Question: Buying a snowboard

[Phanuthier]

So I thought I'd give snowboarding a chance, and was thinking about getting a snowboard rather then renting a ton and having the costs be more then buying a snowboard itself. I've tried it once, and would like to learn it.

So, what exactly should I be looking for in buying a board? (size, etc)

Thanks

[Tron_fdc]

How tall are you, what do you weigh and what's your shoe size?

[Phanuthier]

Well... I guess here is where I admit what a midget I am

5'6
125 lbs
Shoe size: 9 US

[arsenal]

Also, when you run and slide on ice/snow, what foot do you have forward?

[Phanuthier]

Right foot forward

[arsenal]

So, I am guessing something around 155 cm long, and set it up so your right foot at the front of the board.

[Phanuthier]

For a guy starting, but tends to pick up sports pretty fast (and I am naturally a skier), would you recommend a used average board? Used quality board?

[arsenal]

I found a chart to help with sizing:
http://www.the-house.com/site/info/i...-05boards.html

Get a used quality board. That's one thing you will get with renting. You can go out and try a few different brands, and see which one you like the best.
Other than that, read a lot of reviews.

Since you are already a skier, you will pick up snowboarding faster than someone who has never been on the snow. So if you get a quality board, then it may last you a little bit longer.

Good boards from when I was riding a lot:
Ride, Option, Burton where probably the top 3.
Burton does a really good job. They always seem to be at the leading edge of technology.

[DFO]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

So I thought I'd give snowboarding a chance, and was thinking about getting a snowboard rather then renting a ton and having the costs be more then buying a snowboard itself. I've tried it once, and would like to learn it.

So, what exactly should I be looking for in buying a board? (size, etc)

Thanks

I'd go for a used deck in the 154cm range if I were you. Don't go for anything too stiff as a beginner. I'd worry less about the board to start out with but do find a good pair of boots. As a skier you already know what I mean probably. Eventhough they are 'soft' boots there is a huge range of quality & comfort - just like ski boots, you get what you pay for.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by arsenal

Good boards from when I was riding a lot:
Ride, Option, Burton where probably the top 3.
Burton does a really good job. They always seem to be at the leading edge of technology.

Are those expensive? I was kind of hoping to go cheap since I'm learning, and I'll probably remain a natural skiier, I'm just looking for a new challenge.

Any recommendations for a cheap (but not crappy) kind of board?

[dubc80]

If you're really looking to get into the sport, I think buying your own stuff is a great idea. Rental stuff is always different, and the "feel" is different cause you'll always get different boots, bindings, boards, etc. With your own stuff, you'll pick it up quicker cause you know how it all works and how it fits. Plus, when you shell out $$$, you'll likely stick with it that much longer.

Some tips:

Equipment:
- Since you're just starting out, you wont really know the difference between a $800 board and a $300 one. I suggest going to a place like Sport Chek or Sport Mart. You can get boots, bindings, board for under $500. Use this for 2-3 years till you get better, then buy some better equip! (Unless you have mega $$$, and dont mind getting top of the line stuff right off the bat!)
- For a guy your size look for something between 150-155 cm's. I also suggest a freestyle board. It will be softer and easier to initiate turns when you're starting out.
- If you're going to splurge, GET GOOD BOOTS. They are the most important piece of equipment.

Lessons:
- For beginners, lessons help quite a bit. They'll go through the natural progression steps in sequence, from just standing on the board, to learning to stop and edge, to beginner sliding turns.

Friends:
- When you go, go with other friends who are just starting out. Its way better to laugh, fall, and learn/fail together. Sucks being by yourself, or having other people waiting for you in the lift line while you slide on your ass all the way down.

Fun:
- Have fun! Thats what it's all about.

I'm probably one of few people saying: LET IT SNOW!!!

[DFO]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Are those expensive? I was kind of hoping to go cheap since I'm learning, and I'll probably remain a natural skiier, I'm just looking for a new challenge.

Any recommendations for a cheap (but not crappy) kind of board?

Should be some ski/board swaps coming up. I'd go used till you get better & are actually carving - then go find a new & better quality deck suited to whatever you like to do.

[arsenal]

Well if you want to try out a few boards before you settle on buying one, do youself a favour, and buy your own boots. Spend some money on those. Then you wont have to rent boots and worry about other's smelly feet being in them. It's also may be cheaper that way.

As far as used boards go.. depends on how much are looking to spend. If you are looking at something to get you started.. you could probably find a 2 or 3 year old board from Burton for pretty cheap. Or you could go to sport swap or something, and pick up a cheaper albiet newer board for about the same price.

If it is something you are just going to learn on, and throw away the next year, or use a rock board if you continue, you may want to go with option 2. Otherwise, if you think you might stick with it for a while, get a better quality board that will last you a couple years until you are willing to shell out the $800 for the latest and greatest

[Dion]

If my knees weren't in such bad shape, I'd love to give snowboarding a try myself.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Dion

If my knees weren't in such bad shape, I'd love to give snowboarding a try myself.

Get a knee brace

I've had to use one on my left knee after having (almost) Warraner like knees from soccer. Found that out 2 winters ago, half way down mogles on my skiies...

[Winsor_Pilates]

Good thread, I'm hoping to start snowbaording this year too and am in the same boat. (except not a midget )

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Get a knee brace

I've had to use one on my left knee after having (almost) Warraner like knees from soccer. Found that out 2 winters ago, half way down mogles on my skiies...

That is a good thought. Still i'd have to get myself in shape for that - leg wise.

Mogles???? I used to stick to the green runs. Too many spectacular wipe outs doing mogles.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Good thread, I'm hoping to start snowbaording this year too and am in the same boat. (except not a midget )

What can I say, when god was giving out height, I thought he said flight and I missed mine.

Ok, back to my thread if anyone else has any tips of pretty solid snowboards that can be had for a cheap price (I'm definatly going used) I'm all ears. Thanks for the tips so far guys, keep em coming.

[arsenal]

Snowboarding is easier on your knees than skiing. As long as you aren't dropping cliffs and such, you should be ok. But a brace is a definite must.

[Jayems]

You are going to hurt after the first few times. Don't give up.