Added: 01/19/2006 |
Make Your Adventure as Pleasant as Possible by Using Snowboarding ApparelTogether with skiing, snowboarding is an increasingly popular winter sport, inspired by skateboarding and surfing. After becoming a medal eligible sport in Winter Olympics in 1998, it gained even more popularity throughout the world. Among the events focusing on snowboarding are the Winter X-Games and Open Snowboarding Championship, hosted by a number of winter resorts in Europe, Canada, and the United States.
The most affected by injures are the head, wrists, and tailbone. However, padding is frequently used to protect other parts of the body, like knees, hips, shoulders, and spine.
In order to make your snowboarding experience as enjoyable as possible, take pains to choose proper snowboarding apparel. Breathable and waterproof are two characteristics you must be guided by. It generally means you should avoid items made of cotton, like jeans and sweatshirts. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends wearing snug fitting clothes, since loose clothing may tangle in rope tows and lifts.
So, what are necessary components of snowboarding apparel? Most generally it includes a wind-resistant waterproof jacket or shell, waterproof snowboarding gloves, a thin undershirt, lightweight socks, snowboard pants equipped with padding in the knee, and a winter hat. Don't forget about boots and bindings, which must be compatible.
An essential part of any snowboarding apparel is protective accessories, including wrist guards, helmets, and sunglasses. Goggles are not only stylish, but also used to protect snowboarders from ultraviolet light. According to CPSC, the use of helmets can prevent nearly 44 percent of head injuries among adults and 53 percent among children. It is also important to use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor and lip balm with SPF 15.
There are a variety of brands offering snowboarding apparel to both men and women, with Burton and Spy enjoying the widest popularity. Among others specializing in snowboarding equipment are B4BC, Orbit, Volcom, ATB, Coal Headwear, Boeri and Carrera, and more.
However, snowboarding apparel will cost you a pretty penny. For this reason, make sure you agree on all counts before spending hundreds of dollars on high-quality gear. The best way is to rent equipment the first time you experience snowboarding. This will allow you to try out various brands and styles to find your fit, as well as to make sure snowboarding is your liking.
Even if you have a reputation of an experienced skier, it is advisable to take a lesson to learn how to use the board and fall without injuring yourself. Snowboarding differs greatly from skiing, so it's wise to contact an expert for some basic techniques.
The majority of resorts provide snowboarders with a special beginner's package, including rental of a board, bindings and boots, one-day lift tickets, and a lesson. The price of the service is usually around $50-$75. Snowboard lessons can either be private or group. The latter are often cheaper, but characterized by less individual attention. Private lessons are frequently far more expensive, but also more useful, giving possibility to learn snowboarding skills within the shorter period of time.
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