Newbie, Any suggestions for beginners?

Question

I have never been snowboarding, and I need a good winter activity so that I don't get cabin fever...

I would like a good beginner board, can anyone tell me some good brands/types/things to look for when buying a beginner snowboard? I seriously don't want to end up with a crappy wal-mart special... and i'd like one that I won't get sick of right away, too. (I'm thinking kinda like a beginner motorcycle rider buying a rebel 250, you're going to grow out of it quick)

I plan on taking lessons at the local ski resort as they have lessons for beginners...

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks...

crop: I just said that...

thanks Kel, but i have pretty good balance, I should be able to master a snowboard...in due time.

LOL, I try to ask a serious question, and all my R&S friends show up, thanks guys, I appreciate the help, and the concern...

nate, i wouldn't buy a harley sportster, not a chance, but if i were suggesting a beginner bike for someone i'd suggest a cbr 600...thanks, I figured the analogy might be a good one...

Answer 1

Snowboarding is so much fun, you're going to love it! Nitro is a good brand of boards and cheaper than Burton (the most well known brand). If you get last years' model it will be a lot cheaper, but it will still be a board that will do good for you for several seasons. I've listed some sites below where you can buy them online.

Good brands of boards are Nitro, Burton, Ride, Libtech, Gnu.

One thing you need to know is what type of riding you plan on doing? Are you planning on doing tricks in the park, or riding the pipe? If so, then you need a Freestyle board. They are more flexible. If you want to just cruise down the mountain then you want a Freeride board. They tend to be stiffer than a freestyle board.

I highly recommend you wear a helmet, knee pads (under your pants) and wrist guards. Head injuries and broken wrists are the most common injuries in snowboarding. Also a broken tail bone is common so impact shorts are a good idea. It also helps if you can go on a good powder day so when you fall it won't hurt as much. Don't go on an icy day the first time or you're going to be pretty beat up.

And be prepared to not like it much the first time. Don't give up, you can get past the initial learning stage and then it gets better really quickly.

Answer 2

Ok the first thing you need to get sorted before you board is your boots. Your boots are your most important peice of kit its vitally important they fit you well otherwise you will find riding in them a nightmare . The best thing you can do is go down the nearest snowboard shop to you that sells a large range of boots and try on a selection of different brands and go with the boots that feel the most comfee and fit your feet the best. Generally brands like Thirty Two and Vans suit people with wide feet and Northwave, Rome and Salomon are better for people with thinner feet.
As for your board i would recommend you go for an entry level All mountain board these boards are great for begineer riders as the can be used for all types of riding Freestyle , freeriding and powder. Some good boards to check out that would suit you are
Gnu Carbon High Beam
Nitro Revolt
Forum Recon
K2 Select
Burton Clash
All these boards are entry level so they will be easy to learn the basics on but they are also progressive enough to last you a while. You are right to avoid the Wal mart stuff, if you buy from a proper snowboard shop you can be guarenteed the brands sold there will be better quality. Hope this helps, Good Luck.

Answer 3

Seriously look on ebay for a first board...this is what I did..i bought some old board (got it tuned and worked fine) on ebay for 40 dollars and cheap bindings when I started because I didnt want to be stuck with expensive gear and not like the sport (and look like a huge noob). You can also buy cheap boots or borrow from a friend. I would not recommend buying a new board at all.

Answer 4

Buy a Burton board and bindings. Yeah, they're expensive but they have the best quality and reputation. It might be overkill at first, but if you're serious about riding, you'll grow into it by the end of your first season. It's exactly like the motorcycle analogy, go ahead and get the Harley Sportster.

Answer 5

There are many sites out there with recommendations for beginners, and most will say to start with the a flexible board (free-style) as oppose to a stiffer one (free ride)

Answer 6

I borrowed a friends' brothers' board the ONE time I went. It was great!...Until I hit the one itsy, bitsy tree on a really wide hill. Her brother was cute-it was embarrassing, so good luck!

Answer 7

i THINK adobe photoshop elements lets you do animation. and it's apparently "1/6th of the cost of regular photoshop". but make sure you double check photoshop is a very popular program so i'm guessing there are tons of tutorials online

Answer 8

I would check with your local ski resort and see if they offer lessons

Answer 9

My advice is useless. It never snows where I live. I just want to say be careful out there my new friend.
♥FA

Answer 10

If that fails, try snow-tubing. Just as fun, and less broken legs! (lol)