How to Buy Your First Snowboard

No matter how good you are at snowboarding, you once started out as a rookie. This is designed to help those rookies buy a snowboard. I'm assuming that if you are ready to buy a snowboard that you have also tried snowboarding a few times, fell in love with it even though you had a bruised bum, tried out a few different boards, recognize your ability level and basically just want your own gear to thrash.

1. Do NOT buy a snowboard because the graphics are "pretty" or "sick" or "radical" or whatever term you choose to use. Just because you are in love with the designs doesn't mean it is a perfect match for you to shred on.

2. If you are a beginner or border line intermediate, you're going to want a softer board. It will help you to turn and get the whole feel of the motions you need to go to while keeping control.

3. Try to avoid going into a huge sporting goods store that has tons of discounted gear unless you know exactly what board you want and size you need. Usually, most of the sales people will try to get you on a board that doesn't match your needs or they don't really know the ins and outs of riding. Even if you don't have the money yet, go into your local shop and chat it up with the awesome sales associates. Most likely, they're working in a shop like that cause they love the sport, and want you to love it too.

4. Just because it is more expensive, doesn't mean its better for you at your level. For instance, the Vapor (a $999.95 board) will be super stiff and quick under you. You probably won't get the hang of the sport as quick as you would riding a softer, beginner-designed board like Burton's 'Clash."

5. Go to your local rental shop and try out some different boards. You'll notice what you like and what you don't like. Don't be scared to ask questions. I've been riding for yearrrrrrs now and I still ask questions about boards everyday.

Good luck and have fun. Come down to enclave and ask as many questions as you want. Go to the snowboard company's website and request catalogs. Talk to your friends. Surf the web and look at what people are riding and reviews on boards. If you're riding something you love and that helps you learn then you're going to love the sport. Just because you aren't riding the most expensive and trendy board doesn't mean you don't have the potential to get on those boards next season!