What You Need to Snowboard for the First Time

By: Michael E D Sheppard 

So you have finally convinced your mates that a week in the snow will be a great holiday. You have managed to book a great snowboard trip even though organising your friends was like herding cats. But now is the fun part, a snowboarding holiday is going to be amazing, what's not to like, messing around on the slopes with your mates, great apres ski and a cosy hotel or chalet to come home to. A snowboarding holiday is amazing you will love it!

But what to take with you? The snowboard shopping list can be quite daunting and expensive the first time around. So speak to your friends and family first, you may be able to borrow some or all of gear you will need. 

Below I have included a full list of things you will or might need for a snowboarding trip. I have broken this down into four sections, clothing, protection, essentials and those nice to haves.

Clothing 

Salopettes / Board pants

Jacket

Base Layers

Goggles

Ski socks also known as tube socks

Gloves or Mittens

Snood (neck warmer)

Hat

Snowboard Boots (although you can hire these)

Tip- TK Max has a great range of branded Snowboard gear; it's by far the cheapest place I have found I always shop there for my snowboard stuff (I promise I don't work for them!), but you do have to get in there early, December or January.

Failing that online could be your answer there are lots of good Snowboard gear retailers and they are usually much cheaper than dedicated stores like North Face etc. eBay is another great option as you can sometimes pick hardly used bargains, especially if you shop out of ski season. My girlfriend picked up a pair of nearly new boots (originally priced $150) for $25 in summer this year.

Protection 

This list could easily fit in the Essentials section in my opinion, especially wrist guards and helmet.

Helmet

Wrist Guards

Impact shorts (Bum guard)

Snowboard lock (you don't want it stolen)

Pain killers always come in handy as well

You will fall over when learning, fact! The first day me and my friends learnt to board, none of us brought wrist guards with us, of course we are all tough men "we don't need protection". By lunch time we had all purchased an overly expensive pair of wrist guards from the local ski shop, as our wrists took such a bruising in the morning.

When learning to snowboard you normally fall over backwards and either break your fall with your bum or hands, putting excess pressure on your wrists. Wrist guards in my opinion are essential, I don't teach people unless they are wearing some, have seen too many broken wrists. Buy before you get out there to save money, but make sure they fit underneath your gloves.

Essentials

Passport

Snowboard (you can hire this)

Ski travel insurance - check you are covered and what you are covered for!

Holiday money

Foreign plug adaptor

Small sun cream

Phone charger

Alka Seltzer

Essential tip - Make sure you are fully insured, I cannot stress this enough. One boarding holiday I was on, 50% of the group I was with needed treatment in hospital, a dislocated shoulder and fractured arm, luckily they were both insured. Treatment costs a lot of money. You can be the best boarder in the world, but that doesn't stop someone ploughing into you, these things happen, insurance is a must.

Nice to haves

Back pack

Camera

Helmet cam 

Tunes (MP3 player)

Sun glasses (although some may say these are essentials)

A long list I'm sure you will agree, but see if you can borrow or hire the gear (snowboard and boots) for your first time as this will save you a lot of money. It is possible to buy things cheap if you look around; you don't need all the top designer gear first time round as it will cost you a fortune, unless you are lucky enough to afford it of course. Whichever way you choose to get hold of the gear, I hope you have a great time, I'm sure you will love it and if you don't, there's always skiing!

As a qualified CASI Snowboard instructor and digital photography enthusiast I have a lot of experience being amongst the mountains and capturing those great images. I have also produced the hemlet camera mount Camera Demon so that everyone can capture their own memories.

Article Source: What You Need to Snowboard for the First Time

Snowboarding Tips and Techniques

By Brayn Edwards

In order to learn snowboarding, you need to master several tricks of the game. Indeed, snowboarding is one of those adventure sports that require equal attention being paid to the basics as well as to the advanced techniques. This is why, it is recommended for players of all skills levels to keep refining their basics all along. Here are certain tips and techniques that will help you become a better snowboarder regardless of your current skill level.

Selection of the right snowboarding protection accessories

Selecting the most suitable protection accessories is one of the basic requirements to begin snowboarding. There are a number of snowboarding accessories available from several reputed vendors and manufacturers that are important for your protection. For instance, there are many snowboard pads that protect your thighs, tailbone, chest, back etc. In addition to snowboard pads, you should wear appropriate mouth guards, snowboard helmet, and a comfortable pair of shoes to complete your snowboarding protection.

Learning from an experienced coach

Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner, it's always important to practice snowboarding under the supervision of an experienced coach. Although few people believe that it is quite possible to learn snowboarding without any training, it is true only to a certain extent. You can possibly learn to embark on your snowboards, but learning will be much faster and polished if you take your lessons from a snowboarding trainer.

Don't stop practicing

Once again, it goes without saying that practice makes a man perfect. And, your current skill level does not matter when it comes to the importance of practicing regularly. Even if you are an advanced and seasoned snowboarder, regular practicing is still required. If you are a beginner, it doesn't even need an explanation why you should practice snowboarding. Not only it will help you learn the advanced tricks, it will also boost your confidence.

Protect yourself during falls

You cannot avoid falling during snowboarding particularly when you are a beginner. However, this is not a big reason to worry as long as you are falling with grace onto the ground. This means that you should learn to fall such that you do not get hurt and keep your vital parts protected all the time. For example, you should protect your hands and fingers by falling onto your fist instead of open hands. Also, you should try to ensure that the pressure should distribute equally to the maximum area of your body to reduce its impact. Of course, as the first rule, you should never go for snowboarding unless you are wearing appropriate snowboarding gears to prevent injuries.

Brayn Edwards is an expert in article writing and writes numerous articles on various topics. Check his website, which gives people advice about the best snowboard pads as well as more information on snowboard protection.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brayn_Edwards
http://EzineArticles.com/?Snowboarding-Tips-and-Techniques&id=6865610

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Top Snowboarding Resorts and Half-pipes

View at Whistler, BC

Top 10 snowboarding resorts
In her search for the planet’s best snowboarding resorts Observer Escape's Gemma Bowes has got gnarly all over the world. She names her top 10 favourite places to get radical.

1. Tignes, France

This resort simply has everything you need for a brilliant snowboarding trip. I've returned here time after time and never get bored of the massive expanse of terrain and the ridiculous nightlife. Great off-piste lies at the top of almost every lift. There are fantastic powdery bowls and, despite the ugly buildings, the views of the lake are pretty stunning.

Staying at the friendly boarders' chalet, the Dragon Lodge is essential. The guys will show you the best places to ride and party. Tignes' nightlife is exactly what you want on a snowboarding holiday: incredibly cheesy but with a cool crowd. The perfect evening begins with some Kwak beers in the St Jacques, followed by the potent iced margaritas in Daffy's cafe, and then some dancing to Dire Straits in the Yorin cafe, by which time you should have worked yourself up for the crescendo - sliding across the sticky dancefloor of the cavernous Blue Girl nightclub.

2. Lake Tahoe, United States

For the boarding holiday of a lifetime you can’t go wrong with Lake Tahoe. With several large resorts spread around the lake there is a phenomenal amount of terrain to explore. I remember endless miles of near-deserted, powdery slopes and hours of fun riding through the trees in Sierra, plus thrilling steep, deep runs in Heavenly. It's more about the boarding than the nightlife here, but the hip Block hotel is popular with pro-riders.

3. St Anton, Austria

Oh. My. God. You have to go full throttle at a boarding holiday in St Anton. It's the only way to experience it to the max. It might not have a very snowboardery vibe, but if you want somewhere with stacks of accesible, mind-blowing off-piste, you'll have a lot of fun. Head to the top of the Valluga lift for amazing views and challenging riding, and to the Rendl area, where the slouchy boarders hang out, for a decent park and good freeriding when there’s powder.

You’ll need to drink a lot to get into the spirit of the après-ski in infamous slopeside bars such as the Krazy Kangaroo. But they can be fun if you embrace the jolly atmosphere created when posh Brits meet big beery Germans.

4. Verbier, Switzerland

I have probably spent too many holidays in Verbier - some friends once owned a chalet there - but it's an amazing resort with a stark, almost scary setting. You feel like you're really conquering a proper mountain when you board. When there’s been a big dump, La Chaux is a lot of fun with loads of natural features and gullies. If Verbier's mean, steep mountains get the better of you, Nendaz is a quieter area with some easy riding for beginners, or for practicing ollies or switch riding. Verbier’s many black runs offer some exciting challenges. My favourite is the monstrous Tortin - the only run with moguls I’ve found that is actually fun on a board.

5. Saas Fee, Switzerland

Year-round riding is what makes Saas Fee a hit with the baggy-trousered crew. In the summer and early in the season, loads of professional boarders and skiers head here to train on the glacier. The resort has allowed one of the British snowboarding team’s coaches to design the board park, meaning it seriously kicks ass. It’s a car-free resort with a top-notch boarders’ hotel - Hotel Dom. You’ll probably end up in Popcorn every night - the bar that all snowboarders know and love.

6. Banff, Canada

Because of the harsh conditions, riding in Banff feels extreme however hard you hit the slopes. You’ll feel extreme just sitting in your lodge watching telly, because the weather reports are full of roads being cut off by avalanches, and temperatures dropping to minus 50°C. On the hill, heavy snowfall is common in Sunshine Village and Goat’s Eye. If you’ve got a wild streak, try to conquer the double-black diamond runs, such as Hell’s Kitchen. There’s even a run that includes a ride down a frozen waterfall.

7. Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is the ultimate, traditional picture-perfect ski resort. It would almost be too much of a cliché to come here if it wasn’t so darned lovely. The little mountain huts are wonderfully old-fashioned and adorable, the curving paths that hug the hills offer stupendous views of That Mountain and there are so many sweet little pistes through the trees. Go for Christmas and you’ll almost die of the quaintness. Okay, a too-cool-for-school snowboarder shouldn’t be interested in all that, so I can also add that there are lots of great powder bowls and couloirs, fantastic reliable snow conditions due to its position as one of the highest European resorts, and acres of backcountry.

8. Ruka, Finland

The boarding here is by no means challenging but it’s the perfect resort for beginners. The slopes are lumpy, rounded and hence non-threatening. Everyone speaks perfect and entertaining English, and the snow is wonderfully soft and powdery. If you get sick of the boarding (how could you?), there are loads of other activities on offer. Such as snowmobiling across frozen lakes in wolf-infested snowfields or husky sledging – I hate dogs but found it an incredible experience. The local bar has poles attached to the ceiling to hold onto while you dance on the tables (they're clever, the Finns). But you'll practically have to fight the locals to let you join in with the karaoke. I got thrown off stage for attempting to sing Ra Ra Rasputin in Russian.

9. Risoul, France

I came here years ago, when the highly amusing Snowbombing music and snowboarding festival was held here. The resort has a really laid-back, boarder-friendly attitude and it’s great if you have a mixed-ability group. It’s well laid out, and you’re guaranteed a relaxed week. The bars are cool in a scruffy way, and though you’ll end up eating in Snack Attack at least once, there’s some decent traditional grub to be found.

10. Les Arcs, France

Loads of off-piste, thick powder and natural hits make Les Arcs a sublime playground for the rider. It’s very easy to reach as it’s right next to Bourg St Maurice, the main train station for the Alps. The different areas have a very different vibe - 1800 is the liveliest. The resort has quite a mellow, cosy feel but there’s a vast amount of varied terrain and fantastic tree riding.


World's Best Snowboard Half-Pipes

Half-pipes have evolved a lot in the past decade. As riders got more extreme – so did the half-pipes. They are bigger, steeper and taller than they were to begin with. Kidzworld surveyed the globe and found the tightest half-pipes the earth has to offer!

1. Whistler, BC (Canada)
Whistler’s Blackcomb Mountain is home of the world-famous Superpipe. As its name suggests, the pipe is indeed super and is only for the most talented riders. It's 450 feet long, with a 17-foot radius and is 16.5 feet high! Snowboarding stud Shaun White won the Superpipe event here in the Global X Games in 2003. So if you wanna follow in his footsteps, you're gonna have to head up north and start practicing!

2. Mammoth Mountain, California (USA)
For a snowboarder who enjoys riding a half-pipe, going to Mammoth Mountain is like a kid going to Disneyland for the first time. On top of having an impressive Superpipe, the terrain park also boasts the world’s largest half-pipe with the Super Duper Pipe. It is 600 feet long and 18 feet high! Add 400 inches of snow per year and a long snowboarding season and Mammoth is the place to be for snowboardin’ junkies.

3. Saas-Fee (Switzerland)
A real world class, Saas-Fee is said to be the best place to snowboard in Europe. The Saas-Fee resort, which is located in the Swiss Alps, boasts three, 300-foot half-pipes and a superpipe. However, they are known to play lame music around the half-pipes - so remember to bring your iPod!

4. Breckenridge, Colorado (USA)
The Freeway Superpipe is one of the most popular and best constructed half-pipes in the world. Nearly a decade old, the Freeway Superpipe is 455 feet long and nearly 17 feet high. This world class half-pipe in the Rockies hosts a number of competitions like the Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix.

Article sources: guardian.co.uk and kidzworld.com


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Snowboarding Christmas Gift Ideas

A stylish belt for snow pants adds so much flare on the mountain

If you have a friend, family member or special someone whose life revolves around snowboarding, don't bother getting them a gift that has nothing to do with his/her favorite sport. Snowboarding is their passion, so try to select gifts that are related or will enhance his snowboarding experience. Whether you get him accessories or a new snowboard, they will appreciate that you understand their love for the sport.

Snowboarding Gear
Hook the snowboarder up with a hip new snowboarding outfit, including pants, jacket, gloves and goggles. Snowboarding gear is loose and casual, unlike the skintight outfits that professional skiers wear. You can even find insulated jeans made specifically for snowboarders. The jacket can be in the style of a hooded sweatshirt, which is popular among young snowboarders. Just be sure to get something with a fleece or wool lining on the inside or give them some long underwear to wear underneath. You could also hook them up with some designer snowboarding goggles, ones that are stylish and will protect their face as well. You could also get them a cool bandanna that snowboarders often wear to protect the rest of their face. Heated gloves are also all the rage right now.

Lessons
If the're fairly new to snowboarding, give them lessons from a professional snowboarder at a nearby ski resort. He/she will learn how to properly put on the snowboard and how to stop and turn without falling. If they have some experience, sign them up for advanced class that will help them improve their speed or that will show them how to do cool jumps or introduce them to the half pipe.

Snowboarding Trip
If you don't live near any ski resorts or somewhere where you can snowboard, surprise them with a weekend trip to go snowboarding. Include airfare if it's that far away, lodging and gear rentals if they doesn't have their own

Snowboarding Competition Tickets
For whoever loves watching the snowboarding at the Olympics on TV, they'll love the opportunity to go to a professional competition. Find a competition that will be featuring some of thier favorite snowboarders or some of the top snowboarders in the country. Several snowboarding tours such as the Winter Dew Tour hold competitions at different ski locations around the country each year.

Article source: ehow.com



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Snowboard Pants: Reliable Guide for First-Time Users

By Garrett Nelson

If you are completely fascinated with snowboarding, you should consider snowboard pants as one of the most important parts of your gear that you need to wear for protection from extreme cold and other external factors. Generally, snowboard pants consist of 3 layers to maintain the internal temperature of the body while exposed to outdoor cold:

- The base layer, the layer that makes the skin warm

- The insulating layer, which is responsible for the elimination of the moisture and maintenance of body warmth

- And the outer layer which is usually waterproof-designed to keep you dry and protected.

During warmer conditions, some snowboard enthusiasts would only combine 2 layers all in one piece. These are often referred to as a shell. But if the weather gets extremely cold, using all three layers is highly recommended to withstand long hours in the snow. You can achieve this by having a separate pair for colder weather or by wearing thermals under lighter ones.

Getting top-quality snowboard pants is sometimes difficult for first-time buyers who know nothing about snow sports sportswear. Though there have been several reviews and guides available over the Internet and shops on how to choose the best snowboard pants, their information usually fails to present the most important facts and tips on how to get the most suitable pants that fit your size, your style and budget. Have you ever wondered why some buyers still make the mistake of choosing the wrong pants for snowboarding? It is because they settle for cheaper pants, thinking they got the best deal as the price is low and the quality is just the same as the one sold for a higher price. They often look exactly the same. The next thing they know, the newly bought pants are just sitting inside the cupboard because they were totally ineffective. Remember, quality is extremely important in choosing snowboard pants to use. You have to keep in mind the following considerations for comfortable, efficient and lasting snowboard pants.

1. The size that fits you perfectly. You are extremely excited to experience your first outdoor snowboarding and the next thing you know is you have picked the wrong size. Tight snowboard pants might look good in the shop but are very uncomfortable when worn all day and they limit your movements. Part of being a wise buyer is knowing your size. Forget about the design and color, if they don't fit don't buy them.

2. The fabric they are made of. There is a wide-array of snowboard pants made-up of different fabrics that you can freely choose from among the many different shops in town and even on the Internet. But the question is, would they provide the comfort and satisfaction you need? Fabrics for snowboarding help to protect you from the outside elements. Most outer fabric specially designed for snowboarding is tightly woven nylon or polyester. Both are guaranteed durable and water-resistant. For those with a big enough budget, getting the items made using the top waterproofing and insulating materials is suggested as they offer extra comfort, waterproofing and breathability.

Don't forget to test your choice of snowboard pants before finalizing your decision for things like enough room for your ski pass, keys, money etc. Make a list of all the things you need, as this will help make your shopping a lot easier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Garrett_Nelson

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Snowboard Rocker - What Is It?

By David J Oakley

If you are new to snowboarding or have had your head stuck under a rock for the last few years, then you will probably have seen the huge shift in base design by pretty much all the board manufacturers.

Manufacturers playing around with the shape of the base is nothing new, however, in recent years, the trend has been towards a cambered board. This is where, when a board is laid flat on the ground, only the section just before the tip and tail are in contact... pretty standard stuff...

However the last few years have seen a major leap from cambered boards to "rockered" to the point where some manufacturers are completely ditching their traditional cambered boards completely, convinced that rockered or flat boards are the future of the sport!

This modern trend was sparked off by Lib Tech and their skate banana rockered snowboard, which when laid flat only contacted the floor in the middle and raised upwards at the tip and tail. The immediate benefits to this were that it was much easier to initiate turns, and float in powder was helped by the tip already being lifted and this keeping it from sinking into the snow.

Other benefits of a snowboard rocker included being much easier to 'butter' (a term used for doing presses whilst riding along the piste, amongst other things) and easier to ride rails and boxes. Aided by the raised sections at the nose and tail this meant that the edge that was traditionally pointing down with a cambered board was now raised slightly and in effect out of the way of the rail or box on which it could possibly 'catch'.

This meant that more and more riders felt like pros attempting tricks that they hadn't even dreamed of because of the forgiving nature of the snowboard rocker base design, however there is always a downside to everything, and this is no exception.

If riding the park is your thing, and nothing else, then this kind of base design is fine, but in the event of carving some early morning groomers or charging at mach 2 you have to look elsewhere. Rocker boards are very easy to ride as a beginner, and work well in the park, but as soon as you take your riding to the next level, the rocker tends to be very 'loose' and doesn't hold its edge when carving, but washes out of its turns.

Burton's evolution of the rocker boards was to introduce camber back into the design, but in conjunction with the rocket tech...rocker from the middle, camber at the bindings, an a rocker nose and tail section. Called the Flying V Burton created a board that would seemingly work well in most scenarios on the mountain. The rocker providing added float in the powder and playfulness, whilst the camber zones bringing the much needed control and power through turns that a rocker board alone failed to deliver.

A completely different take on this is Bateleon's TBT... which is based on a conventional cambered board, keeping the benefits that camber brings, but shaping the base outside of the bindings so that the edges lift up off the ground, eliminating the catchiness of a traditional cambered board, but helping the board to turn, keep stable at speed and float gracefully in the pow.

Its a brilliant concept that has been finding its way into the mainstream, to the point whereby other manufacturers have to look at new ways of base technology because Bataleon patented their design way before the rocker revolution came to town! To understand just how good they are, you only have to look at the sales figures of some of the leading stockists, who now say that Bataleon boards are by far their biggest sellers!

Its not hard to see why... a board that really does give you the best of both worlds...

There is not enough time here to go into every manufactures individual take on base technology, but one thing is for sure, rockered board tech is here to stay in one form or another!

If you have enjoyed this article or it has helped you then you can leave a comment or feedback by going to my snowboard rocker blog post, thanks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_J_Oakley

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How Is Life In An Adult-Only Snowboard Camp?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sam_M_Johnson]Sam M Johnson

Snowboarding is a highly popular winter sport that involves descending a mountain slope covered with snow on a snowboard. The snowboard is attached to a rider's feet using a special boot. The relatively new sport of snowboarding has been influenced by skateboarding and skiing. The sport is enjoying tremendous popularity in the United States with more and more people wanting to go to snowboarding camps. The inclusion of snowboarding into Winter Olympics in 1998 has boosted the game's popularity even further.

Such has become the game's popularity that people hunt for snowboarding camps elsewhere during summer. Argentina, particularly, the resort of Cerro Catedral (18 k.m. from the renowned town named Bariloche) is fast becoming a sought-after snowboard camp destination during summer.

The article discusses about the plus points of selecting Cerro Catedral as your next snowboard camp destination and also what lies in store in an adult-only snowboard camp.

Cerro Catedral - An ideal Snowboarding Destination

The Cerro Catedral resort is comparable to Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Mountain in terms of the terrain and snowfall amount. The backcountry beauty of Cerro Catedral is compared to Silverton Mountain. It is the most sought-after destination for skiing and snowboarding, offering late winter-like conditions during summer. The snowpack sets in very quickly and hangs onto all surfaces including rocks. You will love the towering spires and cliffs. The advantageous location of Cerro Catedral helps you to enjoy tree riding and glades. The lift-system is highly equipped with no less than 37 chairlifts, pomas, and a gondola. The nearness to Bariloche also offers a distinct advantage. When you think of your next snowboard camp, Cerro Catedral should emerge as the first choice.

Adult-Only Snowboard Camps

While there are several types of snowboard camps, an adult-only snowboard camp with your partner may be the ideal way to escape the hassles of everyday mundane life. It may be an ideal way to rediscover yourselves and bring back that lost zing in your lives.

Every camp calls for schedule and discipline. Adult snowboard camps are no exception. But camp organizers generally include some fun into the routine for the adults. Usually, a typical camp day begins with snowboarding in the morning; Barn sessions in the afternoon and evening; and miscellaneous activities including a video review of your performance in the evening. Adult-only camps also allow you some nightly outings so that you leap from the camp life into fun-filled vacation moments.

You can rest assured of world-class snowboard coaching and guiding at Cerro Catedral. Added attractions for these camps include - delicious Argentine cuisine and wine, the Argentine nightlife, professional guidance, and the like-mindedness of your camp mates.

Excitements Galore

In an adult-only snowboard camp, clients are put into small groups (usually not more than 5 together) and set off for snowboarding under a professional guide. The day's plan might change depending on the weather. You have the chance to explore cliffs. You are made aware about the backcountry terrain in an informative seminar. The camp carries shovel, beacon etc. to ensure safety. You generally start up at 10 am and come down by 2 pm. Don't worry about your meals. They are catered by reputed restaurants.

Some of the other activities may include bungee jumping, paintball, and wake boarding. In a nutshell, you will be offered the following facilities:

- Full supervision by Snowboard coaches and guides
- Welcome meeting and seminars
- Packed lunch
- Catered dinner
- Nightly outings (optional)
- Afternoon activities like mountain biking and trekking
- Video feedback and review for your own improvement
- Social events in the evening (optional)
- Camp T-shirt for all participants
- Prize distribution ceremony at the end of the camp

Cerro Catedral resort beacons you and your partner for the next summer - just surrender to the temptation!

If you want to know more about [http://www.sassglobaltravel.com/argentina/sass-adults]summer snowboard camps and [http://www.sassglobaltravel.com/argentina/sass-adults]summer snowboarding visit sassglobaltravel.com website.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Is-Life-In-An-Adult-Only-Snowboard-Camp?&id=6291750] How Is Life In An Adult-Only Snowboard Camp?



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