If you’re heading off on a snow sports holiday to Val d’Isère, Chamonix or any other resort around the world, one of the first things you’ll need to do is make sure you’re geared up. I’ve found a few helpful tips on this handy infographic that will be particularly useful for snowboarders who are deciding what type of board to go for. Read on to find out!
The Basics
Firstly, it’s handy to learn the basics of your board – a snowboard is made up of several layers, starting with a polyethylene base and followed by steel edges, fibreglass, the main core, another layer of fibreglass and finally a top sheet.
Parts of the snowboard have specific names, which are also helpful to learn if you’re looking to become a pro at snow sports someday. The back end of the board is referred to as the tail, and the front end is the nose. The spots that your feet are strapped to are technically called the binding mounts.
Choosing the Right Style for You
For the most part, people choose their boards based on their experience and skill level. If you’re a beginner, it is advised that you use a shorter board as they are much easier to control than the longer ones the experts use. Its height should be somewhere between your chin and your nose, and you should also make sure it can withstand your weight.
Another thing to consider is width. You need to ensure that your snow boots do not hang off the edges when you’re strapped onto the board. If it isn’t wide enough, you’ll end up falling as you turn since your feet will be digging into the snow – not a good look!
The Next Steps
As you advance in the snow sports world, you may want to consider different factors when it comes to snowboard types. Depending on where you practice, you may be better off with a slightly different style.
Intermediates boarding through terrain parks or freestyle slopes will probably perform best with longer snowboards since they are easier to control at higher speeds. They may also opt for more flexibility as this helps them do tricks, go over rough terrain and control sharper turns.
Wherever you’re heading to for your winter sports adventure, make sure you’re in the know when it comes to equipment – choosing the right gear will not only help you perform at your best, but you’re sure to feel utterly fabulous!
