Adjusting Your Snowboard Bindings: 101
Posted by admin on Feb 16, 2010
I’ve been snowboarding for 12 years now and in that time, I’m sad to say, I never learned how to set or adjust my own bindings or stance angle. I always left this up to my partner or the guys in the shop, and I just took their word for it. Last year, days before heading to Chamonix, my husband decided it was high time for me to take care of my own gear, so he handed me the screw driver and told me to figure it out for myself.
Through a lot of frustration and research I discovered that there is no one answer for what your stance should be. Stance is all based on what feels best for the rider and takes into consideration how aggressive a rider you are, whether you are goofy or regular, if you ride switch, and so much more. The best way to find a stance that feels right to you is to get on the bunny slope and try out a few variations.
Before you do that though, you’ll need to know how to adjust your bindings. To do this on the slope you’re going to need a Snowboard Tool. A Snowboard Tool is basically a compact screwdriver which has a ratchet mechanism that easily allows you to switch directions, i.e., screw in or unscrew. These tools can vary from simple to complex but all usually contain clever hiding places for additional bits. Whether you are a gear-head or not, this tool is a must have for all riders.
Next, looking at your bindings, you’ll see there are markings of degrees on the base plate. Also, there are screws on the base plate, usually three or four, which keeps the binding on the board. Using your tool, you should be able to partially unscrew these screws just enough so that you can manoeuvre the angle of the binding without actually having to take all the screws out. This technique helps avoid you dropping a screw in the snow while adjusting your stance angle on the hill.
With all the screws loose but still attached to the board, you should now be able to adjust your stance by gently twisting the binding right or left. Now for the frustrating part: which degree do you set each foot? This is where it comes down to preference. Some riders like a duck stance, meaning the toes on each foot are pointing outward. Some people like their back foot perpendicular and only a forward angle on the front foot. Then again, some people like both feet forward. If you’re a beginner, start with a basic stance of your front foot angled forward and your back either straight, or slightly forward.
Once you have your preferred angles set, use your tool and screw in all the screws. You can now strap into your bindings and see how things feel, being careful not to damage your board or edges depending on what type of flooring you are on. If you are happy with the settings, then you are now ready for the hill.
When you get on the hill, take a run with your new stance. If you feel like you are having difficulty turning, if the board feels squirrelly under you, or if things just don’t feel right in general, then find a safe spot on the side of the slope, or make your way to the bottom and find a space where you can get down and adjust your bindings. It’s all about figuring out what feels right for you, so get out your handy tool and get yourself sorted. It will likely take a few adjustments, but you’ll get there in the end and you’ll have done it all on your own. Go you!
If you need some new snowboarding gear or some extra cash for a trip to the slopes, then maybe Wonga.com can help you out with a short term loan online. Visit Wonga.com to learn more.
Jamey Wheeler
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/adjusting-your-snowboard-bindings-101-732175.html
Can I wear a skate board helmet for skiing or snowboarding ?
Posted by admin on Nov 19, 2009
I have a white tsg skate/evolution helmet wondering if i can use it on the mountain?? when i board/ski?
I’m sure you could wear such a helmet, and it would definitely be better than going out there with just a beanie on. If it’s all you’ve got, then definitely strap it on.
But a skateboard helmet is not designed to deal with cold weather, and it is not designed to be worn with a beanie on underneath.
It is designed to protect against falls from a skateboard, which usually occur from a height of about six feet, and usually involve realtively low speeds. Skiiing and snowboarding will likely involve much higher falls at much faster speeds, and a skateboard helmet might not protect you as well as a helmet designed for skiing or snowboarding.
If you really plan on skiing or snowboarding, and you want to protect yourself properly against the elements and the dangers, look for some official gear.
Snowboarding Camp: Learn The Ropes From The Pros
Posted by admin on Oct 13, 2009
If you’ve never snowboarded before and would like to learn how, why not try this year to attend a snowboarding camp? They have snowboarding camps for both adults and children. Snowboarding camps are just like summer camps only there’s snow and a lot less arts and crafts. You eat, sleep and breathe snowboarding. You can learn the ropes from people who know what they’re doing or you can use what you already know for those truly daring jumps and tricks. There are different snowboarding camps for different skill levels so there’s bound to be a snowboarding camp for you.
To find snowboarding camps, check snowboarding magazines or try your local travel agency. You can find great deals on snowboarding camps. They will provide room and board and usually food. You can go for an entire week, two weeks or more. Think of the fun you’ll have attending a snowboarding camp. You can meet other like-minded people and can learn how to do the latest tricks. There’s no doubt that after attending one of these camps, you’ll be better than ever at this very fun hobby.
For Novices, Too!
Even if you’ve never picked up a snowboard before, you can still benefit from a snowboarding camp. Snowboarding camps are usually run by professionals who have been snowboarding for a long time. They will show you what to do and what not to do to avoid injury and to keep you wanting to get back up on that hill again and again. You don’t even need to bring any gear with you. Most snowboarding camps will provide everything you need to get geared up and hit those jumps.
The camps are in place to help you stay safe while enjoying yourself. It’s a great vacation, perfect for you by yourself or for your entire family. So, this year, instead of going somewhere tropical, try one of these camps. You’ll have the time of your life and you’ll likely want to return year after year.
Check around for the best deals and make sure that the people who run the camps are certified and are qualified to show you what to do and what not to do so that you come back in one piece. However, once you visit the camp, you’ll probably not want to leave as nearly everyone who attends says it was one of the best times they’ve ever had.
anonymous
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/snowboarding-camp-learn-the-ropes-from-the-pros-112057.html
Snowboard Antics w/ HeadCase Helmet Cam
Posted by admin on Oct 8, 2009
Extreme snowboard video, Helmet cam
Duration : 0:8:49
Snowboard Antics w/ HeadCase Helmet Cam
Posted by admin on Oct 8, 2009
Extreme snowboard video, Helmet cam
Duration : 0:8:49
When is the 09/10 snowboarding gear going to come out?
Posted by admin on Oct 2, 2009
I’m really anxious to get a new board since my last one is from the 06/07 season. I was wondering if anyone new what month all the new gear comes out in.
July/August. If you know a company rep or you know the people who work at your local shop, you could get hooked up real soon.
Snowboarding Vacation: Not Your Everyday Getaway
Posted by admin on Sep 29, 2009
When it comes to taking a vacation, most people choose to go somewhere tropical, such as Hawaii or the Bahamas. Not many people think of going where it’s cold. In fact, most people who live where it gets cold want anything but cold on their vacation. However, for your upcoming vacation, why not try something new? Why not try a snowboarding vacation. A snowboarding vacation can do wonders for shaking up your life when you need it the most. You can either purchase the equipment or rent it but one thing’s for sure, you’ll have the time of your life.
Check Travel Agencies
Check your local travel agency to see if they have any snowboarding vacation packages. With a snowboarding vacation package, you can get room, board and equipment for a great price. This kind of snowboarding vacation is perfect for taking the family when you just feel like getting away. It’s similar to a ski lodge only you’ll be snowboarding. If you’ve never tried snowboarding before, this is the perfect way to start. After all, there’s no sense in going out to buy all the equipment if you’ve never snowboarded before. Try a snowboarding vacation package and see if you like it first. With the popularity of snowboarding today, chances are, you’re going to love it.
If you’ve snowboarded before and are ready to go on your snowboarding vacation but don’t yet have the equipment, such as a snowboard and the proper clothing, try a ski and outdoor store. Places such as these will have everything you need to prepare you for your snowboarding vacation. You’ll want to wear all the gear as it’s meant to protect you not only from the elements but also from accidents which can occur while snowboarding.
Snowboarding is a lot of fun but it’s also dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. To start off, go easy. Don’t try to become a championship snowboarder your first time out. This means staying on the kiddy jumps in the beginning, even if you’re an adult. Showing off and trying to do too much too soon is only going to land you in the emergency room. I don’t know about you but the last place you want to end up on your snowboarding vacation is the ER, right? So, go easy and have fun, that’s what snowboarding is all about.
When you get better, then you can try the treacherous hills and jumps. So, grab your board, your gear and head out to the snow for your snowboarding vacation. Go by yourself or take the entire family. There’s plenty of fun to be had by all.
anonymous
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/snowboarding-vacation-not-your-everyday-getaway-113021.html
where can i buy some cheap snowboarding gear from end of season sales?
Posted by admin on Sep 28, 2009
since the end of season is near, where can i find some cheap gear? i dont care bout the brand and stuff, as long as its affordable. you guys know any websites? im looking to get board, boots, and bindings for under 200 altogether
Man, $200 is a pretty tight budget, I’d say impossible to get the "whole package" if you want good stuff even on major sales. My suggestions:
- Find a good friend that wants to get rid of a good extra/old board/bindings and offer him some money (and some favors);
- Check out these websites:
http://www.boardsforless.com
http://www.proboardshop.com/
http://snowboards-for-sale.com/burton_boots/
http://snowboards-for-sale.com/
http://www.usoutdoorstore.com/d_snowsports/snowboard-shop.htm
http://www.o2gearshop.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=1_24
- e-Bay?? ;
Now, you’re asking for website sugestions but to buy boots I’d tell you to go try them on before you buy.
Good Luck!
What is the best brand for snowboarding gear?
Posted by admin on Sep 11, 2009
My brother wants to start getting into snowboarding so I want to get him some stuff for christmas…price isn’t an issue I just want to be able to get him good quality stuff that functions well.
Burton is by far the best, but you pay for it.
Some other good ones are Ride, Salomon, Never Summer(good boards from what I’ve been hearing)
You may want to stay away from actually buying him a board/boots/bindings though. These are things that should be fitted for him and you wouldnt want to buy him something he’s just going to take back. Maybe talk with a local board shop and see if they can set you up with a package gift certificate so he can just come in and get fitted and sized for what he needs.
You may want to even look into a season rental program from a local shop too until he figures out his style of riding that he wants to do, then he can buy something designed closer to that style. Board lengths/brands/design are a MAJOR factor in this as well as his height/weight and a good fitting boot is just as important.
Other than that, some good cold weather clothing(preferably waterproof), some goggles too.
If he is just starting out, I HIGHLY recommend a helmet and some wrist guards and knee pads. Helmet in case he falls and smacks his head. But he WILL fall and he WILL fall on his knees and wrists. Don’t forget to protect them too. Don’t wait for an "I told ya so". I’m a big fan of the Burton/Red impact gloves ($100 pair)with the built in guards and the Burton/Red knee gaskets($100 pair. Although, they are getting harder to find. Pro-tec makes a viable runner up($20-35 pair), but if you can find the burton stuff, it IS worth the money.
Now that we know rick is a complete BONEHEAD……..
Why anyone would tell you not to get pads is beyond me. It doesn’t take a backflip to hurt yourself. All it takes is to catch one edge at a decent speed. Something a beginner WILL DO. Blown out knees and broken wrists aren’t the most common injury among boards b/c they don’t. The physics of the matter dont get much clearer. Not to mention it takes some of the pain out of learning (minor bumps and bruises)and puts the fun back into it. Yeah it’s snow, but it’s best friend is ICE. Which can be hard as concrete at times, especially on a groomed/packed snow base which you’ll find on about 90% of the slopes out there. Unless your brother plans to be a strict powder hound, get the pads. And definitly dont listen to knuckleheads like rick that dont put safety and well being first.
What equipment do I need for snowboarding( gear and clothes) and what the the prices?
Posted by admin on Sep 8, 2009
Im joining snowboarding club in my school where we go to mountain creek and Ive never snowboarded before so I have no idea what to get.
Can you list what I need? And about how much I`ll need to but all of it.
First, the stuff you can’t rent…
1.) Pants – make sure they are WATERPROOF…if you’ve never been, you will be on your knees & butt A LOT!! For a beginner, look for a pair around $40 – $80.
2.) Goggles – look for a pair with good venting and an anti-fog treatment. Foggy goggles suck. I wouldn’t pay less that about $50 – $60. Oakleys (I like the Oakley Crowbars) are more expensive, but are worth it in my opinion.
3.) Jacket – again, should be waterproof. The price varies, but a good one should cost about $80 – $120.
4.) Gloves – should be waterproof. A decent pair will run you about $30 – $50.
You will also need a board, bindings, boots and helmet (recommended), but you can rent all of those things at the hill. If you prefer to buy though…
1.) Board – a new beginners board will run you $150 – $300
2.) Boots – probably the most important part of your set-up. Uncomfortable boots will ruin your day. Buy them a little tight, they will pack out. A decent pair will run you $90 – $120.
3.) Bindings – lots of options…just make sure your boots have a nice fit in them. A decent set will cost $100 – $130.
4.) Helmet – not necessary, but it will give you more confidence as you learn. $30 – $60
Those are the basic items you’ll need. It can get pretty expensive if you buy everything at once. I’d recommend you rent your first season and buy new gear in the off-season (best deals and selection from about April – August) You can save a lot of money if you buy last season’s gear in the off-season, usually about %50 off. Some websites still have some good stuff available from last season: www.sierrasnowboard.com ; and www.porterstahoe.com are good sites to check and both have free shipping.
NOTE: I didn’t mention many brands because that really comes down to personal preference. Burton, K2, Capita, Salomon and Rome are good for your board, boots, bindings and clothing. Oakley, Smith and Anon (Burton) are good for your goggles. R.E.D. (Burton) and Giro make decent helmets.
