Why the Right Gear is Important
Improperly fit or wrong equipment can severely sabotage your best efforts to learn to snowboard and have the best time.
The wrong gear can make beginners give up before they even get started. Why is gear so important when you're "just" a beginner? The wrong gear makes it tough to guide boards. Suddenly, beginners' winter vacation dreams turn into nightmares.
Fit
"I think poorly-fit equipment is the single most important block to a person's ability to learn," said long-time Breckenridge Ski Instructor, Alison Adams Hagan. "It sets people off on the wrong foot - literally - every time."
Start with the most important piece of equipment, your boots. They do more than ju
st attach your feet to the bindings. Think of skis and snowboards as the tires of a car, and boots as the steering wheel. Skis and snowboards react to your feet just as car tires respond to the slightest turn of the steering wheel. Too much play in the steering wheel, and your car won't react quickly. Too much play in your boots, and your skis or snowboard won't react quickly, either.
The same is true for skiing. You don't want your heel lifting in the boot when you press your board from edge to edge.
And it's not just about size. The shape of the foot, ankle and calf, and the boot's flexibility are key to boot fitting, and ultimately performance and safety. Boots that don't fit well place increased stress on knee joints.
"Taking time to be properly fitted will pay off both in success and comfort during the learning process," said Hagan. "It's a piece of cake when the equipment is right."
Length
Skis and snowboards that are too long can be difficult to maneuver.
Snowboard Tuning – Keep Yours Tuned and Waxed
Snowboards without a good tune-up or sharp edges are completely unmanageable. Tuning and waxing generates improved performance and better control. Make sure your equipment is properly tuned. Think of it like your car. Your car gets a tune-up to operate and drive more efficiently and with better control. It’s the same with your snowboard.
Pre-season Ski & Snowboard checklist
Inspect and prep your gear, outerwear and accessories for the upcoming season!
Before the first snowflakes start flying, smart skiers and snowboarders take the time to go through their closets and garages to make sure their first day is stress-free. Doing a little prep early in the season can go a long way when you’re itching to get on the hill. So, that’s why SnowSports Industries America (SIA) has put together a handy pre-season check-list that can help get everyone on the hill a little faster the day after an epic snowfall.
Equipment
When’s the last time you had your skis/snowboard tuned? If the answer is “I can’t remember” then it’s time to get your equipment in for a tune. A general rule of thumb: if you've ridden five times on your boards, it’s time for a tune-up. Plus, an expert wax and sharpening makes skis/snowboards last longer and provide more control for turns and stopping.
Gloves/Mittens
If your hands are blocks of ice, you’re not going to enjoy any winter activity and your dexterity and performance is also affected. Make sure the whole family has a pair that fits properly.
Jackets/Pants
Does your jacket still fit? Have your kids outgrown their outerwear? Are they up to the demands of winter activities? Some kids Prejackets and pants have hems that can be let out to get one more year of wear. However, if you/your kids are heading out on the slopes in varying weather conditions, it’s worth it to invest in well-made, quality outerwear.
Travel/Pass/Lesson Discounts
Fall is the time to take advantage of discounts on travel packages, lessons and lift tickets/passes. Check with your local resort and retailer or a destination resort you’ve been planning to visit to see if they’re offering any “early bird specials”.
Helmet
Do you have one – does your kid need the next size up? For all ages of skiers/snowboarder, helmets are becoming the norm on the slopes. Not only do they protect against head injuries, but also provide warmth since up to 60% of your body's heat can escape from an uncovered head.
Goggles
If you can’t see where you’re headed on a mountain, you’re in big trouble. It’s amazing how much fun you can have on a mountain when glare, snow and flat light aren’t holding you back so make sure your goggles still fit properly. Check to make sure your goggles still fit and didn’t suffer too many scratches last season.
Hit the slopes!
Now that your gear is all up to date and you’re ready to go to the snow, we’ve put together a suggested packing list for you to reference. Download Here