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Snowboarding Equipment

Snowboarding culture seems to owe more to the surf scene than the skiing world. As soon as the snow comes, kids all over Victoria and NSW get out their snowboarding gear and head for the Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps to test out the latest terrain parks and half pipes. However, possibly even more so than with skiing equipment, what you take on your snowboarding holiday is of vital importance. There is a whole winter fashion scene based around snowboards and snowboarding accessories from the actual boards and boots, to snowboarding jackets, gloves and beanies. In the following paragraphs, we will guide you through a few of the items that you may need if you're thinking of taking a snowboarding vacation when the snows come.

A Snowboard – clearly, you're gonna find it hard to give snowboarding a try if you don't have a snowboard! However, the kind of snowboard you buy depends on the style of snowboarding you choose to do. If you're into tricks, half pipes and all the fancy stuff, you'll be in the market for a Freestyle Snowboard, which will allow you to get airborne – this is the most popular type of snowboard. If flying through the air isn't your main thrill, perhaps you should look at a Freeride Snowboard (also known as an All Mountain Board) or an Alpine Board (also called a Carving Board). The size, shape, materials used etc vary depending on the style of snowboard you choose.

Snowboard Bindings – if you want your snowboard to stay attached to your snowboard boots, you'll have to get some of these. They come in 3 sizes and the size you go for depends on how big your snowboard boots are. You should be able to get into the binding and adjust with ease.

Snowboard Boots – these are sized just like everyday shoes, though, just like normal shoes, they can vary greatly in how they hug your foot and support your ankle from make to make. Snowboard boots are designed to keep your feet on your snowboard when they are combined with the correct snowboard bindings.

Snowboard Jackets – there are 3 main things to look for when you're considering a snowboarding jacket; it should be waterproof, but at the same time allow your body to breathe so you don't get horribly hot and sweaty; it should protect you from the wind on the mountains and it should look good! Keep your eye open for what is hot on the slope and terrain parks this year.

Head Gear – a snowboard helmet is a must if you want to ensure you don't bust open your head whilst attempting a rail slide. To keep warm, a beanie, which you can pull down over your cold sensitive ears, or a nice thermal hat (preferably with earflaps) is a wise investment. Again, fashion is strong in the headwear department, so check out the latest snowboarding fashions at snowboarding equipment shops.

Snowboarding Gloves – these serve a two-fold purpose – to keep your hands warm and to protect them when you make contact with the snow and ice. Snowboard gloves need to be insulated, waterproof and long-lasting. Some brands sell separate glove liners for extra protection.

Snowboarding Goggles – these are another essential piece of snowboarding equipment. A good pair of snowboard goggles will protect your eyes from the weather in all its forms – snow, ice, wind and, of course, the sun – so they should offer good UV protection.

Snowboarding Pants – like the snowboarding jacket, these are usually worn over other layers and so are pretty baggy. Snowboard pants should be thermal and have padding on the knees and butt for added protection.

Other Snowboarding Clothing – once you've dealt with the all important outer layer, you need to focus on your under garments. In the snowfields, layering is key to keeping warm and getting a full days sport on the slopes and parks. For your under layer, thermal is best. Thermal underwear and snowboard socks are a must, but check out the materials used as you don't want to get teamed up under all your over snowboarding gear. On top of that, you will probably need thermal pants to go under your snowboard pants and a good quality fleece jacket to wear under your snowboard jacket.

Whatever snowboarding equipment you're looking for, it's a good idea to do your research before you buy. Have a look online and visit your nearest snowboarding gear retailer to see what the newest trends and breakthroughs are and whether or not they are suitable for you. Snowboarding, like many other sports, is big business and snowboarding equipment and clothing companies regularly spend a lot of money developing new technology and materials to heighten your snowboarding experience. Always ensure you're fully aware of the latest news before you spend a pile of cash.