Snowboarding for beginners – Are you ready to hit the slopes but don’t know where to start? You have come to the right place! With 25 years of snowboarding experience, we are here to help you kickstart your journey with everything you need to know regarding snowboarding gear for beginners.
Buying snowboard gear can seem overwhelming, but with the proper guidance, you’ll be outfitted with the right gear to hit the slopes in no time!
This comprehensive snowboarding for beginners guide will walk you through everything from choosing the right personal gear to picking out the best snowboard, boots, and bindings for your ability.
Once you discover the gear you need, we will cover safety and etiquette so you know the basics before hitting the slopes.
We’ve got you covered, lets dive in.
Snowboarding For Beginners 101
Before stepping out on the slopes for the first time, you must familiarize yourself with two critical things.
- Proper Snowboard Gear
- Safety Knowlege and Etiquette
What Snowboard Gear Do I Need?
When starting, having the right gear for the sport is crucial; simply showing up in jeans and a sweatshirt will not cut it.
Your first few days of learning will be spent falling and having a lot of contact with the snow. Many new riders underestimate this and freeze after just a few hours, giving up and heading inside the lodge.
Proper snowboarding gear is essential to maximize your time on the slopes by keeping you warm and dry. You won’t need to spend a fortune on beginner gear. There are lots of inexpensive snowboard gear options on Amazon that get the job done and get you out there having a great time.
Listed below are mandatory snowboarding for beginners essentials, these items will ensure a successful and enjoyable day snowboarding.
Snowboarding for Beginners Basic Essentials
- Waterproof Jacket
- Snow Bibs or Snow Pants
- Thermals
- Gloves or Mittens
- Goggles
- Helmet
- Snowboard Socks
- Face Buff
Optional Essentials (Highly Recommended)
- Wrist Guards
- Crash Padded Shorts
- Hydration Backpack
- Hand Warmers
Please visit our budget friendly beginner’s gear-buying guide if you need specific gear recommendations for the above mentioned basics.
Basic Gear Tips
We do not recommend buying used bibs or pants because beginners spend most of their time sitting and falling on their bum. Most used gear is just that, USED. The waterproofing on bibs and pants fades over time. Many used pants that appear in good condition may leave you soaking wet. Being cold and wet sucks…
Wearing a helmet is important, you will fall many times while learning. Nowadays, almost everyone wears a helmet; those who don’t tend to stand out.
The #1 snowboard injury when learning to snowboard is wrist injury, wrist guards protect against sprains and broken wrists.
Another critical item we highly recommend is crash-padded shorts. While not mandatory, these will save your tailbone and tush from severe impacts.
With the proper head, wrist and bum protection, you’ll be able to handle a fall and feel ready to try again.
Perfect. You are ready to hit the slopes with the right personal gear. But wait—you need a snowboard, bindings, and boots!
Should I Rent Or Buy A Snowboard, Bindings & Boots?
Renting Snowboard Gear
We highly recommend renting a snowboard, bindings, and boots when starting out. Renting this gear will save you the initial investment of purchasing a complete setup.
We recommend renting gear the day before you hit the slopes to get sized and fit with everything you need. Waiting until the day of for renting gear can waste as much as 1-2 hours of valuable snowboarding time. With the cost of lift tickets so high these days, it’s important that you maximize every hour on the slopes.
While renting snowboard gear on the mountain is convenient, it is typically more expensive, busier and more time-consuming than renting from off-site rental shops.
Local snowboard shops provide a great range of gear rentals tailored for snowboarding for beginners.
Renting gear for multiple days allows you to keep your gear with you for the entirety of your trip, creating a hassle-free experience.
We highly recommend taking a lesson on your first time out. Instruction on the basic techniques, such as stopping and turning, is valuable information that will help you make the most of your day.
Most lessons offer an option for renting gear or may include rentals in the cost. Before renting snowboard gear, make sure to check what your lessons include.
If you are in the market for a kids snowboard, many rental shops offer full season rentals for kids. This is a cost effective way to get your kids into used gear each year without breaking the bank.
How To Choose The Right Snowboard
Purchasing Snowboard Gear
If you decide to purchase a snowboard, you must buy the right size and profile designed for beginners. Buying a used snowboard off Offer Up or FB marketplace is a bad idea unless you know precisely what to look for.
Choosing the right size snowboard is critical. Height and weight are essential when deciding which board is suitable for you. General guidelines are shown in the chart below.
For Example: At 5’6, 130 pounds, I ride a 148-149 size snowboard.
At 6’3, 185 pounds my partner rides a 159W-161W (W stands for Wide).
The smaller the snowboard, the slower it will be and the easier it will be to turn. Shorter snowboards will feel more playful and be easier to spin and do tricks.
The bigger the snowboard, the faster and more stable it will be. If you are on the heavier side, it’s best to go with a slightly bigger size snowboard.
When deciding what size is best, we recommend visiting a local snowboard shop and speaking with a knowledgeable professional.
What does Camber vs Rocker Mean?
Not all snowboards are the same, and many new riders make the mistake of purchasing the wrong one. Understanding the profile or “shape” that fits your needs is essential.
Selecting the right snowboard is crucial for snowboarding for beginners as it enhances the overall experience on the mountain.
There are four main snowboard profiles:
- Camber
- Flat
- Rocker
- Hybrid (Variation of Camber & Rocker)
Beginners should start with a Rocker profile. These boards are easier to ride, more flexible, and less aggressive (less likely to catch an edge). As you can see from the diagram above, a Rocker profile has less contact with the snow on the tip and the tail, making it easier to turn the board without catching an edge.
Advanced riders usually prefer a Camber or Hybrid profile with a stiffer flex for aggressive, responsive riding.
If you put a beginner on a true Camber snowboard, they will most likely catch their edges and have a terrible time. Similarly, if you put an advanced rider on a Rocker snowboard, it will feel extremely loose and unstable at high speeds.
Compare snowboarding to driving; you wouldn’t start learning to drive in a Ferrari, so don’t put yourself on an high performance snowboard when learning to ride.
Start with the right board for the job and you will progress faster and have an enjoyable time.
Beginner snowboards we recommend: Womens Burton Stylus, Womens Never Summer Infinity, Mens Lib Tech Skate Banana, Mens Jones Frontier.
How to Choose The Right Snowboard Bindings
Snowboard bindings come in a variety of color options, flex ratings and compatibility systems. Personal preference plays a big part in choosing the correct binding.
A general rule, is to use soft to medium-flexing bindings for beginners and medium to stiffer bindings for experts.
The #1 thing to determine when purchasing bindings for a board is Compatibility. You must make sure that your binding system matches the mounting system on your snowboard.
There are two binding mounting systems:
- Traditional 4×4
- Channel
Most snowboards are equipped with a traditional 4×4 mounting system. However, brands such as Burton have their own mounting system called the channel system.
*If you purchase Burton bindings for use on a non-Burton snowboard, you must purchase the Re:Flex version of the bindings. The Burton Re:Flex offers universal compatibility with use on the traditional 4×4 mounting system.
Burton EST bindings are made to fit channel system Burton snowboards only.
Quality bindings should provide comfort and easily fit with your boots. Top binding brands include Union, Flux, and Burton, among others.
Most bindings are offered in Small, Medium or Large. Make sure you check the bindings sizing chart to select the right size.
There are two main styles of bindings on the market:
- Traditional
- StepOn
We recommend traditional bindings for many reasons including: significantly more boot options, more board control and adjustability. However, if you choose to purchase StepOn bindings, just make sure you purchase the compatible boots to go with them.
If you purchase used bindings, ensure they are no more than a few years old. The plastics break down over time, and parts will snap in half, even on top-of-the-line products after a few hard years.
We see used bindings that are 10-20 years old on marketplaces all the time! Compare the style of the used bindings to the style of the new models; if they look distinctively different, they are probably ancient.
These selections are entry level, high quality bindings with a soft- medium flex rating that are perfect for beginners:
Womens Burton Citizen Re:Flex, Mens Burton Mission Re:Flex, Womens Union Rosa, Mens Union STR.
How To Choose The Right Snowboard Boots
When it comes to snowboard boots, comfort is key. The more comfortable the boots, the better your time will be.
All boot manufacturers have slightly different variations that accommodate various types of feet. Some are better for narrow feet, and others for wider feet.
The only way to know what boots fit your feet best is to try them on. Beginners should opt for a softer boot, while advanced riders should opt for a stiffer boot.
We love Burton boots because we have narrow feet, and Burton’s heel hold is exceptional. Thirty-two snowboard boots with a wider toe box may be a good option for people with wide feet.
Brands vary in sizing, so it is best to be fitted for boots at a boot shop to determine which size is best.
Boots will pack out quickly and become looser the more you wear them, so it is essential to purchase a boot that feels very snug. Unlike athletic shoes, your big toes should be gently touching the end of the toe box when selecting a snowboard boot.
If you buy something that feels comfortable out of the box, it will likely end up packing out and being too big after a few shred sessions.
We prefer to ride snug boots for aggressive control. We opt for sizing a 1/2 size down off our regular shoe size.
If you purchase used boots, just know they have already been packed out and are unlikely to loosen up.
Beginner Boots we recommend:
Regular/Narrow Feet: Womens Burton Mint, Mens Burton Moto.
Wide Feet: Womens Thirtytwo Shifty, Mens ThirtyTwo Shifty.
Now you are all set! You have all the proper snowboard gear and you’re ready to send it! But what are the important things you need to know before stepping out onto the snow?
In the next section, we discuss the snowboarders code of conduct, basic safety knowledge and etiquette you need to know.
Snowboarding For Beginners – Safety and Etiquette
When new to any sport, it’s important to understand the rules, safety, and etiquette that pertain to it.
When arriving at the mountain resort, be sure to study the trail map. Make sure you understand the layout and color marking system for the trails on the mountain.
The standard trail marking system in the US is: Green (Beginner), Blue (Intermediate), Black (Advanced/Expert), and Double Black (Extreme).
Find the beginner’s area and stay on the green trails or in the designated beginner’s zone.
Loading & Unloading The Chairlift
Snowboarding for beginners who are riding the chairlift for the first time can be very intimidating.
Before getting on a chairlift, ensure it has trail options for your ability.
Pay attention to how many people can fit on the chairlift.
Communication is key when loading a chairlift.
Group up in the lift line with fellow riders, ask how many are in their group and if you can join them to load the lift.
Once on the lift, if you desire to pull the safety bar down, announce “Bar Down” as a courtesy before doing so.
When exiting the lift, get ready to exit 10 feet before the unloading dock with your snowboard directionally facing the unloading zone.
Upon exit, stand up on your snowboard with your knees bent, your body-centered and your back foot firmly pressed against the side of the back binding. Relax and let the board glide you down the ramp until it slows and comes to a stop. Do not force your body forward or backward, as this will cause you to fall.
If you fall while getting off the lift, get up as quickly as possible and move out of the way.
Basic Snowboarding Etiquette
When strapping into your bindings at the top of the run, move to the sides of the path so that other skiers and riders can pass.
When attempting to snowboard down the run, make sure you follow the mountain’s code or rules.
The downhill skier/snowboarder always has the right of way.
It is the uphill skier/snowboarder’s responsibility to avoid contact with all downhill skiers/snowboarders. In other words, you are responsible for preventing hitting any skiers/snowboarders in front of you.
Do not stop, sit, or congregate in the middle of the run. These actions can safely be done on the sides of the trails.
Keeping a 15-foot distance between yourself and the next skier/snowboarder is a standard rule.
When passing someone down the hill, it is standard etiquette to announce yourself: “On your right” or “On your left.”
Obey all posted signs.
In an emergency, call ski patrol or send someone to get ski patrol.
Understanding safety and etiquette is crucial in snowboarding for beginners, as it helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on the slopes.
Snowboarding For Beginners – Conclusion
Snowboarding for beginners can be challenging, but with the right gear and knowledge, you will be set up for success!
Start with the proper personal gear basics for a warm and comfortable day. Our beginner’s gear-buying guide has a complete list of budget-friendly basics.
After obtaining the right personal gear, it’s time to decide whether to rent or buy a snowboard, bindings, and boots.
Snowboards can be easily rented at a local snowboard shop. We highly recommend renting gear the day before you hit the slopes to get sized and fitted with everything you need.
When purchasing a snowboard, selecting the correct board is critical, as it enhances the overall experience on the mountain. Not all snowboards are the same, and many new riders make the mistake of purchasing the wrong one.
Understanding the size and profile or “shape” that fits your needs is essential. Check the size chart to determine your correct size and purchase a rocker profile snowboard designed for beginners.
Upon choosing the right bindings for your new snowboard, check the snowboards compatibility with the bindings. Standard snowboards are equipped with a traditional 4×4 mounting system, while some brands, such as Burton, use a channel mounting system. Whatever bindings you choose, make sure the snowboard and bindings systems match.
When purchasing boots, a softer boot is a good choice for beginners. It allows more flexibility and makes the ride more comfortable. Make sure to buy snug fitting boots, as they will pack out and become looser the more you wear them.
After gearing up with everything you need, it’s important to understand the safety rules and etiquette on the mountain. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the standard rules in this article before making your way onto the slopes.
Snowboarding for beginners can take a lot of effort and energy to get started, but believe us, it’s worth it! Once you have mastered the basics, snowboarding evolves into an incredible experience, an addiction that will keep you coming back to the slopes for life.
This comprehensive snowboarding for beginners guide helps you understand everything you need to know. We love sharing our gear knowledge with fellow winter enthusiasts and we hope to see you in the mountains this winter!
Happy Shredding 😉
