If you’re a snowboarder, you’ll understand what we mean when we say that it’s not just a sport – it’s a lifestyle. When you get the chance to have a taste of what it feels like to strap yourself into your board, fitted out with the steeziest gear on the mountain, and shredding down the slopes doing some unreal lines, there’s no feeling quite like it. It’s a bit like the travel bug, once you catch it, you’ll struggle to experience that freedom and thrill from anything else. And if you haven’t yet had a chance to try your hand at snowboarding, take this as your sign to commit to giving it a go. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
So whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned snowboarding pro, having something to refer to when coming back from a break is always helpful. Even if you’ve done too many winter snowboarding seasons to count, a few months off can leave you feeling a bit lost when it’s time to get back on the horse (well, the board). To make the transition back to mountain life a little easier, we’ve put together our latest blog, Gearing Up for Powder Days: A Snowboarder's Guide. In it, we’ll cover everything from what to wear when snowboarding to how to go into a day of shredding with confidence.
Plus, if you’re stuck on what gear you need for snowboarding and you don’t want to hire it, we’ll also throw in some of our best selling products for snowboarding here at Powster. Like the Pulsar Pro SPXTRA™ Bonus Lens Ski Goggles which come with a bonus lens and all the features that make our goggles such a fan favorite.
Dress for Winter
If there’s one thing that’s for sure, it’s that there’s absolutely nothing worse than getting through a day of snowboarding when you’re cold and wet. If you want to be able to nail those lines and tricks, it’s not going to be done overnight. Which is why you need the right winter clothing for the conditions in order to last a whole day on the mountain.
The best place to start is from the bottom layer with the essentials – cozy leggings or track pants, a thermal long or short-sleeved top, and arguably most importantly, a pair of seriously warm socks. There is nothing worse than having wet feet! Depending on how susceptible you are to feeling the chill, put on as many of these layers as you think you’ll need.
Then come the mid-layers. We recommend wearing a jacket or vest made out of down material because it’s hands down one of the most insulating choices for a mid-layer. However, if your mid-layer becomes damp, it is not the greatest choice for preserving warmth. Your other option is synthetic material, which may not provide the same level of warmth, but it does offer resistance against the elements even when wet.
Next on the list of layers are the big guns – your waterproof and breathable outer layers. The main purpose of these is that they will keep you sheltered from the elements and looking better than ever when you’re out there doing it. Made from the most weather-resistant of materials, our Powster pants and bibs are designed to tackle the harshest of winter conditions by keeping you warm and dry all day long. No matter how many times you face plant, catch the edge of your board, or find that pizza stance takes you to places you never wanted to go to, rest assured, your lower body will be kept snug throughout.
More so now than ever we’re seeing riders sporting matching ski jackets and ski pants – and let’s just say, we’re here for it. So much so that we’ve come up with our latest line of snow jackets dubbed the SsS Collection. Some of our most breathable, waterproof jacket products yet, these bad boys are designed for the ultimate snow enthusiasts. Jackets like the Vanguard Ski Jacket Thermal Insulation Mountains Pink and Black are made for rugged performance and to withstand every possible weather condition. Our POW-TEX PRO technology is durable and lightweight and comes with two long backpack-compatible zippers on each side to provide full versatility for all kinds of back-country missions.
Get the Right Gear
Having badly fitted boots or a non-waxed snowboard is going to really put a damper on your snowboarding trip. By not using or investing in high-quality snowboarding gear, you’re a lot more likely to run into problems when you’re taking on the slopes. We know, the reality is that being in love with this sport can be an expensive hobby – but by researching and purchasing proper snowboarding equipment, it really will make all the difference.
If it’s your first time trying out snowboarding, you might just want to purchase a pair of goggles or a jacket to get you started – there’s nothing wrong with hiring the rest of the gear before you know if you’re going to be snowboarding long-term. Most resorts, if not all, will have their very own rental businesses where you can get some decent gear and be fitted by professionals. From snowboards to helmets, goggles, jackets, and boots – they’ll be sure to have everything you need.
Adjust Your Mindset
Mindset plays a huge role in how successful your snowboarding trip is going to be. If you prefer to spend your holidays tanning on the beach in scorching heat, snowboarding may not be for you. But you never know until you try! The reality is, life on the mountain is cold, it is wet, and it is challenging. It takes time to learn a new skill, so having the patience with yourself to learn and grow as you go is what will help you improve your snowboarding skills. And in turn, really enjoy the process.
If you go into it with a kind of mindset that is negative, you’re going to leave the mountain feeling disappointed. Expect to fall over constantly, even the greatest snowboarding athletes fall over. It’s part of learning, and once you accept it, you’ll get better each and every time you pick yourself back up again to have another crack at it. It may sound cliche, but a positive attitude makes all the difference!
Prepare Your Body
Snowboarding is anything but a walk in the park. It’s demanding both mentally and physically – which is why it’s crucial to be in a relatively fit state before getting on the mountain. You don’t need to be a crossfit champion to take on the slopes, but it takes a fair bit of energy to walk up and down the mountain. Not to mention, falling and getting back up again, and keeping up with the pressure of the cardio that comes with snowboarding.
Anyone with a relatively active lifestyle and minimal injuries is going to cope pretty well, but if you do struggle to get up and down a few sets of stairs – you might want to either reconsider your trip or start with some light training. Booking in with a physio or personal trainer is a great way to learn the basics and build muscle in a way that supports you best while snowboarding.
You wouldn’t believe the amount of strength training athletes require to get in shape for a snowboarding season. They train for months in advance and rarely take time off because being physically fit is so key to how well they perform on game day.
Take It to the Slopes
We know this season in particular has burdened us with some long wait times for proper snow. But with temperatures really starting to drop, we’re seeing more and more snowboarders getting out there and getting stuck into some fresh pow. We love to see it, whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, snowboarding at all levels is such an awesome activity to add to your winter must-do list. But if you do find yourself forgetting the basics, use this snowboarder’s guide as a handy recap. From what to wear to how to get mountain ready a few months ahead of time, these pointers will give you everything you need to know to make the most of those unbeatable powder days.
