How To Choose The Snowboard That's Right For You

Picking out a snowboard can be difficult because many brands and types can choose from. Three major types of boards are freestyle, alpine, and freeride. When picking out a snowboard, you need to determine what riding style you will be doing and get a board specific to that type of riding. If you spend your time in the half-pipe, a freestyle board is best for you. Freeride is best if you make it down the hill, and alpine will be best if you are up for some high-speed racing.

Another important aspect of picking out a board is ensuring you get boots and bindings that go with the board. Each setup will have characteristics specific to the type of riding a person will be doing.

Beginners should start with a freestyle or freeride board, bindings, and soft boots. This setup is going to give you some forgiveness when learning. Shorter boards are also better for beginners because they can maneuver and steer the board more easily. The board should come up between your shoulders and nose. The height of the board isn't the only thing to consider, though.

Flex is another aspect to look at. Heavier riders for their height will want a stiffer board, and lighter riders will want to get a board that offers more flex.

Also, don't forget about the width of the board. This won't be as much of an issue if you have smaller feet. However, a person with larger feet needs to ensure their toes (in their boots) don't hang off their board. If they do, your toes can catch in the snow making it more probable for you to fall. You need to get a wider board if you have more giant feet.

Starting is an excellent first to rent equipment because snowboarding is expensive. Buying the equipment before deciding if you enjoy snowboarding can be a waste of money. Going to your local store and talking to the salespeople to see if they rent can be the best way to test setups to see which is the best for you while you are still learning.

Once you have decided that snowboarding is right for you and are ready to go and buy your gear, the best time for you to go will be at the end of the season. The best deals will come out at the end of the season when stores are trying to get rid of their merchandise to have room for the upcoming season of whatever it may be.