Newcomer Questions

[GWZ]

OK, I've gone "boarding" exactly ONCE. I really liked it-ALOT. Now I want to make as much use of the comming snow as possible. I'm 5'9",What size board should I use? what brand? I'm not looking to spend a fortune-YET? Of course I'll need boots. I've noticed there are two types( I think)
I no almost nothing. I'd like to change all that. :confused:

[sparky]

In order to select a board, you're going to need more than just your height. You're also going to have to take your weight, bootsize, and riding style into account.

There are two basic riding styles, Freeride and Freestyle. Freestylers, or those that stick in the park or the pipe, usually require a shorter board because of the lower "swing weight". This translates into quicker twists and flips. Freeriders usually need longer boards because longer boards give more stability at high speeds when flying down the mountain slopes that Freeriders call home.

Your boot size is important because it determines the width of board you should get. You're in luck if you're size 10 or under, because once you get to 11 and up, your board selection pretty much goes straight to hell. Anyways, you'll want to get a board wide enough so that your toes and heels don't stick out past your board and drag in the snow on turns. On the opposing side, you don't want to get a board too wide, because then you lose edge-to-edge response, or, more plainly put, you can't turn as smoothly and quickly.

Your height and weight come into play when determining the length of the board. Heavier, taller boarders usually need to have added length in order to keep them afloat in the powder. In short, you're not gonna find a guy that's 6'2" gliding about on a 148 with grace. The laws of gravity simply do not permit it. Your center of gravity is higher, so therefore you need a longer board to keep you balanced. It's all a matter of proportion.

In order to get at least an idea of what size of a board you're looking at, I suggest using an online snowboard calculator. Probably the most thorough example I've seen is one that Balmoral offers on it's site. I tracked it down, and here's the link for your viewing pleasure:

http://www.snowboards.net.au/snowboarding/home/frames.shtml?/snowboarding/boards/selectionchart.shtml

As for what brand of board you should get, it's really just a personal preference. All companies make good boards, as well as less expensive alternatives. My suggestion to you is this: If you really really enjoy snowboarding and know for a fact that you're going to be doing the sport 10 years down the road, I suggest starting out with a high-end board. You'll spend less on repairs and probably less money over time than if you were to buy a cheap board now and then get a pricier one a couple years later. If you're not too sure about snowboarding yet, don't buy a cheaper board. Instead, rent next year and maybe even another year after that, and see if you still enjoy the sport as much as you had originally thought. I know renting is expensive,but I still think it would be cheaper renting for two years instead of buying a cheapo right off the bat. Again, this is just a suggestion, do whatever you want with your money, I really don't care.

As for boots and bindings? Umm...I'll just save that for another post.

For now, I'll just leave you with a couple URLs to look through and make your own judgement :) .

http://www.snowboarding2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95

Or, here's a slightly more "colorful" argument over strap bindings Vs. step-in bindings. They are the two "types" of bindings I think you were referring to. Make your own decision ;) :

http://www.snowboarding2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10