Boots
Like skiing, comfort is key to your enjoyment of the
sport. This means warmth and movement. Your equipment
must fit right. Boots that are too tight and don't fit
well will eventually hurt you and send you off the slopes.
A good thing about snowboarding is that the boots are
typically more comfortable than ski boots, they are more
like a snow/hiking boot.
These boots should hold your foot snugly and keep your
heel in place. As in most boots, you don't want too much
room for your toes, and you don't want your toes up against
the front of the boot. The boots should be lightweight
and waterproof. Some provide an inner tongue that adds
extra padding for your shins.
You also want to make sure the boot doesn't hang over
the side of the board. If you catch your toe or heal,
it'll send you flying. Choose the shortest boot length
without giving up comfort.
Skiwear
Snowboarding is also a good excuse to wear roomy, comfortable
skiwear. Snow bunny skiwear just does not cut it when
you're carving a "big arch" or "catching
air". Most of the "ski bunny" wear just
isn't rugged enough either. The key is layering, using
a tough waterproof and breathable outer layer and thermal
inner layers. A good jacket should have a venting system
to let out the heat when you begin to work up a sweat.
Never wear cotton for an inner layer in skiing and snowboarding.
It absorbs perspiration. Keeping you wet and cold.
Gloves
They make special snowboarding gloves that are tougher
with a thick palm layer that prevents ripping.
Goggles
Eye protection against UV rays is mandatory, and winter
is the worst time having the added reflection off the
snow and the direct sun light. There are days when sunglasses
just aren't enough. Goggles also protect your eyes from
the wind and snow.
Snowboards
Most manufacturers have at least one model of woman's
board. This is a significant increase from last year,
and there will be more next year. Women's boards are usually
shorter, more flexible and have a narrower waist (more
of an hour glass shape). This allows for easier heel to
toe transition. However, some of the more aggressive female
snowboarders are using longer and stiffer boards that
provide more speed and stability.
