i'm going snowboarding for the first time...are snow goggles necessary?

Question

and what gear must i have?

Answer 1

Yes! Wear goggles! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_blindness OUCH!

Your butt, knees, and wrists will hurt. Wear some pads and braces.

The first few days are the hardest. It gets alot easier after that.
Have fun out there!!!

Answer 2

You could probably get by with a pair of polarized sunglasses, but they might get broken, and lost. Goggles would be better. But honestly I didn't wear them most of the time when I was learning. But I did go mostly at night, and I wasn't going fast enough to be a problem with falling snow.

For other gear, you need snowboard pants, a good waterproof jacket, and a warm beanie. I also recommend a helmet (borrow one if you have to), knee pads (wear them under your pants), wrist guards (broken wrist are a very common injury in snowboarding), impact shorts. Don't forget sunscreen and chap stick. You can rent the board and boots at the resort.

Answer 3

Yeah...especially if snow is falling while you're going down the mountain. You'll be blinded otherwise, plus the tint helps with all the white background reflecting light.

You need a board (with bindings), snowboard boots, gloves, hat, ski pants, jacket. That's pretty much it.

Answer 4

totally need those goggles if this is your first time ... should also consider knee pads, elbow pads, helmet, wrist guards, and possibly some extra padding for your butt ... good luck