December 16, 2010
Snowboarding 101
Matt Banks asked:
Intro
I can only assume you are reading this because you have decided to try snowboarding. Congratulations, you’re already off on the right foot. As with any activity that involves risk, it is always very important to understand what you are getting in to. Before you rush off to buy your own board, there are a few things you should know.
Style
Determining your style is the single most important aspect of buying a snowboard. If your board isn’t suited to your style, your experience will be less than stellar. There are two primary types of snowboarding that the beginner should consider.
1. All Mountain – This style of snowboarding is for the majority of casual snowboarders. If you just want to ride the mountain and stick to the trails, this is most likely your style. All Mountain boarders can range from casual downhill types to off piste knuckle draggers.
2. Park/Freestyle – Park boarders are the ones you see flying high and riding the rails in the terrain parks. This is not a recommended starting point for beginners. It can be very dangerous and difficult. It’s a popular wintertime activity for summer skateboarders as well.
Length
Once you’ve determined what type of rider you will be, choosing a board length is much easier. Boards are all measured in standard centimeters and typically in the name of the board (a Rome Anthem 154 is 54cm tall). Many shops will tell you exactly what length you should have based on your height. Just about at chin level is a standard size. While this can be an accurate idea, it is usually best to factor in a few other things.
1. What kind of snow will you be on – If you are a Midwest snowboarder, you will never see the feet-deep powder of the west coast, Rockies or north eastern slopes. If you’re riding on man-made snow or very shallow snow you will want a shorter board. A longer one will be very hard to control on shallow snow.
2. How much control do you have – If you are new, and I’m assuming you are, you will not want a board that is too long. The longer the board, the harder it is to control.
3. What is your style – If you are going to be shredding the terrain park, you will want a shorter, quicker board. If you are riding on the mountain, you will want a longer board, which offers more stability.
Width
Another big factor in choosing a board is width. Most standard boards support up to a size 10.5 or 11 foot. Above that, a wide board is generally preferred. With snowboard boots on, the toe and heel should extend
Intro
I can only assume you are reading this because you have decided to try snowboarding. Congratulations, you’re already off on the right foot. As with any activity that involves risk, it is always very important to understand what you are getting in to. Before you rush off to buy your own board, there are a few things you should know.
Style
Determining your style is the single most important aspect of buying a snowboard. If your board isn’t suited to your style, your experience will be less than stellar. There are two primary types of snowboarding that the beginner should consider.
1. All Mountain – This style of snowboarding is for the majority of casual snowboarders. If you just want to ride the mountain and stick to the trails, this is most likely your style. All Mountain boarders can range from casual downhill types to off piste knuckle draggers.
2. Park/Freestyle – Park boarders are the ones you see flying high and riding the rails in the terrain parks. This is not a recommended starting point for beginners. It can be very dangerous and difficult. It’s a popular wintertime activity for summer skateboarders as well.
Length
Once you’ve determined what type of rider you will be, choosing a board length is much easier. Boards are all measured in standard centimeters and typically in the name of the board (a Rome Anthem 154 is 54cm tall). Many shops will tell you exactly what length you should have based on your height. Just about at chin level is a standard size. While this can be an accurate idea, it is usually best to factor in a few other things.
1. What kind of snow will you be on – If you are a Midwest snowboarder, you will never see the feet-deep powder of the west coast, Rockies or north eastern slopes. If you’re riding on man-made snow or very shallow snow you will want a shorter board. A longer one will be very hard to control on shallow snow.
2. How much control do you have – If you are new, and I’m assuming you are, you will not want a board that is too long. The longer the board, the harder it is to control.
3. What is your style – If you are going to be shredding the terrain park, you will want a shorter, quicker board. If you are riding on the mountain, you will want a longer board, which offers more stability.
Width
Another big factor in choosing a board is width. Most standard boards support up to a size 10.5 or 11 foot. Above that, a wide board is generally preferred. With snowboard boots on, the toe and heel should extend
Filed under Recreation And Sports by on Dec 16th, 2010. 
Leave a Comment