Learning how to ride a snowboard has a very high learning curve which is why 90-95% of snowboarders were actually skiers at one time and have happily made the switch.

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Sure, learning to make turns on a board can be a pain in the butt (no joke) but after a few days of hard commitment, you’ll figure out your edges and you’ll start making turns.  After that, it’s all downhill… fun!  You’ll be riding your snowboard on the fluffy white stuff, feeling the float and shouting the woohoos.     Riding a snowboard requires essential gear to ensure that you ride to the fullest.  Buying the right snowboard, boots and bindings is essential for optimum riding performance on the slopes.(The right one can even be a cheap snowboard). 

When buying a snowboard there are three different heights to consider: short medium and long boards.  A short board reaches between your collar bone and your chin; medium board comes between your chin and your nose; long boards are eye level to above your ahead.  Short snowboards are ideal for learners and trick snowboarders.  Intermediate riders prefer medium boards and Longboards are great for high speed carving as well as deep powder snow.  Be sure to factor in the width of the snowboard as well.  When standing on a board your feet should fit within the width of the board, or slightly hang over.  You can save the "hangover" for tomorrow morning. Lastly there are three types of snowboards: freestyle, free ride and free carve.

• Freestyle is the most popularly used  for doing half pipes, jumps, rails and tricks.
  
• A free ride board is longer and is great for the alpine snowboarder who loves to ride thrrough the trees.  
  
• A free carve board is a long flat board, which is great on hard snow and super for carving but not great for rails.

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Before you buy snowboard boots you need to decide whether you want step-in bindings for your board or a boot strap binding.  The type of binding determines whether you will buy a step in boot or a non step-in boot. Be sure that snowboard boots are a great fit, secure in the heel (when doing knee bends and a heel lift), and offer a dual lacing system (inner and outer boot) that ensures a snug fit. As for both style of bindings be sure that they have a high back to support your boot.   Overall you want to feel as though the board, bindings and boots are an extension of you when your ride.

Snowboard riding wear can vary greatly in price and in appearance.  Whether you’re a knuckle dragger or a shredder there is something in the apparel wear for all. Remember to keep warm with thermal underwear and/or fleece and protect your eyes with eyewear.  Also be sure to include a helmet in your purchase.  There’s no sense in looking good with a dent in your head. 

At the end of your day, congratulates yourself on your snowboard ride with an après beverage or a soak in a tub (even an inflatable portable one).  Gear up, get on your snowboard and enjoy the ride.

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