How to Choose a Snowboard
How to Choose a Snowboard
Free Online Articles Directory
Why Submit Articles?
Top Authors
Top Articles
FAQ
ABAnswers
0 && $.browser.msie ) {
var ie_version = parseInt($.browser.version);
if(ie_version Login
Register
Hello
My Home
Sign Out
Email
Password
Remember me?
Lost Password?
Home Page > Sports and Fitness > Extreme Sports > How to Choose a Snowboard
How to Choose a Snowboard
Posted: Nov 06, 2009 |Comments: 0
|
]]>
Buying a Snowboard for the First Time?
One of the best ways to get in shape and stay in shape is by training for a physical activity that you really enjoy (like snowboarding!). It is easier to motivate and stay committed to your workouts knowing that it will allow you to have more fun on the slopes. I hope this post encourages you to go out, get a snowboard setup, and start snowboarding each season. It is a very rewarding sport and a great way to stay in shape during the cold months, when 75% of weight gain occurs during the year!
So you are ready to start snowboarding, but how do you choose a snowboard if you are a beginner? The first question to ask yourself is “What kind of snowboarding activities do you want to learn?” and “Where will you be riding and what are the snowconditions like usually?”
Most people just want to snowboard, but keep in mind what direction you think you are most likely to head in; freestyle (trick in the park/pipe), grooomed trails, deep powder, racing, or all of the above. If you are not sure, an “all mountain board” is a safe bet, and what most people start out with because it is versatile and allows you to try different things. I didn’t get a more specialized set up until my second time around.
Below are some practical guidelines to keep in mind while doing research. Be sure to write down any questions you may have and consult a pro at your local shop. This is the best way to pick out a board for the first time, as a good snowboard store/company should have someone knowledgeable on hand to answer your questions. I would avoid buying online, unless you have already tried out your setup in person and are sure it is the right one.
I would also check out the buyer’s guide from Transworld Snowboarding Magazine, which is really awesome! I buy it every year, even if I am not on the market for a new board, because I love reading about it. They do a “Good Wood” test (many boards have a wood core), in which they test a bunch of boards that have no branding elements on them so the testers are unbiased. Highly recommended reading J
One other bit of advice; many major snowboard companies will have demo days at certain ski resorts. You can demo your new set up for a fee, before having to purchase. If you have the time and money, this is the best way to be sure your new set up will be perfect.
Feet First
The first step is to stop thinking about the actual snowboard, and start thinking with your feet! Your boots are the foundation of a good snowboard setup. If your boot’s aren’t comfortable, you will not be able to perform well, in fact it will be hard to have fun at all. A little toe pain goes a long way when it comes to snowboarding.
Also, the size of the boot is going one factor in determining the size of the board, so boots first. Your boots, once strapped into your binding, shouldn’t stick out over the edge of the board, otherwise you risk TOE DRAG.
Before trying on boots, make sure that you cut your toe nails. Your boots should be very snug, but not tight or uncomfortable. The boots will pack out a tiny bit when broken in, but not more than maybe a ½ a size, probably less.
It is recommended to try on several brands, as each one cuts the shape of their cut differently, and uses different technology and materials to create a certain fit. There are different lacing systems, different amounts of shocking absorption materials, and even different shapes depending on your style of riding. Some of the boots will have heat molding; you can take out the inner boot, heat it up, and mold it around your foot.
Bindings Next
Your binding’s need to fit perfectly with your boots to assure optimal performance and safety. Most brands of bindings in will work with most brands of boots, but I think it is a good idea to pick out the boots first, and then buy the same brand of bindings. I would also pick a board from the same brand too, just to keep things simple, as there are certain brands like Burton who have some boards that are only compatible with their own bindings.
Bindings come in different shapes, sizes, and materials; in general, the lighter/stronger ones will be more expensive. Try finding bindings that are easy to use and avoid using plastic parts, which often break in the cold. You should also be able to adjust your binding easily and take them off easily.
A quick note, I would completely avoid step-in binding/boot systems. These basically allow you to step onto your board and be secured to it without having to strap on the bindings. The convenience you get from saving 20 seconds strapping in is far less valuable than the cost of performance you will endure the rest of your time on the mountain.
Board Sizing
Picking the right size board depends on 4 main factors;
How wide is your foot? How tall are you? How much do you weigh? What is your riding style and ability?
If you have a size 11 or larger, you will most likely need a wide board to avoid toe drag. Not all boards come in wide sizes. There are some boots now that are specifically designed to decrease the overall length of the boot, so people who can almost fit on a regular width board can wear these boots and don’t have to buy a wider board.
For quicker turning, transitioning from heel to toe edges, and more control (especially on groomed/hard pack trails), a narrower board a good sidecut is key. (Sidecut is the shape of the edge of the board). For floating on powder, a a slightly wider board is great. For freetsyle riders doing tricks in the park, a shorter board makes it easier to rotate, and a twin tip board is ideal. (Twin tip boards allow are shaped exactly symmetrical, which makes switch stance riding easier).
Again, most first timers will want to buy an all mountain board, which has a relatively symetrical shape, but if you know you are going to be focused on riding in deep powder, you may want to get a more specialized board for that (which will be longer, have have a much longer/wider nose, and much shorter narrower tail, which helps to sink the tail into the powder and keep the nose and board afloat.)
This is a pretty cool calculator for finding the right size board. I wouldn’t trust it blindly, but it will definitely put you in the right ball park: http://www.frostyrider.com/tips/size-guide.htm
Board Options & Technology
There are allot of options and styles of boards with new technology coming out each year. Camber and Reverse Camber boards are currently the hottest new trend. These boards play with the shape of the board by adding rocker. Essentially, all board used to be slightly convex to the ground, but now companies are making boards that are perfectly flat or concave to the ground. Some companies are playing with mutliple kinds of camber in the same board. As a beginer, I wouldn’t worry too much about this technology unless you know you want to be a freestyle snowboarder. But let me say that I love my new board’s reverse camber design; I find it makes flat landing slightly more forgiving, and helps me pop my ollies.
Goofy Versus Regular
If you skateboard, wakeboard, or surf, you know already what stance you like. There are 2 good tests for determining whether you are goofy or regular (Left foot forward or right foot forward). One is to run and slide against a slippery floor on your sock. Which foot do you naturally foot forward ? That is your front foot. The other test is to have someone push you while standing, which leg do you put backward? That is your back food. Don’t think to much when doing these tests, just let your body react.
Take a Stance
You have the option to put your stance narrower or wider, and to turn out each foot to different angles, and on some new boards, the ability to move your stance forward or backward (closer to one of the edges.) A great way to determine your stance is to (once you are a little warmed up) jump up as high as you can and try and land silently. Your body will automatically put you in the position that you are most powerful in. How wide are your feet? How turned out is each foot? This willl be pretty close to your ideal stance, although you may want to turn your backleg inward slightly if you are not planning on riding switch (with your oposite foot forward pointing downhill) to make you more comfortable on the board.
Seasonal Rentals & Pricing
One other thing to keep in mind; you may want to get a seasonal rental instead of purchasing a board your first year round. Snowboarding can be totally zen, but it is equipment, money, and time intesive, and conditions vary on the weather. If it is your first season, investing in buying a board may not be the best decision. Many snowboard shops will have seasonal rentals. If you think you want to buy a setup, a good idea is to buy really comfortable boots and then get a seasonal rental for the board and bindings. There may be an option to buy that board at the end of the season for a discount, and if not, you can pick out another board at the end of the season for a major discount. (Late March and April, a lot of equipment will be on sale, sometime for 50% off or more!)
In general, this is a great time to purchase equipment and clothing for snowboarding, if you can make it throughout the season without needing anything too much. I bought my boots for 30% off in April, my gloves for 50% off in May, my jacket for off, and my pants for 30% off. Major savings !!! Of course, if you want a very popular board or boot in a popular size, there is very little chance that it will be waiting for you at a discount, so keep that in mind.
Surf the Earth
Now you are all set, and armed with information to pick out a great first setup and experience an amazing sport. Snowboarding is total zen and one of the best ways to spend time outside in nature during the cold months. If you are just getting started, I encourage you to get in the gym and start training for your time on the mountain. The more conditioned you are, the more fun you will have.
In general, there is a 3 day learning curve for snowboarding, and I highly recommend taking a lesson the first day and not trying to keep up with your friends. You should be linking turns and transitioning from your heel edge to your toe edge by the end of the first day, although this will vary from person to person. (Most people will do what’s called a “falling leaf” in the beginning, which allows them to maintain control but prevents you from learning proper technique.)
Ideally, your first trip should be somewhere with fresh snow (for softer falls and slower “learning” conditions), and should put you on the mountain for 3 days in a short period of time (as long as you are relatively in shape.) If you go 1 day a season, and wait a year to go again, that 3 day learning curve gets way longer.
I know you wil find that snowboarding is a rewarding sport that will allow you to stay in shape and connected with nature during the cold months of the year.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments below and I will get right back to you.
Take care, stay fit, and shred hard!
Johnny Fitness
http://www.getdynamicresults.com
Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/extreme-sports-articles/how-to-choose-a-snowboard-1429001.html”
(ArticlesBase SC #1429001)
Watch your traffic increase just by submitting articles with us, click here to get started.
Liked this article? Click here to publish it on your website or blog, it’s free and easy!
Jonathan Angelilli -
About the Author:
Jonathan Angelilli aka Johnny Fitness has worked as a full time trainer for over 8 years, has completed 9 certifications, trains several celebrities, and is currently the Training Director of Dynamic Results, an upscale fitness and lifestyle company in NYC. He is a fanatical snowboarder and loves spending time snowboarding in Vermont, out west, and in the Alps. His best tricks to date are a back flip and a front side 540 off a 12 foot hit. Not bad for someone who only gets 15-20 days per year on the mountain! He is very passionate about getting people in great shape to push their snowboarding abilities.
]]>
Questions and Answers
Ask our experts your Extreme Sports related questions here…
200 Characters left
I want to change my Plasma wall mount to a LCD wall mount … Can I buy a adapter to fit my LCD Sony 52 in TV
I work on the cruise ship and becouse offhard work and trying to stay fit i took steroids.In few days i need to do normal medical exams plus drug tests but no steroid exam.Is It gonna show on the test
I would like to buy a ultrasonic cavitation machine for my own personal use..There are too many to choose from, I only want to spend around -4000 Australian any advise?
Rate this Article
vote(s)
0 vote(s)
Feedback
RSS
Print
Email
Re-Publish
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/extreme-sports-articles/how-to-choose-a-snowboard-1429001.html
Article Tags:
snowboard, snowboarding, snowboard fitness, how to choose a snowboard, snowboard test, buy a snowboard, pick a snowboard, snowboard workouts, how to pick a snowboard, snow board, how to snowboard, how to buy a snowboard
Latest Extreme Sports Articles
More from Jonathan Angelilli
Learn how to Wax a Snowboard – Scraping the Snowboard
Learn how to wax a snowboard – scraping the snowboard in this video with Phil Donovan from Ski Chalet. (03:13)
Learn how to wax a snowboard in this video with Phil Donovan from Ski Chalet. (04:22)
Learn how to clean a snowboard in this video with Phil Donovan from Ski Chalet. (01:36)
The Proper Way to Clean and Wax a Snowboard
Learn the proper way to clean and wax a snowboard in this video with Phil Donovan from Ski Chalet. (02:26)
How to Wax and Brush a Snowboard
Learn how to wax a snowboard – brushing the board in this video with Phil Donovan from Ski Chalet. (02:07)
Complete Wii Balance Board Game List
I took some time to write a simple list about all the Wii games that are compatible with the Wii Balance Board (Wii Fit Board). Most of them are already released, some will be by early next year. I also included a small summery for each of the games.
By:
Maria Fairhaml
Hobbies>
Video Gamesl
Feb 09, 2010
lViews: 105
Regardless of whether you run go karts professionally or merely see it like a fun interest and activity, listed below are a few suggestions to finding the perfect go kart kits and choosing which one is suitable for you.
By:
Michael Roganl
Sports and Fitness>
Extreme Sportsl
Feb 08, 2011
Protecting Your Airsoft Arsenal: Rust Prevention
As with any metal gun, rust is always a possible danger. Rust is not only unsightly, but if left alone it can corrode the barrel or internal mechanisms and ruin the overall performance of your Airsoft gun. This article covers a few different methods for keeping your Airsoft gun rust free.
By:
Mike Zhangl
Sports and Fitness>
Extreme Sportsl
Feb 08, 2011
For beginners, who stand helpless in front a bike shop and can not make their mind, a hybrid bike might be the right choice.
By:
Zion Shohetl
Sports and Fitness>
Extreme Sportsl
Feb 07, 2011
The vast inventory available bike types make it, specifically for starters, most frustrating to look for the right bike for them. As already implied, there are many types of bikes, and there are many sub-types.
By:
Zion Shohetl
Sports and Fitness>
Extreme Sportsl
Feb 07, 2011
Online casinos for everyone that wants to enjoy
Online gambling is getting popular with every passing day. The number of players that are playing at online casino has increased a lot. Earlier we used to have real casino in which you need to go and play. But with the time casino gambling has changed a lot.
By:
Esha487l
Sports and Fitness>
Extreme Sportsl
Feb 07, 2011
How To Wear An Aviator Scarf and Motorcycle Scarves
Skiing, motorcycling, hiking? You name it… and the aviator – motorcycle silk scarf will become a necessary part of your wardrobe. Discover these white silk fashion wonders today!
By:
m. rougl
Sports and Fitness>
Extreme Sportsl
Feb 05, 2011
Watch UFC 126: Silva vs Belfort Online Free
UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort is an upcoming mixed martial arts event to be held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on February 5, 2011 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can watch UFC 126 Online on PPV.
By:
blairflockerl
Sports and Fitness>
Extreme Sportsl
Feb 05, 2011
How to avoid purchasing imitation sunglasses
We all have seen imitation sunglasses or replica sunglasses that resemble many designer model sunglasses. When someone goes to purchase authentic designer sunglasses how do they know if they are really purchasing a name brand pair? With so many options to choose from when purchasing sunglasses, a person could easily be purchasing what is described as “knock offs” and not know it, even if they are 100% uv protection sunglasses. Some imitation sunglasses have the sticker that reads uv protection
By:
crthomasl
Sports and Fitness>
Extreme Sportsl
Feb 05, 2011
Personal Training Business Software: Insider Blueprint
At first glance, the Personal Training Business Software may look like just a bunch of fancy spreadsheets… But looks are deceiving. Using this system, I was able to start making 6 figures by the age of 23, bought a home at the age of 23, and started training celebrity clients at the age of 26! For a limited time, get FREE lifetime access to our Personal Training Business Software by visiting the Personal Training Business website.
By:
Jonathan Angelillil
Marketing>
Marketing Tipsl
Aug 12, 2010
lViews: 113
What Is The Best Personal Trainer Certification? [Part 2]
Getting your personal training degree is not far. Now you count some of your personal trainer certifications towards college credits!
By:
Jonathan Angelillil
Sports and Fitness>
Fitnessl
Apr 16, 2010
The Best Personal Trainer Certification? [Part 3]
Becoming a well-respected trainer can be seen through your efforts and work, but also through your qualifications. See why the Poliquin International Certification Program (PICP) is yet another awesome certification to have on your wall.
By:
Jonathan Angelillil
Sports and Fitness>
Fitnessl
Apr 16, 2010
How To Become A Personal Trainer And Get Fitness Clients
Aside from being a great personal trainer one needs the marketing tools to sell themselves. Check out these tips for success in marketing using such tools as networking, promo materials, and a personal website.
By:
Jonathan Angelillil
Business>
Business Ideasl
Apr 16, 2010
Personal Training Policy: How To Manage Frustrating Client’s Who Always Cancel?
A good personal trainer has to be just as motivated as the client, if not more. So how do you know which clients are really motivated? Don’t waste any more of your time over working for unmotivated clients. Check out this guide to show you how to deal with clients that cancel and put effort toward preventing this situation in the future!
By:
Jonathan Angelillil
Business>
Business Ideasl
Apr 16, 2010
Becoming a personal trainer isn’t just about the active and motivational sides. In this article, Johnny Fitness discusses why it’s important to really know the body and it’s functionality as well. Also, this article provides several resources to help better understand Anatomy as a whole along with the most common anatomical mistakes that are often made.
By:
Jonathan Angelillil
Sports and Fitness>
Fitnessl
Apr 16, 2010
Professional Personal Training
If becoming a professional personal trainer sounds like the profession for you; let Johnny Fitness walk you along the path of personal trainer enlightenment. Check out this article which describes in detail the steps one must take to become, not just a personal trainer, but a very successful personal trainer!
By:
Jonathan Angelillil
Sports and Fitness>
Fitnessl
Apr 16, 2010
Believe through Joe, a client of Johnny Fitness’ that endured his first marathon after tenacious motivation and goal achievement. Johnny talks about the process of setting goals for your clients as a super-effective way to motivate and empower the individual.
By:
Jonathan Angelillil
Sports and Fitness>
Outdoor Sportsl
Apr 16, 2010
Add new Comment
Your Name: *
Your Email:
Comment Body: *
Verification code:*
* Required fields
Submit
Your Articles Here
It’s Free and easy
Sign Up Today
Author Navigation
My Home
Publish Article
View/Edit Articles
View/Edit Q&A
Edit your Account
Manage Authors
Statistics Page
Personal RSS Builder
My Home
Edit your Account
Update Profile
View/Edit Q&A
Publish Article
Author Box
Jonathan Angelilli has 29 articles online
Articles Categories
All Categories
Advertising
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Business
Careers
Computers
Education
Finance
Food and Beverage
Health
Hobbies
Home and Family
Home Improvement
Internet
Law
Marketing
News and Society
Relationships
Self Improvement
Shopping
Spirituality
Sports and Fitness
Technology
Travel
Writing
Aerobics
Archery
Baseball
Basketball
Bodybuilding
Cricket
Equestrian
Equipment
Extreme Sports
Fishing
Fitness
Football
Golf
Hockey
Horse Racing
Martial Arts
Muscle Building
Outdoor Sports
Pilates
Rugby
Scuba Diving
Self Defense
Soccer
Tennis
Track and Field
Water Sports
Weight Loss
Yoga
]]>
Need Help?
Contact Us
FAQ
Submit Articles
Editorial Guidelines
Blog
Site Links
Recent Articles
Top Authors
Top Articles
Find Articles
Site Map
Mobile Version
Webmasters
RSS Builder
RSS
Link to Us
Business Info
Advertising
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2011 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved.
Jonathan Angelilli aka Johnny Fitness has worked as a full time trainer for over 8 years, has completed 9 certifications, trains several celebrities, and is currently the Training Director of Dynamic Results, an upscale fitness and lifestyle company in NYC. He is a fanatical snowboarder and loves spending time snowboarding in Vermont, out west, and in the Alps. His best tricks to date are a back flip and a front side 540 off a 12 foot hit. Not bad for someone who only gets 15-20 days per year on the mountain! He is very passionate about getting people in great shape to push their snowboarding abilities.