First Timers Guide for Snowboarders

Learning to snowboard is much easier when you have the right equipment and it is set up properly. When you stop in for rental equipment or purchase equipment at a Boyne Country Sports, set up is important to making that first day more enjoyable!

SNOWBOARDS...Set-up 101

A snowboard, boots and bindings are typically referred to as a “setup.” The purpose of this section is to provide you with the information you need to find your perfect setup.
HINTS
1) Try before you buy. Snowboarding is all about feel. It’ll take you a while to figure out your personal style, so rent, demo product and see what works for you.
2) Find a balance of quality and what you can afford, and you’ll be riding all season, skipping work and considering moving to the mountains for the winter. Go too cheap, and you might actually convince yourself skiing is more fun.
3) It’s ok to strap into your new setup and jump around the living room. We’ve all done it.

THE BURTON LTR BOARD
Burton’s board built specifically for beginners. The LTR board has an Ultra-soft torsional flex profile to help you initiate turns. It’s got deep sidecut to pull you into a natural carve, long transition zones for easy turns and a 3-degree edge bevel to prevent hard falls.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR BOARD
Want to feel comfortable walking into your local shop and picking out the perfect board? Arm yourself with knowledge. Read on, and you’ll know exactly how even the most experienced riders choose their sticks.

BOARD CHOICE RECAP
1) Your board should be as narrow as you can get away with for your boot size.
2) Standing on end, your board should come somewhere between your chest and your eyes, depending on your riding style.
3) You should flex the board, eyeball the core profile and keep in mind how the stiffness affects the overall ride.
4) Ok, NOW you can look at the graphics, because we spend a lot of time working on those, too.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR BOOTS
Since warm, comfortable feet are essential to having a good time on the hill (as well as skipping circles around those skiers in the resort parking lot), many riders consider boots to be the most important choice when building their setup. As a beginner, your boots will be easier to pick out than your board, because you already know what size to get. But don’t skimp here! Read on to find out how to keep your dogs from biting.
Quick Tips
1) Use discrimination when shopping for boots. Happy feet = happy snowboarders.
2) Pull out the liner and check quality.
3) 1:1 Lasting is good. It means that every whole and half size liner has a matching whole and half size boot shell.
4) Make sure your boots fit, and fit well. Strap in and jump around. Check for pressure points and heel lift. Comfort is key!

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR BINDINGS
Your bindings are the third component of your setup and, regardless of whether you choose traditional strap bindings or go with a step-in system (“SI”), serve as your connection to the board. They should do their part to create a seamless interface translating into comfortable, fluid control. Bindings are designed to be fully adjustable in order to complement a variety of boot shapes, flex and tightness preferences and stance options.
Quick Tips
1) Shop for bindings after you’ve chosen your boots. The fit of your binding directly relates to how the two components work together as an interface. Our boots and bindings love each other!
2) Features should help you dial in your fit. If they don’t, they shouldn’t be there.
3) Adjust your hi-back, straps and gas pedals. Nothing stands out in the lift-line to experienced riders more than improper

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR OUTERWEAR
Outerwear protects you from the elements and most importantly, keeps you on the hill longer.
Gloves & Mitts
Look for warmth, durability, waterproof fabrics, a good snow-seal at the wrist and enough dexterity to throw your buddies a shake.
Jacket & Pants
Finding outerwear with the right combination of waterproofing and breathability to keep you warm, dry and comfortable is key. Most riders prefer a technical shell with minimal bulk and add or subtract under layers, allowing the same jacket and pant to be used in varying conditions. However, if you get cold easily or ride in a perpetually frigid environment, look for full-time insulation.
Quick Tips
1) Choose your gloves based on warmth, durability and dexterity.
2) As a beginner, pants are your next priority. A waterproof and durable material is going to be what separates your butt and knees from the cold, wet snow.
3) Shop for outerwear based on waterproofing and breathability.
4) Save the insulation for your thermal and first layers.