| Snowboarding is a great winter sport and in the past | | | | you. |
| few years has attracted many new fans to the | | | | Thirdly, you will have to decide what type of |
| slopes. One common phase that all of these new | | | | snowboarding you will be mainly participating in. |
| converts go through is walking into the pro shop for | | | | Different snowboards are build for different terrains |
| the first time and choosing a snowboard. What are the | | | | and different styles of riding. |
| important features to look for? | | | | Freecarve - This type of riding is equivalent to alpine |
| The first decision you have to make is are you going | | | | sking. The focus is on speed racing and carving turns. |
| to get a cheap board or are you prepared to pay for | | | | Freecarve snow boards tend to be the stiffest. This |
| a more expensive quality board? Many beginners | | | | lets them really bite into the snow and make turns with |
| believe that they will eventually graduate beyond the | | | | ease. |
| novice stage so why should they spend good money | | | | Freestyle - Like to do tricks on you snowboard? |
| on a beginners snowboard. The answer to that is that | | | | Spins? Halfpipes? Then you want more of a freestyle |
| a beginners board will not give you the same | | | | board. These boards tend to be short and very |
| experience as a good quality board. A cheaper board | | | | maneuverable. |
| will be made of cheaper materials and will not be | | | | Freeride - This is the "in-between" board. It's good for a |
| constructed as well. A good decision is to go for the | | | | little bit of speed racing, but not as good as a |
| best quality board you can reasonably afford. A good | | | | freecarve board. It's also good for doing some of the |
| beginners board should not cost you more than about | | | | more common snowboard tricks - but not as good as |
| $500. | | | | a freestyle board. This type of board, also known as |
| Also, keep in mind that there is an after market for | | | | an all-mountain board is one of the most popular |
| used snow boards - and a quality board will fetch | | | | boards sold to beginners. |
| more money and sell faster than a cheap board. | | | | Now we look at some of the more minor decisions. |
| When you are ready to move up to intermediate level | | | | Pick up the board and feel the weight. All things being |
| and want to get a new board, you have a choice. | | | | equal, you'll want the lighter board. It'll be more |
| Either resell your snowboard or pass it down to a | | | | maneuverable. You'll be able to handle it better and it'll |
| younger sibling, relative, or friend. | | | | be lighter to carry. |
| The second decision you will probably make is | | | | What about the length of the board? Manufacturers |
| whether you should get a men's snowboard or a | | | | post suggested heights and weights on the back of |
| woman's snowboard. For men and boys, the decision | | | | their boards. But these are just suggestions. Ultimately |
| is simple - get a men's snowboard. Women, however, | | | | you want the board that feels most natural to you. As |
| have a choice. Many of the better quality women's | | | | a general rule, however, a longer board will give you |
| board were built specifically for women, for their | | | | more stability at high speeds while a shorter board will |
| shape. In addition, many of these snowboards were | | | | let you spin and do tricks easier. |
| designed with input from women pro snowboard | | | | Also, factor in the stiffness of the board. As a |
| riders. But everyone is an individual and you may feel | | | | beginner, you will probably want a soft-flexing board. |
| that the men's boards suit you better. The best way to | | | | One that is forgiving of mistakes. |
| resolve the question is to RENT both a men's | | | | And lastly, don't forget style. Pick the most stylish |
| snowboard and a women's snowboard. Take to the | | | | board you can find and enjoy yourself on the slopes. |
| slopes and go with whatever feels more natural to | | | | |