Snowboarding for Beginners

Whether you are a beginner or an expert snowboarder, there are certain gear items that every snowboarder needs to make their experience as enjoyable and safe as possible.

In this article, we will introduce you to each type of gear that is needed for beginners and give recommendations on what brands may be best-suited for your individual needs.

Here is your beginner snowboarder checklist:

What type of snowboard
Snowboard Length
Snowboard bindings
Snowboard boots
Snowboarding Socks
Snowboarding Pants
Snowboarding Jacket
Snowboarding Base layer
Snowboarding gloves
Snowboarding Helmet
Thermals & Base Layer
Other product considerations

Let’s get into it!

1) What Type of Snowboard

If you’re new to the slopes, it’s important that you start with a board and bindings that best reflect your style of riding.

Beginners are often advised against renting alpine boards because they can be difficult for inexperienced riders.

My personal advice is to go with an All mountain snowboard, which is a great all-rounder for beginner snowboarders.

Stay clear of super stiff and freestyle snowboard. Develop your technique before thinking about exploring different setups.

2) Snowboard Length

Snowboards come in different lengths, so it’s important that you find the one most appropriate for your height and weight.

The average length ranges from 133 cm to 164 cm but if you’re over six foot tall then a longer board may be better suited to your style of riding

How to find your snowboard length…go here

3) Snowboard bindings

Bindings are an essential part of a comfortable setup so it is important to choose a pair that fits right.

Don’t go for a cheap set as it could make the difference between you enjoying your experience or being extremely frustrated and having a horrible day.

It is super important to have a comfortable setup with your snowboard and feet.

4) Snowboard Boots

Having comfortable feet is a must, and is the key to an easy beginner snowboarding progression.

Snowboarding boots are no exception, Make sure your snowboard boots are comfortable and not too stiff.

It’s important to find a snowboard boot that fits snugly while still being able to wiggle your toes.

Make sure your snowboard boots are comfortable and not too stiff.

Make a small habit of wearing them around the house with different socks to get used to any tight spots before you hit the mountain, especially true if you are breaking new boots in!

5) Snowboard Socks

Cold feet can be a bummer when you’re on your way to the slopes. Luckily, quality snowboard socks are available and will keep your toes warm!

It’s important that they have high-quality fabric because sweat from wearing boots will soak into the fabric quickly, invest in some warm knee support socks and you should be good to go!

Although it might seem like an obvious thing to purchase in preparation for going out shredding some pow, don’t forget about these essential piece of snowboarding gear.

KEEP those feet warm!

6) Snowboarding Pants

The key here is waterproof pants, you can expect to be falling a lot if it’s your first time snowboarding so make sure you’re prepared!

When shopping for snowboarding pants, make sure to pick a good fitting pair.

They must be waterproof and still able to breathe so it’s important that you look for outer vents or inner ventilation panels as well.

7) Snowboarding Jacket

When choosing a snowboarding jacket make sure it will keep you warm and dry, there are several key things to look out for.

Firstly, it needs to have waterproof material so your body stays insulated from the elements with heat-trapping insulation or down feathers.

If you want one that really stands up against Mother Nature’s worst weather conditions, then make sure you choose an all season rated coat with at least 5 Kmm/10k cm2, 24 hours water column pressure rating which means it could resist rain during heavy storms without wetting through its fabric surface completely.”

8) Base Layers

It is vital you are warm when learning snowboarding, getting cold is not going to help your development in any way so choosing the correct base layer is a must.

I recommend some type of merino thermal underwear, this will keep you warm and comfortable when learning.

If your base layer is not up to scratch the whole kit may struggle so make sure it’s a good quality one from an established outdoor brand.

It can be tempting to save money by buying cheaper clothing items but know that cheap equals low-quality in 90% of cases

9) Snowboarding gloves

Snowboard gloves should be high quality, waterproof and insulated to protect your hands from snow.

Durability is important for any glove but especially these because you will inevitably come into contact with the snow when riding a board all day for the first time.

Like your feet, you must keep your hands warm and dry. You can always purchase hand warmers if need-be.

10) Snowboarding goggles

Snowboard goggles help to battle glare and protect your eyes at the same time.

They are especially helpful for snowboarding, as the sun reflects off of many surfaces in a white blanketed landscape which can be blinding without protection.

There are several different types available on Amazon depending on what type you want: open-eyed or closed eye styles with tinting colour options from dark blue (indoor) to yellow/amber (outdoor).

If you can afford it, try and get 2 pairs. One for general riding and the second for white out conditions, the shop will help you choose the correct setup.

10) Snowboarding helmet

Protecting your head from injury and protecting against other types of damage are both very important considerations for any snowboarder, so choosing a good-quality helmet.

Don’t cheap out here, go for quality!

Your helmet can be quite useful in preventing serious injuries that may occur during an unfortunate crash or fall.

Once again, quality is your friend, take the time to make sure this piece of specialized equipment is the correct fit for your head

11) Thermals and inner layers:

On cold days, wear a base and mid layer shirt under your jacket and pants.

Avoid cotton products because they are not breathable or waterproof. Wool or synthetic materials work best as they wick moisture away from the body to keep you warm.

On very cold days, it is helpful to add a mid-layer on top of the base.

One example might be adding a fleece or sweater over your favorite shirt for more warmth while you’re out and about this winter.

Extra Product Considerations to consider if you are a first time snowboarder

1) Hand warmers

These are ideal for the cold winter days and can be stored in one’s pocket or backpack.

They are great for those super cold powder days and some last the entire day, plus they are cheap. You can normally pick them up from the ski resort or a local snowboard shop around the village.

2) Snowboarding wrist guards

If you have weak wrists or it’s icy, you’ll want to invest in a pair of snowboarding wrist guards.

These provide extra cushioning for the joints and help avoid injuries and pain from falls, crashes or wiping out on icy patches while riding down a slope.

3) Neck Gator/face mask

Neck gators are another great complement to your setup when you are a beginner snowboarder, not only do they help protect your face/ neck from the sun and snow but they also help keep a lot of warmth in.

They also help with wind burn, many people forget about this factor so make sure you are wearing a neck gator.

Alternatively you can use a bandana to help keep you face warm, this is what I use and it works great.

4) Padded bike pants

Some people feel the pain a lot more than others so when you are a beginner snowboarder the last thing you want to have happening is your butt bone coming into contact with ice.

Padded bike pants will help prevent this from happening and they also make for an overall more comfortable ride/ trip up the mountain as well.

5) Wear sunscreen

In certain conditions, snow reflection can damage your skin tissues without you realizing it, whatever the conditions are, make sure your face has sunscreen or you are using a face mask.

Wearing sunscreen will not only protect your skin, but also help you avoid wind burn and snow blindness in the process as well.

6) Stay Hydrated

This is very important as it will help with your energy levels, you can guarantee you’ll be pushing your body when learning this sport so keep the fluids up and your chances of successfully are high.

After reading these tips, you should be ready to hit the slopes.

If you have any remaining questions or want more information about gear selection for your first time snowboarding experience,

We would love to help you develop your style on the board while learning all of those skills that make snowboarding so much fun – from turning basics to going off jumps safely and confidently.

Our Beginner Learn to turn Snowboarding Program was designed exactly for Beginner snowboarders, Start linking turns and having more fun with your friends and family faster!