Im trying to take up snowboarding?

Question

what are some good tips ill need to know ... and what brands are good and cheep?

Answer 1

If you haven't taken a lesson from a certified instructor, you should hook yourself up with one.  You can learn how without lessons, but your form and technique can be improved so that you progress with a good basis for future success with the lessons.  

In general, ride with flexed knees and a straight back.  When you are going straigh, your shoulders should be in the same line as the board (not twisted).    

Good brands: Nitro, Option, Rome, Ride, Sapient, Gnu, LibTech, the list goes on...  This time of the season (in North America) the end-of-season clearance sales are starting.  You can get a great deal on an excellent board.

I remember the excitement of getting my first board.  Have fun!

Answer 2

Good luck to you!  It is my second season riding and I love it.  I was not the quickest learner but now that I can hold my own every bruise was worth it!

One thing about buying right away: I took my kid brothers advice and did not buy a board the first year.  It was tough because they are so cool... but realistically you don't know what to look for or what your potential issues are until you have been riding for a few months.

I rented several brands and was able to try different boards/boots/etc.  When I finally went to purchase before this season I was able to get an awesome set up and knew what issues to look out for (ie- for me, my ankles slip in a lot of boots.  Burton has a narrower ankle and my boots NEVER slip now).  Had I purchased at the beginning, I would be looking for new boots already.  

So I know it is going to be hard to wait, but it may be worth it in the end.  =)

Answer 3

one of the best tips i give people is to keep their knees bent, stiff legs cause the most falls in the early stages of boarding. for your gear, it really depends on what style of riding you want to do. and since your new, you might not know. so like the other person said, go to a shop and they will help you get a set up that will work for your height and everything else. if you want to carve the mountain and just ride, you will probably want a stiff board that is longer than normal boards. but anyways, like i said, knees bent and go to a shop and they'll hook you up. good luck on the mountain!

Answer 4

Good for you, snowboarding kicks A**!!!  I can't honestly provide much info though, I've only been 3 times so far.  But if you go to your nearest boarding or sports shop the guy in that section of the store should be able to help.  Practice is the biggest thing though I would immagine

Answer 5

One word.  Lobotomy.

*Ducks for cover*