Any snowboarders out there?

Oh dear... may be it's not a good idea. May be I should stick with tri. Oh, SNIAGRAB is "bargains" spelled backwards. Basically a clearance event for last year's models (unused).

I've never been to a SNIAGRAB event, but getting previous year's gear is a great way to pick up snowboarding gear.  I've gotten a lot of my gear that way.  With bindings, make sure that they come with the right faceplate for your board - different board manufacturers have different screw hole configurations for the bindings and it's a pain when you don't have the right ones.  As far as fittings, they might have people there, but it's pretty easy to go to a store and have them tell you what size board you need.

The learning curve for snowboarding is a little steep.  The best thing you can do is get yourself  some lessons and expect your tailbone to get a little bruised..  Everyone who snowboards in my family has had HUGE improvements after one or two private lessons.  Group lessons haven't been that helpful in my experience.

Do you know how to ski?
If so, stick to it, because my buddy said Boarding is the best you got to try it!!! I'm an advanced skiier and did not enjoy being on my ass for two days.

I am a devoted two planker but I sure do admire snowboaders. I think it looks like a lot of fun, for those in a lot better shape than me

Well, I am neither a skiier nor a border, actually. Since I will be needing a board for snow kiteboarding lessons anyway, I figure I might as well give snowboarding a shot. I heard that learning snowboarding tend to be very frustrating because you spend more time on your bum than on the board. Oh dear.

i love snowboarding.  much more than i ever liked skiing.  don't listen to these people telling you that you'll spend the first day on your butt... they are liars.  you'll also be on your face, your back, and every other possible appendage.  but stick with it, you'll be hooked!

As long as you don't just plop down on your behind right in front of the lift, or stop at the bottom of a hill where you can get run over, or spray snow in my face, you're good to go and I hear it's even fun.

I can't claim to be in great shape but I snowboard. Having boots that fit is very important. I think the rule of thumb on board length is from your toes to your nose.

The first time I tried to board, I just went up and tried to go down. An awful day. The second time I got a private lesson. I got pretty bruised (a clumsy Clydesdale on a snowboard is a recipe for bruises) but I had some wicked fun!

Come on SNOW!

I started skiing at 4, picked up snowboarding at 14 and continue to enjoy it at 30. I have been an instructor off and on for 10 years. Just a couple of things:

1- SNIAGRABS can be a good thing for beginners and advanced riders as well. As a beginner, it is not a bad idea to get something that is semi-stiff. This will enable you to pick up good edge control a bit easier than on a soft-board. Technology changes in snowboards and bindings, but not so quickly and significantly that a last season's board can outperform a current season's board. I have to be honest, I could ride my very first Burton split tail custom, and still have a great day at the resort or in the BC.
2- Check out eBay as well. A lot of beginners get the hang of it, and automatically want a new rig and setup. Read their descriptions...most will tell you that they started on a particular board and progressed in the sport. They'll also tell you why "they" liked the board, and how it helped them.
3- My first board was purchased from a shop, and had been a previous season's rental board. The shop had stocked this very same board, new for purchase, and knew all of the beta on it. They also let me take it out a couple times for 1/2 price rent to see if I liked it. So, when it came time to purchase it, I was already familiar with how "we" (the board and I) worked together. (I think this is the best avenue for a beginner) This way you can try several differnt boot and board combos.

I could go on...but if you really have detailed specific questions, just shoot me an email outside of the forum...I am more than happy to help!

Utah powder is the best on earth!!!

-j

I've been boarding for about 9 years, both race and freeride.

I would encourage you to try it out. Take a lesson or two, it takes time to get used to the feeling of having your feet immobilized.

Remember this when you start: Keep most of your weight on your front foot, pretend you're holding a 2-4 (that's Canadian for a box of 24 beers). When you want to turn, turn your shoulders and your imaginary case of beer in the direction of the turn and you will turn. When you get scared, put your weight on your front foot again. Without that, you will have no control, thus a good reason to be scared.

The worst thing when you're learning is navigating the crowd at the lift. Best to unstrap early rather than plowing somebody.

Also, August-September deals on equipment are the only way to go. I bought both of my boards and both sets of boots and bindings at around half price in August.

I spent a week in Snowbird this year and had a near religious experience. Nothing I know of compares to boarding on powder, not even fat skis. I hope to try surfing one day to see how the feelings compare.

Rob.

Edited by Opus 2005-08-30 2:46 PM

I HATED skiing.  Every single minute of it. 

I started snowboarding and after 3 painful days of learning, I was zooming down blue runs and can now have an enjoyable day on pretty agressive runs.  It's a sport made for short, sturdy women.  And it is heaven when you catch a good run, on a great day.  Come visit me in CO and I'll take you up!

My biggest tip, take lessons for the first 2-3 days. It's worth it, you'll enjoy it more, and be injured less.  I bought a great used Never Summer board and love it.  I am still using it 3 seasons later. 

Melanie

Big thank you to all of you for your comments and encouragement. So psyched! I hope I can get a set up for around $300. Will keep you posted.

(Digging up an old thread.) So I got my basic set up from various "big tent" sales in town. Went a little over budget, unfortunately. The colors don't really match either. The board is black and white. The bindings are light purple. The boots are made of blue vinyl and they look like moonboots. Found a place closeby that offers classes once a week starting December. Hurrah! Can't wait to get things started!