Equipment

The bare minimum for snowboarding is the snowboard, the bindings and the boots. However, there is more essential gear that will make it more comfortable, and offer protection during snowboarding. I’ll go through what I highly recommend.

Board and Size

Any board you pick should match your level. There are beginner friendly boards that you can rent or buy. I would highly recommend renting for the first few outing of snowboarding if you have never done it previously. That way if you wish to commit or switch to skiing or a different hobby don’t wont have the burden to sell your gear. Once you feel that you want to progress or continue snowboarding, long term it is worth it to own your own gear. It is cheaper in the long run.

The snowboard size generally depends on your weight, height and then your boot size. Most snowboard manufacturers have sizing charts based on their models. For example, I’m 6’0 feet and weight 170lbs. If I were to ride a Burton Custom X, I would pick 158-160cm snowboard as the preferred size.

Bindings

Bindings come in different sizes, so first, make sure you get the right size bindings for your foot. There are some micro-adjustments within sizes to make the binding fit tighter or more loosely. Using a wrench, you can remove the bolts at the base of the ankle straps, move the strap inward or outward, and replace the bolts.

Binding base plates feature discs or bolts that attach to a snowboard’s binding interface. Bindings often come with multiple base plates, making them compatible with most snowboards.

Most boards feature bolt mounting patterns that are 2×4 or 4×4. Some Burton boards have a diamond-shaped, “3D” bolt pattern found only on its boards. Burton also has a line of boards featuring The Channel system which works with Burton EST bindings. Some bindings from other manufacturers can be adapted to work with the Channel System by purchasing compatible discs.

Tools for Mounting Bindings

For most boards you need only a #3 Phillips screwdriver to mount the bindings and a wrench to fit the bindings to your boots. For quick adjustments on the mountain, you can use a multi-tool. They’re compact and come with other handy tools like Allen keys, flathead screwdrivers and wrenches.

Shop REI’s selection of snowboard tools.

Determine Your Lead Foot

To find out which foot will be at the front of your board, stand still on the ground and then let yourself fall forward or have someone push you (nicely!). The foot you use to catch yourself is considered your lead foot. If your left foot goes forward, your stance is “regular.” If your right foot goes forward, your stance is “goofy.”

Find Your Left and Right Binding

You can tell the difference between your left and right bindings by the direction of the curve, just like with a shoe. You can also look at the straps on the bindings: the straps start on the inside and buckle on the outside of your feet.

Establish Your Stance Width and Offset

Stance width: Most boards have markings on them that indicate the center-mount screw holes for each binding. It’s a good idea to start with a center mount and see how it rides.

Boots

Additional Gear

Other gear I think should be essential to anyone snowboarding is waterproof jacket and pants, helmet and goggles. The waterproof jacket and pants are what would make you comfortable and dry during your time on the mountain. Apart from comfort, it would prevent yourself from getting a cold or worse, hypothermia because without them, the snow will melt and the water will be absorbed into non-waterproof clothing. No one wants to be stuck in wet clothes in a cold environment all day.

Snowboard Lessons

Whether or not you have a snowboard holiday booked it’s probably best to get lessons at your local snowboard center.

You can have private lesson on a one-to-one basis or group lessons. Private lessons are a lot more expensive but you get the full attention of the instructor with the aim of progressing quicker. For your first taster lesson, a group session should be fine as you will be learning very basic movements and simply getting used to the sensation of being on a snowboard.

Once at the center, you’ll collect your equipment and be led to the slope. Here you will learn to put your snowboard on, move up slope, heel and toe edge slide (sliding down the hill facing forwards and backwards, falling leaf technique and maybe how to use the button lift.

Lessons at resorts tend to be split into morning and afternoon sessions with the option to receive lessons in the morning then practice by yourself in the afternoon, or you can opt to have a full day of lessons. As well as teaching you to snowboard instructors are a wealth of knowledge (often having grown up at the resort they work for) about the pistes, restaurants, bars and much more.

Exercises That Prepare Snowboarding

Before you start any snowboard lessons a general level of fitness and strength will help you develop your technique. The major muscle areas that you use while snowboarding are thighs and core, with some balance helping out.

Doing a few squats or wall sits along with some sit-ups and planks is going to give you a solid base to work from. To improve your balance, you can stand a cushion with one leg for a minute (if that is too easy try it with your eyes closed).

Like all sports it’s important to add in a warm up and cool down into any practice session. Some dynamic stretches and a couple of star jumps, squats and press ups should have your body and muscles loose and ready to go. After the session, stretch out all the main muscle groups; this should reduce any aches and stiffness the following day.

Personal Advice

Frequently Asked Questions – New to Snowboarding