As the sport of snowboarding has continued to gain prominence over the years, top female boarders have pushed themselves to master the difficult maneuvers and techniques of their fellow male riders. As of 2011, women's snowboarding events are showcased in televised contests including the Winter X-Games and the Winter Olympics.
Riding Disciplines
In the early days of the sport, snowboarding consisted of only one riding discipline known as backcountry. As the sport continued to evolve, snowboarding pioneers developed new and innovative riding styles. Women participate in a variety of snowboarding events, including slope style and the parallel slalom. According to USA Today, a prominent discipline of riding for females involves snowboarding on a 22-foot halfpipe ramp. The U.S women's snowboarding team took home two gold medals at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Snowboards
While certain female snowboarders prefer to ride compact versions of the male model snowboard, others opt for female-specific snowboards. Most companies offer specialized snowboards that correspond with the petite dimensions of the female body. According to the Transworld Snowboarding 2011 Gear Guide, snowboards designed for girls often range in length between 145 and 150 cm. Compared to men's boards, girls' boards often have a narrower waist width to accommodate the smaller size of the female foot.
Gear
Snowboarding companies offer stylish pants and jackets specifically designed for female riders. As opposed to men's outerwear, female snowboarding gear is often made with vibrant fabrics that feature feminine graphics. According to the Shred-O-Pedia boot buying guide, women's snowboarding boots have a lower cuff than men's models for increased comfort. This specialized design helps to support the unique placement of the female calf muscle. Women's snowboard goggles are often equipped with a rose-colored tint for increased visibility in low-light conditions.
Safety Equipment
Most female snowboarders wear safety equipment to prevent serious injuries on the slopes or in the terrain park. Many companies offer snowboarding helmets designed with female riders in mind. According to "Snowboard" magazine, top-quality female helmets feature a built-in ventilation system as well as removable ear pads. Female helmets are often equipped with a hard outer shell made from polycarbonate. Certain female helmets are outfitted with a ponytail holder built in to the base of the outer shell.
Member Comments