Equipment Needed To Snowboard

Snowboarding is a popular winter sport that combines elements of surfing, skateboarding, and skiing. It began to gather popularity in the 1960s, and became an official Winter Olympic sport in 1998. Specialized equipment is required to make snowboarding a safe and enjoyable experience, though in each equipment category there are varying levels of quality and complexity that make the sport accessible and competitive for novice and expert snowboarders alike.

Snowboard Decks

The component that puts the "board" in snowboarding is the snowboard deck, an elongated board that is slightly wider at either end than in the middle. While some boards are constructed from sealed hardwood, multiple natural and synthetic building materials are used to make modern snowboard decks. There are also numerous categories of snowboard decks: Freestyle decks are symmetrical boards designed for performing tricks and jumps; freeride decks are versatile styles that perform well on multiple snow surfaces; alpine boards, sometimes called carving or race boards, are primarily designed for high speed and control. Other key factors that can vary among decks are length, width, and flexibility. Snowboarders who are less experienced and less knowledgeable about decks and their attributes can find the most appropriate deck by requesting a snowboard fitting and consultation at a snowboarding supply shop.

Snowboard Bindings

Snowboard bindings are the brackets that secure snowboard boots to the deck. While they are essential for their ability to keep the deck strapped snugly to your feet, they also transmit the often-subtle movements of your body to the deck, making them instrumental in maintaining control. Since bindings are so much more than simple connectors, they are also designed for different riding styles and skill levels, just like snowboard decks. The major categories of bindings include strap bindings, which secure boots with adjustable straps; step-in bindings, which lock onto the soles of boots; flow-in bindings, which are similar to strap bindings but feature a single wide strap; plate bindings, which are rigid bindings often used by racers; and baseless bindings, designed to put the deck in direct contact with boot soles.

Snowboard Boots

Snowboard boots are not your average footwear; they're designed to keep your feet and ankles safe and comfortable while providing the same kind of performance-driven response that is so crucial to bindings. Snowboard boots have two main layers: an interior boot bladder keeps your feet warm while allowing your skin to breathe, and the outer boot keeps out moisture, provides tread, and boasts features that interact with bindings to promote better response. Soft boots are the most common, as they allow all types of snowboarding and are generally comfortable to wear when they're not locked into your bindings. Hard boots are less comfortable and flexible, making them impractical for freestyling or walking around, but they have distinct advantages for alpine racing. Step-in bindings also require specialized step-in boots. Ordinary snow boots are impractical, and in many cases impossible to use with snowboarding gear.

Outerwear

Though decks, bindings, and boots are the most essential gear, you won't have a great time on the mountain without the proper outerwear. This includes jackets, pants, gloves, scarves, and headgear that is warm, comfortable, breathable, and designed for a broad range of movement. Goggles are also important, as snowboarding can kick up loose powder that may temporarily blind you. Helmets and pads are also commonly used to provide additional protection. Outerwear designed specifically for snowboarding is widely available through snowboard supply shops, but in this equipment category, snowboarders have a bit more leeway to use winter gear that is designed for everyday cold weather or other snow sports like skiing.