- COP is not a good hill to learn on
- get a helmet
- get wristguards
- a spine/tailbone protector isn't a bad idea
- as noted, if buying equipment, allocate the funds to a good set of boots vs board/bindings
- if renting equipment, buy boots. Rent the board/bindings
- don't take lessons the first day. Get on a board, get a feel for it. You should know if you're goofy/regular and at the very least get on/off a lift (both t-bar and chair) prior to lessons. Otherwise it's just a huge waste of money
-the learning curve for boarding is different than skiing. Skis are easy(er) to put on and enjoy for the day with little/no experience, but much harder to master. Boarding is much harder to get on and have fun for the first day (or 3), but easier to get good at.
Generic board buying advice :
-a shorter (than recommended) board is easier to manuever. Not a bad idea to rent a shorter board for a while, then buy a board a bit longer (once you learn shorter boards are easy to oversteer, and less stable). However the youngling will outgrow them anyways. Lots of shops in the city have trade-in programs on jr gear.
- don't be afraid to buy used. Lots of guys get pro-deals and sell at the end of the season. Don't worry about surface scratches, just make sure the base is decent. I wouldn't however buy a used helmet or boots
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