How to Build Your Own Snowboard Package

Snowboarding has grown in popularity since it became an Olympic sport.

Building a snowboard package entails choosing boots, bindings and a snowboard. These three key elements are chosen based upon your weight, ability level and comfort under the direction of a trained snowboard technician. Trained technicians will measure your height and shoe size, then guide you to products that fit your snowboarding goals. Beginner, intermediate and advanced snowboarders have different needs and should choose a snowboard package that is realistic and custom fit for them. In addition to building a snowboard package, choose gear that is climate specific.

Things You'll Need

• Snowboard Boots
• Snowboard Bindings
• Snowboard

Instructions

1. 

   Never use hiking, rain or work boots in place of snowboard boots.

   Measure your feet for snowboard boots. Boots come in soft- or hard-shell styles, and beginners should start with soft boots as they allow for ease of getting up after falls and with balancing. Snowboard boots have evolved into high-tech riding elements, given the materials used, but the key criteria remain the same. Snowboard boots must fit comfortably and be sized correctly. A trained snowboard technician will measure your feet for proper sizing, and walking around with the boots on is recommended for 10 to 15 minutes. Walking in the boots during the purchasing process will ensure the boots feel right while also giving the foam material time to compress through flexing your feet. Snowboard boots work with either strap-in or snap-on snowboard bindings and should be picked according to which binding system you prefer to use.

2. 

   Strap-on bindings are adjusted before each snowboard run for safety.

   Practice using bindings in the store before the using them on the mountain. Bindings are attached to your snowboard, and boots are fitted into the bindings through one of two methods: strap-in or snap-on. Strap-in bindings are adjusted for a tight fit once the snowboard boots are placed within the shell of the binding. Learning to use the bindings when purchasing is crucial, as you will have to adjust them before each snowboard run. A trained snowboard technician will show you how to adjust the bindings correctly and size you for the right set based upon your boot size. Highbacks are also part of the binding system, as they provide support to the heel and calf areas on the base of the binding. Highbacks vary based upon riding ability. Snap-on bindings click into place once the boot makes contact with the binding. Boots that are snap-on binding-specific must be chosen, and normally a snap-on binding and boot system is more expensive than the strap-in options.

3. 

   Choosing the wrong snowboard could be disasterous. Be realistic with your options.

   Determine your riding style before purchasing a snowboard. Beginner snowboarders should start with an all-purpose board that meets certain criteria. Weight, ability and the terrain play a factor in choosing the right snowboard. More experienced riders may choose from freestyle or alpine, which offer much faster speeds and trick maneuverability. Each board is shaped differently and has varying levels of flex, so ask a trained snowboard technician which board is right for you. At many snowboarding resorts, there are rental areas that allow you to try out a board before purchase. If you have no experience, consider this option to get a feel for the sport. Snowboards are gender specific, and children's models are also available for young riders. Snowboard graphics may be intricate or minimal and are mistakenly often a reason for purchasing. Choose a board that fits your ability as opposed to a board that fits your style sense if you are just beginning.

4. 

   A helmet may be worn during snowboarding to protect from injuries.

   Choose accessories based on climate. According to Kids Health, "since snowboarding takes place at high altitudes in the winter, the weather can range from sunny and bright to bitterly cold, with conditions changing rapidly from one slope to the next and from one hour to the next." Choose clothing, goggles and gloves based upon the climate where you will be snowboarding. Goggles should fit snuggly on your face, which helps prevent fogging while snowboarding. Clothing should be water resistant, and waterproof if possible. Layer according to the temperature, and remove layers if you begin to feel hot. Gloves should have treading on the finger areas and fit securely around the wrists.

References

• Family Doctor: Tips for Snowboarders
• Snowboarding: How to Buy Snowboard Boots
• Kids Health: Snowboarding: Safety Tips

Resources

• Snowboarder Magazine: 2010 Snowboarding Gear Guide