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What should you think about when you first start snowboarding?

Maybe you have always dreamed of it and now you can make that dream come true! You are finally going on your first winter sports trip and you prefer to do so with a snowboard instead of a set of skis. But how do you make sure you are still confident enough at the top of that mountain to get down safely? Read it in this blog!

Take a beginner's class

One of the best tips for beginner snowboarders is to take lessons. It may not sound very appealing, but taking a beginner's snowboarding lesson is the best way to master the basics of snowboarding. After all, snowboarding for the first time is not as easy as it seems. In your first lessons, you will learn the basics of snowboarding. One of the most important things to keep in mind as a beginner snowboarder is that your body follows your head. So always look where you want to go and your body will follow automatically.

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What clothes do you need for winter sports?

Choose warm, waterproof clothing and think of protection! As a beginner, it is important that your clothes keep you dry and warm. Therefore, work in your clothing with a 3-layer system:

Layer 1: Start with a base layer of merino wool or thermal underwear. This layer keeps you warm, but also allows excess heat and moisture to escape.

Layer 2: As an intermediate layer, wear a thin ski sweater or down jacket. Is it very cold? Then choose two garments for this layer.

Layer 3: For the outer layer, choose a waterproof winter sports jacket and ski or snowboard trousers.

Do you get too hot? Then easily take off a layer. This will keep you well insulated, but not overheated.

Tip: Do not wear a cotton base layer. This absorbs moisture instead of wicking it away.

Want to avoid blue bottoms too? Then wear crashpants, which are trousers with pads that protect you when you fall. You wear these trousers under your snowboard clothing. Knee pads are also recommended to put on when snowboarding.

Summary: What do you need in terms of clothing and equipment

Your 3-layer system. If it is very cold, opt for thermal underwear as well. Otherwise, only a good pair of snowboard trousers will suffice. If you are just starting out in snowboarding, you will still be sitting (or lying down) a lot, so high waterproof clothing is very important. Choose trousers with a water column of at least 10,000 mm.
A well-fitting helmet and goggles
Warm and supportive ski socks. When choosing socks, it doesn't really matter whether you go skiing or snowboarding. You want warm, durable and comfortable socks in both cases
Insulated and waterproof gloves or mittens. For snowboarders, there are special gloves with extra protection for your wrists, as they will take some knocks
Possibly a buff or scarf
Snowboard boots in the right size
A snowboard. For this, it is important that your bindings are properly adjusted to your style and level.
Optional: back or knee protection. Crashpants are also a good option to protect your buttocks and tailbone

Rent or buy winter sports equipment?

If you are going on a winter sports trip for the first time, you don't yet know if this is something for you. Therefore, it is not practical to spend a lot of money on new clothes and materials right away. You can also rent a snowboard and shoes at your destination. The advantage is that if you get the wrong model, you can simply go back to the rental to test a new pair. Of course, gloves, a helmet and socks are nice to buy. You might be able to borrow a jacket and trousers from someone. Are you sure there will be more holidays to come? Then we definitely recommend investing in good clothing of your own.

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