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Here are some answers to questions you might have. If you would like any further advice then just send us an email.
Are there any decent snowboard books offering good technical advice?
- Check out 'Go Snowboard' by Neil McNab, published autumn 2006. Neil is ex-British snowboard champion, founder of the McNab Snowboarding and chief trainer to the British Association of Snowboard
Instructors. Mint snowboard instructor, Tammy, worked alongside Neil to do the demonstrations in the book and accompanying DVD. The book provides step-by-step coaching for beginners and introduces a new pressure control system that Neil has developed to improve technique in higher level riders. The DVD uses a great combination of live-action freeze-frame graphics and slow-motion sequences. Copies available from Dorling Kindersley.
Am I goofy or regular?
- If you already skateboard, wakeboard or surf then you will already know which is more natural for you. If not then whether you should have your left or right foot forwards can be determined by various methods. For example, the foot you would naturally kick a football with will be the leading foot on your snowboard. Another way is to get someone give you a surprise shove from behind - whichever foot you step forward with to catch your balance is the foot that goes in front when you snowboard.
Do I need protective gear?
- Having a few falls is part of learning to snowboard. Although having instruction will minimise this dramatically we still recommend the use of helmets and wrist guards, especially for beginners and those learning freestyle.
What size snowboard do I need?
- To find the correct length for you, start by comparing it to your height. A short board will come up somewhere between your collar bones and chin. Generally the shorter the board the easier it is to turn, thus making short boards great to learn on and also preferred by riders who do a lot of freestyle riding. A longer board, which is more stable but harder to turn, is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders who ride a variety of terrain, such as piste, off piste and freestyle.
- Riders who are heavy for their height should look for boards that have a stiffer flex and likewise lighter riders will need boards with a softer flex. Board width also varies for riders with particularly large or small feet.
- These are general guidelines, but personal preference can also strongly sway your decision of what length board is best for you.
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