Going snowboarding for the first time... need some info

[toekramp]

My parents are buying a place in upstate NY, and I guess I need to learn to snowboard. I am going to buy a snowboard/boots and needed some recommendations. Thanks in advance 🙂

 

[JDrake]

How much are you looking to spend?
You may wanna try skiing first, its easier

 

[lrad50]

Rent, do not buy unless you will continue doing it.
And plus a lot of people get discouraged after being on their ass for the first 3 days.

 

[toekramp]

Originally posted by: joedrake
How much are you looking to spend?
You may wanna try skiing first, its easier

I don't want to be cheap about it, but don't need to get the greatest stuff out there. Is 300-400 bucks reasonable?

 

[JDrake]

Originally posted by: lrad50
Rent, do not buy unless you will continue doing it.
And plus a lot of people get discouraged after being on their ass for the first 3 days.

I wouldn't rent if he has a place by the slopes :Q

 

[toekramp]

Originally posted by: lrad50
Rent, do not buy unless you will continue doing it.
And plus a lot of people get discouraged after being on their ass for the first 3 days.

well let's just pretend I will be doing it 🙂

 

[Acanthus]

in 5 years when you are the ninja of snowboarding, dont try to show off and biff at the olympics, costing you 4 years of glory.

 

[spidey07]

It might be better if you rent for a while to see what kind of board you like. They are all very different in terms of bindings and how they feel.

or better yet, buy a cheap used one to learn on and you'll start to learn what you want from a board.

 

[toekramp]

Originally posted by: spidey07
It might be better if you rent for a while to see what kind of board you like. They are all very different in terms of bindings and how they feel.

or better yet, buy a cheap used one to learn on and you'll start to learn what you want from a board.

thanks 🙂

 

[toekramp]

Originally posted by: spidey07
It might be better if you rent for a while to see what kind of board you like. They are all very different in terms of bindings and how they feel.

or better yet, buy a cheap used one to learn on and you'll start to learn what you want from a board.

will all boots work on all snowboards?

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: toekramp

Originally posted by: joedrake
How much are you looking to spend?
You may wanna try skiing first, its easier

I don't want to be cheap about it, but don't need to get the greatest stuff out there. Is 300-400 bucks reasonable?

yeah, i think i got my board for 260 and boots for like 160. if you buy last years stuff you should be able to get it 40% off or so. it is late in the season so you might not find any good deals is the bad news.

also, when you try, make sure you give it at least 3 chances. the first day you will spend all day on your ass. the second day you will spend all day on your ass. and the 3rd day you will make it maybe 20 feet, then on your ass.

by the 4th day you might be able to make it down the bunny hill without falling.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: toekramp

Originally posted by: spidey07
It might be better if you rent for a while to see what kind of board you like. They are all very different in terms of bindings and how they feel.

or better yet, buy a cheap used one to learn on and you'll start to learn what you want from a board.

will all boots work on all snowboards?

no, and not all bindings will work on all boards.

 

[JDrake]

My board + boots + bindings + goggles + etc was around 600-700...

 

[MustangSVT]

Hmm..

I would like to suggest renting or borrowing.. but with the price of boards on sale.. it might be better to buy instead.

My board is old.. about 10 years. So, its very heavy and not as nimble as current models. try to get something newer so its lighter and more managable.

enjoy the ride~ its very fun.

 

[axelfox]

Prepare for pain. Oh, and about $500 bux.

 

[Rock Hydra]

Although most people don't like to, wear a helmet. My friend was killed recently when he was skiing. He wasn't wering a helmet. Though...his accident was so bad I dunno if a helmet would have helped him. =/

 

[suse920]

Its going to run a lot more than $400 if you want to get the best stuff. That said there is no reason for a beginner to get the best stuff. If you have skiied at all before its very very easy to pick up boarding. I skiing from ages 2-7 then at 8 i picked up snowboarding. I spend one day on the bunny hill and my last run was plowing down the full slope. If your athletic at all you'll get the technique after 3 or 4 days. Another thing is that step in bindings have gotten really really good lately so it might be worth it to check them out. Its not the same as the traditional bindings, but as a begginer they can be really great. have fun.

 

[JMWarren]

Originally posted by: Rock Hydra
Although most people don't like to, wear a helmet. My friend was killed recently when he was skiing. He wasn't wering a helmet. Though...his accident was so bad I dunno if a helmet would have helped him. =/

QFT

Wrist guards are also a big one for snow boarding...Broken wrist is the most common injury.

 

[brtspears2]

I bought used equipment except boots when I was learning. Board and bindings, maybe used a few times, a few years old but still good enough, less than $100. You can usually find some at a garage sale on the cheap from someone that gave up on the sport.

 

[Tiamat]

Do wear padding for your butt, knees and wrist guards. The first time, you will be falling a lot and /or getting banged up.

Bunny slopes are not constructive to learning, just go on one of the elementary level real slopes with a buddy.

Edit, i hate the step-in type snowboards too, Id recommend getting a better designed binding system.