|
Snow Boards
Related Questions |
| Q. | How To Buy A Snowboard ? | | A. | Snowboarding has become one of the fastest growing sports over the past 10 years. If you are just getting into the sport the process of determining what equipment is "right" for you is probably the most subjective purchasing procedure you will experience. For most riders, the purchase of a snowboard is an emotional experience that fulfills not only a physical need, but also reflects the user personality.
Riding style
Technical freestyle
Freeride
Freecarve
Alpine/Race
Rider characteristics
Age
Weight
Height
Foot size
Gender
Athletic ability
Terrain
Hard pack & machine made snow
Groomed & natural snow
Variable conditions
Budget
Graphic appeal
|
| Q. | What types of Snow Boards are there ? | | A. | All Mountain/Freeride boards:Are the most popular type of board and can be used anywhere on the mountain.
Freestyle boards: Are built for performing tricks; spins, airs and riding fakie (backward). Freestyle boards are very responsive; the soft flex makes them forgiving and easy to turn, which also makes these good beginner's boards.
Alpine/Carve boarder: Are a longer board for riding and carving downhill, these boards are stiffer and narrower than other types of boards.
Alpine/Race boards are not made for doing tricks.
|
| Q. | How long should my Snow Board be ? | | A. | A good rule of thumb is that the board should stand between your chin and your nose when set on its tail.
Also If you're into the deep white stuff, you will probably have a longer board and if you are a freestyle lover, you will have a shorter board."
|
| Q. | How wide should my Snow Board be ? | | A. | It is directly related to your foot size, you need a board wide enough so your heel and toes do not drag in the snow while performing a turn.
|
| Q. | How do I keep the snow off my board ? | | A. | Board faster or put a thin coat of Furnature polish on the TOP of your board and all that snow wont stick
|
| Q. | What size of board should I buy for my 5 year old ? | | A. | Length: Generally, a kids' board should reach about chest high, because a shorter board is easier to handle. Snowboards engineers recommend the following weight ranges per board: 105 centimeter boards, 50-75 pounds; 125 cm, 65-90 pounds; and 135 cm, 80-105 pounds. If you shop around, you can find boards under 100 cm for even smaller children.
Width: Be sure your child's toes and heels are flush with the edges of the board. This makes it easier for them to turn the board on the snow. Fit your child in boots first, then have them stand on the board in the shop with the boots on.
Flex: A flexible board is very important because when the board flexes, the rider turns on the snow. Many manufacturers have done serious product development to come up with a soft flexing snowboard designed specifically for kids.
|
| Q. | At what age could I start my child snowboarding ? | | A. | More experts agree that 5 years of age is a good time to start carving snow
|
| Q. | Whats the difference between hard boot for snowboarding and a regular ski boot ? | | A. | Most hard snowboarding boots have very extensive calf supports. This is because in this sport 50% of all the turns that you will make will require that you lean backward. The average Alpine skier tries to avoid routinely leaning backward, hence ski boots provide limited calf support.
Ski boots have a relatively thin sole, the dimensions of which follow the DIN standard. Snowboard boots have a turned-up nose and tail to minimize drag (over-hang) and don't have a flat sole. Their binding attachment points (bale lips) are much higher than ski boots. While it is frequently possible to mate ski boots to some hard-boot snowboard bindings, this frequently produces an unstable boot/binding interface which some binding manufacturers actively discourage.
|
| Q. | Whats the difference between a Free-style boot and a Free-Ride Boot ? | | A. | Free-Style designs generally are lighter . This year many models do not have a separate lace-up inner boot. Because of their simpler designs, free-style boots are generally less expensive than their free-ride counterparts.
Free-Ride boots provide more support and are somewhat heavier. Most models have a lace-up inner boot which provides both more support and additional options for adjustment of fit/comfort . These boots are slightly more expensive than many free-style designs.
|
| Q. | Can you explain the different types of Bindings ? | | A. | Yes, Flat Binding or Binding with Highback
Step-in bindings can either have a flat plate that just attaches to the bottom of the boot, or they include a highback like a strap binding. We think having the highback is a definate advantage -- it doesn't require as much stiffness in the boot, offering a more comfortable and softer feel in the boot while still offering all the support you'll need for a heelside turn.
Toe/Heel or Side/Side Connection
Step-in bindings either attach to a boot's toe and heel, or to each side of a boot. The toe/heel connection claims to be an advantage because it holds your foot in place during turns while allowing side to side tweaking for freestyle moves. However, the side/side systems are easier to get into (you can see the connection) and are easier to fasten while sitting down (good for beginners).
|
| Q. | What should I be looking for in a jacket ? | | A. | Venting for starters
Venting refers to the breathability of the material of the jacket (letting perspiration out) as well as features that allow the jacket to vent extra warmth. Look for "pit zips" - zippers that open underneath the arms to let heat escape on warm days or after hiking the pipe, as well as other venting zippers across the chest or back.
Quality of Waterproofing
Inexpensive jackets may have a waterproof coating that wears off with time, while expensive jackets are actually made out of a waterproof material (such as Gore-tex). High-end jackets will also have extra features such as taped seams - we've seen a few that even have waterproof zippers.
Insulation
Most snowboarders will want to look for a "shell" - a jacket that allows you to wear various layers underneath depending on the weather. If you're constantly cold (like me) it is good to find a jacket with some level of insulation built into it. Some jackets have added warmth in the torso area, while leaving the sleeves lighter for mobility.
|
| Q. | What should I look for in buying Goggles ? | | A. | The goggles should follow the contour of your face and provide a good seal against the elements. If you ride with a helmet, be sure the goggles fit well with your helmet on.
Fog Control
Double lenses and adequate venting are the two main defenses against fogging. Double lenses, like a double-paned window, have a little air space between each lens. They help a lot with fog control; I don't recommend goggles with a single lens. The frame of the goggle should have a few foam-covered holes for air flow.
Peripheral Vision
Snowboard-specific goggles tend to provide an extra amount of peripheral vision. Because we ride sideways, it makes sense to be able to see sideways as well.
Lens Color
Lenses with a yellow or orange color are good for just about every condition. They will block out bright sun while also providing a little extra contrast in low light. I also really like rose lenses which provide even more contrast - great for overcast conditions. Dark tints are only good for really bright days, and clear lenses are for night riding.
|
| Q. | What type of helmet should I purchase ? | | A. | One that has been approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Testing for the ASTM certification includes:
Â? Retention System Strength tested in simulated hot, cold and wet conditions
Â? Different shaped anvils and velocities are used to test the result of impacts with various sites on the helmet.
|
| Q. | How do I determine my Helmet size ? | | A. |
|
|
TENNIS
POLICIES
BACK TO FAQ MAIN PAGE