest in extra padding and safety equipment until you get the hang of handling the terrain. Wrist guards have a very sleek and sophisticated design to make sure you don’t injure your wrist or arm when falling. They can be attached to your gloves without putting in too much effort and secured into place with straps.
Hip pads are basically boxer shorts with reinforced plates on, well, the hips for greater safety. They’re very subtle and low-profile because they’re worn underneath your pants. You absolutely won’t feel a thing.
