We all know that the first snowboarding trip to the mountain can be fairly expensive with all the snowboarding equipment you have to buy beforehand. Therefore, choosing the correct equipment the first time is extremely important since we’re not all made of money. Snowboarding equipment is as much about comfort as it is about safety. The mountain can provide you with all kinds of dangerous conditions – cold weather, trees and branches, cliffs, other snowboarders, and even the wilderness. Although this isn’t a complete list of snowboarding equipment, I’ve compiled a list of some of the more important items to buy before your first snowboarding excursion.
Snowboard: Unless you plan on renting, the most obvious piece of equipment a snowboarder needs is a snowboard. Snowboards come in many different styles, so it’s not as easy as choosing one that you think looks nice. Think of the snowboard as an extension of your body. You have to be completely comfortable with your snowboard to get the most out of it. The more uncomfortable a snowboard feels underneath your feet, the harder it will be to snowboard, and more importantly you run the greater risk of getting hurt.
Bindings: Just like the snowboard, the bindings are necessary to snowboarding. Without your bindings, your boots would have nothing strapping them down to the board. Make sure your bindings are durable. The old adage holds true here – spending a little more the first time will save you money in the long run. The last thing you want is to end up on top of the mountain with a broken binding and having to make the entire trip down the mountain walking.
Boots: A good pair of comfortable boots can go a long way to keeping you out on the mountain longer. When choosing a boot, make sure to check that it is waterproof, light in weight, ventilated, and durable. Also, make sure your boots fit your bindings.
Socks: Although greatly underestimated, a good pair of socks is crucial. Your toes are one of the first points on your body where frost bite can set in, so buying a warm pair of socks is very important. Synthetic socks are your best bet, but wool socks can be a cheaper alternative.
Goggles: Goggles will protect your eyes from a variety of hazardous conditions. On a windy day, your eyes can dry out and make it hard to see. Snow could fall into your eyes and hamper your vision. And most dangerously, your eye could get poked by a tree branch and do irrepairable damage. Don’t underestimate the importance of eye protection.
Coat/Pants: Although snowboard equipment such as your coat and pants have become a lot more about fashion over the years, make sure you choose gear that is functional before fashionable.
Hat/Gloves: Just like the coat and pants, when purchasing these, go for function. Everybody has their own preference when it comes to hats and gloves, but there is no need to take out a second loan for these. Choose what feels most comfortable.
Avalance Transponder: When snowboarding on a mountain that risks avalanches, an avalanche transponder can be a lifesaver. This device will alert the rescue squad of your location in case of an avalanche and begin the search. Hopefully you’ll never have to use it, but it’s nice to know you have it in case of emergency.