Going Boarding

The Big Gig

Looking for a bit of advice here! Have been skiing 3 years in a row and am fairly ok at it... now im thinking of taking up boarding this season so was wondering do you think i might need any new gear. I usually rent the essentials so will rent board and bindings... I like the idea of being able to wear the boots all day so might buy a pair before i go. doing a day course in kilternan too... what else might i need?
Ta

ShayK1

I'd imagine all your ski gear is fine.

Pant, Jackets, goggles/glasses, socks, gloves, base layers. All interchangeable I'm sure.
Crash pants might not be a bad investment as you will be on your ass alot at the beginning.

Overflow

I agree with ShayK1, All your ski clothing will do you fine for snowboarding. The only thing with snowboarding when your a beginner is that you tend to fall on your ass and wrists a lot. While not required It might be a good idea to get some padded crash pants and wrist guards.

The Big Gig

Cheers lads.

DeviantD

Hi,

I was the same as you, skiied 3 times and then went snow boarding this year for the first time. Get the padded crash pants. I had a bad fall on the 3rd day and had to stop boarding for 2 days, this would have been longer only for the pants.
I went skiing for those 2 days as dont fall much when skiing except when i hit a jump and landed on my ass again.:(

Derek

The Big Gig

Ouch... sounds nasty!
thanks for the advice!

RATM

Yet another convert, welcome to the darkside

A pair of skateboarding knee pads can also be handy as falling on your knees constantly can bruise them badly.

The Big Gig

Thanks lads. Really looking forward to it now. I don't mind getting the knocks!

Snowie

Snow boarding is one of them sports that hurts the slower you go.

when you macing your momentum carrys. the only time you hurt your self is when your learning or if you get high sided powder fall which is more or less a rag doll affect but serously its one of those sports.... good look. i never used any protective gear worst thing i got was whip lash and concousin... but then again i made silly misteakes..


serously its easy i recomend a helemt....

ShayK1

faceplanting at high speed sucks!

Overflow

Yep one thing to be aware of is if you fall you either going on your face or your ass. Because of this a lot of beginners tend to play it safe by going down the slopes on their heel edge the whole way, because they feel more in control and its easier to brake, but will kill your calf muscles if you do so, do your best to learn how to carve from the being, as per the instuctors tuition, as in going from toe edge to heel edge of the board, you'll save yourself some serious muscle ache and the thought of giving up.

Printer

Hey,

Nice one, I skied before I ever snowboarded but after 3 days riding I never went back to skiing... that was 8 years ago and now Im a fully certified snowboard isntructor working in Zermatt.

Just want to back up some stuff said here. First things first... GET LESSONS. Try and go with a native English speaker for your lessons if you can. Having the same first language makes quite a difference to the fun side of it which will help you to stick at it. If you can find a snowboard specific school that really helps. For example Alliance, RTM or ES-Ride (the guys I work for)

Give it at least 3 days. Its tough going and hard work and I know myself that after 2 days all I wanted to do was switch back to skiing cos snowboarding was just too hard and frustrating but there is a point when it clicks so stick at it.

Helmets, wristguards, impact shorts are all a good idea if you can get your hands on them.