Winter is officially here, and while that might be a drag for some, you can make the best of it by participating in winter activities such as snowboarding. Snowboarding might seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but while there’s a learning curve, it’s a fun way to spend a day with loved ones.
You don’t need to spend too much money on equipment if you’re a beginner, but there are a handful of things you should consider having before hitting the slopes.
In this article: Burton Men’s Covert Snowboard Jacket, Oakley Flight Deck Ski Goggles and Retrospec Comstock Ski and Snowboard Helmet.
A snowboard jacket is necessary for staying warm and dry while snowboarding. You’ll likely come into contact with a lot of snow, and if you’re not wearing a proper coat, moisture can get inside and make you feel even colder. The best snowboard jackets have weather-resistant shells and warm interiors with fleece lining and plenty of insulation.
You’ll be flying down the hills at high speed, so you’ll want to be as protected as possible from the wind and any debris or snow that may come your way. Neck warmers offer the best all-around protection and are lightweight enough to use with other headgear.
Gloves are a must and, like a snowboard jacket, should have a waterproof exterior and a soft, cozy interior lining. If you want extra warmth and protection for your hands, you can get gloves with a built-in heated system.
If you’ve never been snowboarding, it’s a good idea to hold off on buying a board and snowboard boots. They can be pricey, so it’s better to rent them for your first few outings in case you don’t end up being fond of snowboarding or go frequently enough to justify buying your own.
However, once you’ve hit the slopes a few times and are comfortable with your abilities, getting your board and boots is a good idea. Having your own gear can save you money on rental costs and boost your confidence.
As long as you’re bundled up and well protected against the elements, you don’t need a whole lot of gear, but it’s not a bad idea to consider getting some of the following items:
Burton Men’s Covert Snowboard Jacket
This two-layer jacket has a helmet-compatible hood and is excellent for staying warm and dry without limiting your mobility while snowboarding. It has a warm interior lining, blocked woven fabric, Thermolite insulation and taped seams for maximum heat retention.
Sold by Amazon
Stauber Summit Snowboard and Binding Package
This all-terrain snowboard features a hybrid rocker profile and twin directional shape and is perfect for beginners developing their jumping and carving skills. The rig has a smooth surface and contact points beneath that deliver superior edge security.
Sold by Amazon
Sportsstuff Snow Ryder Pro Snowboard
This high-quality, affordable snowboard for beginners is about 51 inches long and has a durable hardwood seven-layer construction, dual ratchet binding and Rapid Lite Flex heel straps for keeping your boots secure.
Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Element Equipment Snowboard and Ski Boot Bag
If you have your own snowboard boots, you’ll want a durable waterproof bag like this one to carry them. It has a padded bottom and securely holds a pair of boots and other accessories such as a hat, gloves and goggles.
Sold by Amazon
Oakley Flight Deck Ski Goggles
They're pricey but have a design inspired by fighter-pilot helmets and are built to last. They have a durable silicone frame, a mirrored lens with an anti-fog coating and Prizm Plus HDO technology for clear vision in varying weather and light conditions.
Sold by Amazon
Retrospec Comstock Ski and Snowboard Helmet
Those who don’t want to spend too much money on a helmet will appreciate this one for its protection and low price. It has a hard shell with interior foam lining, and a netted mesh cap and 10 ventilation ports for maximum breathability
Sold by Amazon
This fleece neck warmer is helmet-friendly and will help protect your face, head and neck from the elements. It offers form-fitting Lycra, a four-way stretch for a comfortable feel, and a double-lined fleece interior for superior heat retention.
Sold by Amazon
ActionHeat Men’s AA Battery Heated Gloves
You won’t have to worry about frozen fingers when snowboarding if you wear these high-quality heated gloves. They have a weather-resistant soft shell, 3M Thinsulate insulation for increased warmth and an integrated heating panel that lasts up to five hours.
Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
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