Shred Betty

When I started snowboarding, I spent most of the time where most people do--on my butt. Now, after a full year on the mountain, I still end up there sometimes, but the mountain air, the wind through my helmet, and the views from the top more than make up for it. After its start in the 1980s, snowboarding has rocketed up the charts and is now enjoyed by folks of all ages. Most resorts have opened their lifts to snowboarders, and now provide rentals and instruction, as well as terrain parks and half pipes for the adventurous. To start from the beginning, there are three components to basic snowboarding equipment: the board, boots, and binding. Snowboards come in lengths ranging from 90cm (little shredders) to 180cm (the big ones). When starting out, your snowboard should hit between your chin and your nose when standing on its tail. Your length preference will change as you become more experienced. The bindings serve as the connection between you and the board. These days, there are two general types: strap bindings and step-ins. Strap bindings connect boots to the board by ratcheting plastic staps across the top of the boot. Step-in bindings involve connection from the base of the boot to a binding attached to the board. Riders of each type often voice their preference (rather loudly), but try several kinds to see what you like. Companies such as Burton (http://www.burton.com/), and K2 (http://www.k2snowboards.com/) have both types of systems, while Switch/Vans offers a side-to-side step-in system (http://www.vans.com). You need to find a boot/binding system that is compatible--and the best way to do this is to find the boots that fit you best, and then go with that system. Good boot fit is--to me--the number one way to happiness on the slopes. Most resorts offer a package for beginners that includes lessons, rentals, and a lift ticket. This can often be the best deal on the mountain--Alpine Meadows, in Lake Tahoe, has a learn-to-snowboard package for $56, compared to a $52 all-mountain lift ticket (http://www.skialpine.com). This season, a number of Tahoe resorts had a free weekend for first-time snowboarders. Check with resorts near you to see what services they offer for new snowboarders. For an intensive, all-women's experience, call Wild Women Snowboard Camps (1-800-SHE-RIPS). Week-long camps are offered in California and Colorado for women of all skill levels. And if you just can't get enough of winter, there are several summer snowboarding camps. Mt. Hood has several camps that run under the sun (http://www.snowboardcamp,com/, http://www,windells.com), while you can cross the boarder for some new skills at Whistler's summer camp (http://whistlersnowboardcamp.com/).

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic