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DISCOVER
Sunday, October 29, 2000
Get outfitted for that first trip to the slopes
ELLIOTT SMITH, THE OLYMPIAN So, you're ready to become a snowboarder?
Before you tackle the slopes for a gnarly time, there is some essential gear to consider.
Stores like Olympia's Northwest Snowboards and The Alpine Experience carry nearly everything to get the beginner and the pro primed for the mountains, without completely breaking the bank.
"If someone needed everything when they were just getting started, roughly it would cost about $750 and gas money," said Northwest Snowboards' Bill Ryan.
Here are the essentials for any snowboard experience.
-BOARDS: It would be pretty hard to go snowboarding without the board, so there are plenty of options.
The quality of board depends on the core material found inside. The cheaper the core material, the faster it will break down and lose its flex.
In addition, finding the right size board is key.
"Make sure you have the right length and width for your body," Ryan said.
Board artwork also has taken off recently. The elaborate designs and colors help add to a board's character. Some of the top boardmakers are Burton and K2.
A basic board will start in the $250 range. A high end board can cost $500.
-BOOTS: According to snowboarderreview.com, boots are the most important equipment for snowboarders.
They suggest trying on the boots and taking a typical riding stance where the big toe of your back foot barely touches the heel of your front foot. In that stance, lean forward to check for heel lift. No heal lift means a boot that fits.
Liners are key. They provide ankle support and warmth.
-BINDINGS: They help keep your feet locked into the board during maneuvers and falls.
There are two basic kinds of bindings -- strap and step-in. When you buy boots, test the bindings in the store to determine which style is most comfortable.
"Make sure you get some with padding," Alpine's Alex Breiteneicher said.
Finding the right winter clothing also is a good idea, although most ski gear can be used for snowboarding.
Buying gear is a critical step, one that Breiteneicher said should not be taken lightly.
"When I first started, I used a pair of old work boots and my brother's old snowboard," she said. "Make sure you like snowboarding before you buy all the stuff." The Olympian Copyright 2000
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