Snowboard and Ski Gear

Snowboarding And Skiing Equipment News and Reviews

Archive for May, 2009

Learn to Snowboard in a Weekend

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snowboard tricks
Justin Lake asked:


Is it really that hard to learn to snowboard? Is snowboarding really that hard on your body? The answer: yes and no. For the beginning boarder, sore muscles can be an issue and you might spend more time face down in the snow than on your board. Don’t let that keep you off the slopes!

There are a few things you can do to make your snowboarding experience easier and more satisfying. First of all bring plenty of ibuprofen or naproxen sodium with you to prevent the aches and pains from keeping you off the slope on day two. Second, don’t overlook the importance of a good pre-boarding stretch!

Pay attention to you clothes. It’s much more important to dress for warmth, water resistance and movement than it is to look cool. Your muscles will thank you, and your snowboarding will improve much more quickly with the right clothes for the slopes.

Make sure you are using the right equipment for your size and boarding style. If you don’t know how to size your board, set your bindings and size your boots, ask a pro. It’s worth it for the added control that the right sized snowboard will give you.

The first trick that you need to learn is standing and balancing upright on your snowboard. It doesn’t sound like much of a trick, but it is. Balance is key when learning to snowboard and is very important if you plan on enjoying your day on the slopes. Another very important element that may be often overlooked is getting the right board for your boarding style and so is getting fitted for the right snowboard.It will make a huge difference in your performance and feel if you take the time to get fitted for the right board.

One of the hardest techniques to master is treating snowboarding like a dance. Just like in dancing, you want your eyes on where you’re headed and not on your feet. Staring down at your feet makes you more likely to hit something and get hurt. Looking where you’re going is the best way to stay safe and keep good balance on your board.

The most important thing you can learn so that you avoid broken bones and twisted joints is how to fall down. Figuring out how to hit the snow is key to your safety. It can mean the difference between a hospital visit and getting back up and snowboarding some more.

Another great tip for you when you are out boarding is to always pack a small bottle of water. You can never underestimate the importance of being hydrated, even in winter when you don’t expect to sweat too much.

Practice patience and courtesy on the slopes. Being aware of other snowboarders and skiers will keep both you and them safe. Patience and courtesy will not only keep you safe, it will make your whole experience more pleasant.



Ski Fitness Training

Written by Snowboard And Ski Guy

May 10th, 2009 at 3:49 pm

Which Snowboard

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snowboard tricks
John Rodgers asked:


When buying snowboarding equipment the first item on most minds is the snowboard. So what are the basic ‘need to knows’ of the snowboard types?

Types of Snowboard:

There are three types of snowboard to consider: Freestyle, Freeride(all mountain) and Alpine (carving boards).

Freestyle Snowboards

These are wide, stable snowboards that are forgiving to ride. They are very responsive which makes them good equipment used for snowboarding for novices. The snowboard characteristics make them good for pulling tricks but less responsive in high speed carving due to flexibility and edge grip. They are often twin tipped and multi directional making them good for tricks and half pipes but ideal for beginners.

Freeride(all mountain)Snowboards

Generally the most popular snowboard on the slopes. Good for all mountain use, park or half pipe. Freeride snowboards tend to float reasonably well on powder, can carve and can be used to catch air, this make them popular boards. Freeride snowboards tend to be directional, meaning one end (the tip) is wider than the tail. They tend to be soft and manouveurable for beginners but offer enough stiffness for fast carves in harder snow, these boards offer a mix of characteristics between freestyle and alpine snowboards.

Alpine Snowboards

definitely not for the novice, these snowboards are stiff, narrow, long and built for speed. Built for speed carving and stability at speed with good edge holding powers they tend to be either symmetrical or asymmetrical but always built for one way travel.

Length and Width of Snowboard

Once you have chosen the type of snowboard that best suits your level of competence and ride style there are then several other factors to be considered in your choice of snowboard before buying.

Your height and foot size play an important part in your choice of snowboard.

The length of snowboard that will suit will be down to the riders height and ridestyle. Snowboards are usually 100cms to 180cms long.

A freestyle snowboard should stand tall enough to reach between the riders shoulders and chin when stood on end.

A freeride snowboard should reach between chin and eyebrows.

An alpine or carving snowboard should stand tall enough to reach a point between the forehead and a few inches above the head.

Foot size is important for determining the width of the snowboard. If your feet overhang the board there is a danger of catching an edge and tumbling. If your feet are too small then it is difficult to apply pressure to the edges to initiate turns. If you are an advanced rider using a carving board with big feet it may be necessary to alter your stance to avoid overhanging the edges.

Of course before you buy equipment used for snowboarding you should rent a few snowboards first to see what style, brand best suit you.



Best Online Snowboard Coaching!

Written by Snowboard And Ski Guy

May 8th, 2009 at 2:30 am

Wear Snowboards Goggles and Other Equipment for your Safety

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snowboard tricks
Amelie Mag asked:


Alternative sports like snowboarding or skateboarding have been growing in popularity of late. As a consequence, more and more products are available from manufacturers of equipment such as snowboards goggles or skateboards clothes. Snowboarding protective gear can be purchased from an online snowboarding shop, offering various types of brands and designs for those interested, including accessories like snowboards goggles. Outfits for skateboarders are also available, with a wide range of skateboards clothes to choose from. Protective gear is essential when practicing these sports, due to their dangerous nature, and this is why such devices are becoming more and more popular among those who enjoy them.

Snowboarding protective gear is very important, as it can prevent the snowboarder from getting injured. Among the devices meant to offer protection, such as helmets, pads, or other guards, snowboards goggles are an essential piece of equipment. The role of snowboards goggles is to protect your eyes from the bright sunlight reflected by the snow. Snowboards goggles are also extremely useful when it comes to protecting the eyes against the cold wind or against snow. Anyone who is interested in protective devices for snowboarding can find them at an online snowboarding shop, which also sells equipment for skateboarding.

No snowboarder should underestimate the importance of wearing snowboarding protective gear, including snowboards goggles. On bright days, and at high altitudes, the snow reflects the strong sunlight and anyone who is snowboarding can get snow blindness. The effect of the reflecting snow can damage your sight greatly, so make sure you’re wearing snowboards goggles whenever you practice your favorite sport. Such eyewear, which is available to purchase from an online snowboarding shop, is also helpful when it comes to preventing wind or snow getting into eyes and temporarily affecting your vision. In this way, snowboards goggles will protect you from all types of injuries you risk when you’re high up on the mountain slopes.

Wearing the right outfit is essential, whether you prefer snowboarding or skateboarding. While snowboarding protective gear like snowboards goggles and helmets are indispensable for your safety, so are skateboards clothes for those who are keen on this sport. While skateboards clothes may seem much like a matter of fashion, they are actually much more important. You may want to go only for skateboards clothes you like as far as design is concerned. However, you should bear in mind that your outfit must help you practice your favorite sport, and not impede you or put you at serious risk of injury.

You can shop for your skateboarding outfit at an online snowboarding shop, which offers apparel for all types of alternative sports. When you choose the items of your outfit, you should bear in mind that skateboards clothes must be first and foremost comfortable, so that you have a lot of freedom of movement to perform your tricks. Your skateboards clothes should be loose, because tight ones might feel uncomfortable and put unnecessary strain on your muscles and joints. At the same time, your skateboards clothes mustn’t be too loose, so that you don’t risk them getting caught on various things.

Choosing the most suitable skateboards clothes is easy if you start browsing the catalog of an online snowboarding shop. Apart from snowboarding protective gear, which includes padding, helmets and snowboards goggles, such a shop will have a special section for skateboards clothes. The items available include casual shirts, T-shirts and shorts, which come in a variety of models and designs. You can easily decide which brand best fits your taste, and also find other useful items of equipment for skateboarding, such as decks, shoes, helmets or pads. Doing your shopping in one place means you will be able to get a matching outfit, in the colors and designs you prefer.

It’s very important that you find the right equipment to wear while practicing your favorite sport, be it snowboarding or skateboarding. By visiting an online snowboarding shop, which provides both skateboards clothes and snowboarding protective gear like pads, helmets or snowboards goggles, you will be able to browse through various brands and models and make up your mind as to what suits you best. When choosing your outfit, there are two things you should bear in mind. The first one is your own safety: go for the devices that you are sure will offer you the best protection. The second one is style: try to shape your image as a snowboarder or skateboarder through the outfit you choose to wear.



Ski Fitness Training

Written by Snowboard And Ski Guy

May 6th, 2009 at 6:07 pm