What to Look for when Buying a Snowboard

by Tyler D King

1. Height

There are 3 different heights of snowboards; short, medium and long. A short board will come somewhere between you're collar bone and you're chin. Short snowboards are easy to ride on; so many people prefer them for learning on. Short snowboards are also great for people who like to do a lot of tricks. A medium board will be anywhere between you're chin and you're nose. Intermediate riders prefer medium boards, but so do certain advanced riders who like to ride on different types of terrain. Long boards will be from eye level to above you're head and are used by advanced riders who are looking to get a lot of high speed carving. Long boards are excellent for deep powder snow and mountains.

2. Width

The width of you're snowboard will relate directly to the size of you're feet. If you're feet are long you will need and wide snowboard, if you're feet are small you will need a narrower one. When standing on a board, you're feet should meet the edge of the bored or you're toes should only hang slightly over. If you're feet are hanging off you're bored, you risk the chance of you're boot catching on the snow while you ride. As well, if you're feet are much too small for you're board, you are not going to be able to get the amount of control you need to direct you're board. Snowboards and Gear

3. Type of snowboard

Before you purchase a snowboard you will want to decide which type of board is right for you. There are three types of snowboards, which are freestyle, free ride and free carve. Freestyle is the most popular type of board today. Freestyle boards are great for doing jumps, tricks, rails and half pipes. A freestyle board is relatively short, and made for soft boots who are designed specifically for doing tricks; most boarding competitions are based around the freestyle board. A free ride board is perfect for people who like open terrain such as the mountains, trees and powder shoots. Free riding is where the pros show what they are really made of. Free ride boards are generally longer than freestyle boards, but they also use a soft boot. If you're not sure what kind of boarding you prefer or if you like doing everything, this is a great, versatile board for you. Free carve boards are often overlooked in the world of snowboarding. Specifically made for speed and carving, these boards use a hard boot and a long stiff board. Used on packed snow, there is generally little or no jumping involved in this style of boarding. This is a popular Olympic sport in which the riders swing around flags or poles.

Tyler D King - winter gear online

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article45203.html

Snowboard Stance

by Tyler D King

When you’ve purchased you’re snowboard, you are going to want to determine what stance you will use. Snowboarding stances are different for everyone, so don’t go copying you’re best friend! For starters, you will have to decide if you will put you’re left foot forward or you’re right foot. Left foot forward is referred to as regular and right foot forward is called goofy.

To figure out which foot you should put forward you can have a friend push you from behind, and which ever foot you use to stop yourself will be the foot you put forward on you’re snowboard. Next, you will want to determine the width of you're stance. The width will depend on where you put you’re bindings. Bindings are what holds you’re boot into place. You’re bindings should be placed so that you’re feet are a little wider than shoulder width apart.

You should also consider the fact that you should feel comfortable and sturdy. You will also want to decide on the angles you place you’re bindings in. The angles that you place for you’re feet are based entirely upon personal preference. The angles will be printed on you’re bindings to make it easy for you.

For beginners it is usually recommended that you’re front foot should be angled about 21 degrees and then altered to what feels natural and comfortable for you. Remember that the angles you prefer can change at anytime, and bindings are very easy to adjust.

Tyler D King - Winter Snowboarding

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article45209.html

Snowboarding Gear - What Do I Need?

by Mike Singh

The right snowboarding gear is essential to having a great day

on the slopes. Below are a few pointers for picking what's right

for you:

Head Gear

* Choose a helmet that fits your head snugly. Some helmets have

more insulation than others, so make sure if there is little

insulation you can fit a thin cap underneath for warmth. * Make

sure the helmet is comfortable and you can easily move your head

when wearing the helmet.

Warm Clothing

* The best way to stay warm and dry is to dress in layers.

Cotton or natural fabrics against the skin allow for moisture to

be kept away from the skin providing warmth. A nylon or other

water resistant outer layer will prevent outside moisture for

getting in against the skin. Clothing should be loose to allow

movement.

Protective Wear

* Snowboarding gear would not be complete without some extra

padding for those sure to happen falls. Elbow pad and kneepads

can help reduce the shock of impact to the joints. Padded

lightweight pants are available to help protect the tailbone and

hips from backward falls.

Bindings

* Bindings may step-in or strapped. Beginner snowboarders

generally favour the step-in bindings, as they are easier to

manage. They may not be practical for more advanced users as

they tend to allow the foot to be released to easily. * Strapped

bindings may have two or three straps to hold the foot to the

board. They tighten using a ratchet method to hold the foot snug.

Boots

* Boots, like all snowboard gear, need to fit correctly. Make

sure you try on several styles to find the one that is most

comfortable. Your heels should fit tightly in the boot but there

should be no rubbing or discomfort when the boots are laced up.

Walk around and bend in the boots to test their fit before

choosing a pair.

Board

* The board should be the correct length and width based on your

body size. It should come to the bottom of your chin and be wide

enough to fit your feet.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article28140.html

How To Do A 360 On A Snowboard - Spin To Win With 5 Easy Tips

by Mark Redoubt

Imagine learning how to do a 360 on a snowboard without the fear of falling. Imagine landing 360's in front of your friends and the looks on their faces. With these 5 tips you will be able to increase your confidence and show your friends who the best rider really is.

Consistent 360's can only be done when you have the proper building blocks in place. Successful 3's are a byproduct of being able to stick your edges, timing the wind up, releasing off the lip and spotting your landings.

1. You can only learn how to do a 360 on a snowboard when you have got backside, frontside and cab (fakie) 180's down. You will only end up frustrating yourself until you have these simple basics mastered. You can practice spinning 360's on flat land in order to get the feeling down. Do them both with and without your board on.

2. A key component of a 360 is being able to stick to your edges. Your edge will allow you to start your spin from a solid position. Try to master the feeling of using both heel and toe edges. Find a small slope or jump that you can spin off and won't cause you to slam hard. You want to get the feeling of spinning down and you can do this while gaining confidence.

3. The wind up not only helps you to spin but also makes your spins look stylish. As you hit the base of the jump, wind up in the opposite direction you want to spin and not sooner. Release your momentum to start your spin. You want to use your arms, shoulders, hips and knees to spin your body around. You will need more wind up for smaller jumps and less for bigger ones.

4. Releasing off the lip of the jump occurs at the last second. You want the board facing straight down the hill when you pop off the jump and not pointed to the side. Simply push your knees down through the base of the jump as you wind up to really pop off the top lip.

5. You should be able to see your landing area as you rotate past 270 degrees. If you start be doing backside 360's, you can really get the feel of your shoulders turning to open as you spot your landing. Your legs should touch down smoothly to absorb the landing. After you have successfully learned how to do a 360 on a snowboard, add another backside 180 to start your mastery of 540's.

These tips will give you a head start on learning how to do a 360 on a snowboard. Remember that you need to have 180's down first. Next you can start learning how to stick edges, wind up, release and finally, spot landings.

More Information:

Are you ready for more? Unravel the truth about how to do a 360 on a snowboard that the pros don't want you to know. Discover how to land big airs, dominate your fear and impress your friends. Learn the coolest grabs, flips, rails, spins, half pipe riding, and more... Check out how to 360 snowboarding for more information and free videos now!

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article167982.html