Winters are not exactly the perfect time to be frolicking around Snowboarding. Yet, there is undeniably something magical about it. To wait for the first snow of the year is akin to tradition. Hence, it is not shocking to see winter tourism thriving.
But the best part of it all is getting to use the snowboard again. Snowboarding is something that can be appreciated once a year, unlike surfing and other such activities. If the roads are good, one can chuck the beach and hit those skateboards too.
There is no age to enjoy snowboarding. Sifting through channels of information can be tedious. So here are the basics of snowboarding for beginners!
Size matters
Snowboarding does not go by the “one size fits all” formula. There is a size for everything. This can vary depending on the height, weight or skill of the person and the type of land they choose to play around.
Length
Boards can be till the chest or the eyes in terms of length. Beginners are often advised to stick to shorter boards for ease of control. For people on the heavier side of the weight spectrum, longer boards are better.
Width
Depending on the boots used, width is determined. The boot should stick out but not plunge into the snow while snowboarding. This is to manoeuvre the board. Boots are designed in tandem to their purpose. Smaller boards work well with boots that have a simple layer of outsoles. But for a larger board, ramp angles give space to larger boots. There are size charts on length and width available on any forum to clear up confusion.
TYPES OF BOARDS
Snowboards are ultimately designed in accordance with the kinds of terrains. The person’s interest is integral in finding out what type of terrain they prefer and ultimately the board that would bode their style.
Mountain snowboards
A perfect choice for starters, these boards can adapt to any given terrain.
Freestyle snowboards
This board comes with a few tricks to play around with. It takes it a notch higher than the basic mountain boards. These days it is also common to find a freestyle mountain board that combines the qualities of freestyle and mountain boards.
Freeride snowboards
Not to be confused with freestyle boarding, freeriding involves branching out to wider terrains and constantly improvising. It can only be explained in comparison to freestyle. The latter is all about having the skill to dare onto newer platforms. The former, on the other hand, needs only the confidence to venture and get the metabolism going.
Powder snowboards
A scary territory for the average snowboarder, powder boarding requires some expertise. If the ability is deep-set, powder boards, especially directional powder snowboarding, elevates the experience into something unique. Anybody who has mastered snowboarding ought to try the powder. The runs achieved are smoother. Expensive options amongst boards make for a great investment if one is a regular in this activity.
TIPS FOR MAINTENANCE
Maintenance of boards between seasons and sessions is no joke. To have a steady ride with no injuries, it is important to keep the board waxed to prevent moisture. Hanging it on a sturdy wall instead of keeping it on the ground is important. Sharpen the board regularly.