3 Beginner Snowboard Gear Problems

In the video by SnowboardProCamp titled “3 Beginner Snowboard Gear Problems,” Kevin shares his top gear picks and discusses the three biggest problems that beginner snowboarders often encounter with their gear. First, he emphasizes the importance of having a waxed snowboard to ensure smooth sliding on the snow, especially for second-hand boards that may need waxing. The second problem he mentions is the lack of waterproof gear, which can lead to discomfort and dampness when sitting or pushing oneself up on the snow. Kevin recommends using waterproofing spray on jackets, pants, and gloves to stay dry. Finally, he highlights the significance of having the proper snowboard stance, explaining how the ideal width and angle of bindings can greatly affect learning and progress. If viewers have any questions or need further guidance, they are encouraged to leave comments.

In this helpful and informative video, Kevin from Snowboardprocamp addresses three common issues that beginner snowboarders face with their gear. With a conversational tone and his own personal experience, he discusses the importance of waxing one’s snowboard, having waterproof gear, and setting up the proper stance on the board. By offering practical solutions and tips, Kevin aims to help new snowboarders have a successful and enjoyable experience on the slopes.

Problem 1: Not having your snowboard waxed

One of the most common problems that beginners face is not having their snowboard waxed. Having a waxed snowboard is crucial because it allows the board to slide smoothly on the snow. Without wax, the board can stick to the snow, making it extremely difficult to learn how to ride.

New snowboards usually come with wax already applied, but secondhand snowboards may not have been waxed recently. If you’ve purchased a secondhand board, it’s important to get it waxed before hitting the slopes. You have two options for waxing your snowboard: taking it to a shop or doing it yourself.

Taking your snowboard to a shop is the easiest and most convenient option. Professional technicians at the shop will have the necessary tools and knowledge to give your board a proper waxing. They will apply a layer of wax to your board, heat it with a heated iron, and then scrape off any excess wax. This process ensures that your snowboard is coated evenly and ready for optimal performance on the snow.

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can choose to wax your snowboard yourself. This option requires purchasing wax, a waxing iron, and a plastic scraper. You will also need to clean the base of your snowboard with a base cleaner to remove any dirt or debris. After cleaning, follow the instructions on the wax packaging to apply an even layer of wax to the base of your snowboard using the heated iron. Once the wax has cooled, use the plastic scraper to remove any excess wax. Make sure to read up on proper waxing techniques and safety precautions before attempting to wax your snowboard yourself.

No matter which option you choose, it’s essential to ensure that your snowboard is properly waxed. A well-waxed board will slide smoothly on the snow, making your learning experience much more enjoyable and successful.

Problem 2: Gear not being waterproof

Another common problem that beginner snowboarders face is having gear that is not waterproof. This can lead to discomfort and a miserable experience on the mountain. As a beginner, you’ll likely spend a lot of time sitting in the snow and pushing yourself up, which can easily make you wet if your gear is not waterproof.

Waterproofing is especially important for secondhand gear because the original waterproofing can wear off over time. To solve this problem, you can use waterproofing spray on your jacket, pants, and gloves. Waterproofing spray creates a protective barrier that repels water, keeping you dry and warm throughout the day.

When using waterproofing spray, pay extra attention to the areas of your gear that are most likely to get wet. For jackets, focus on the shoulders and sleeves, as these areas are more exposed to snow. For pants, spray the front of the thighs, as sitting on the chairlift can cause snow to build up in that area. If you’re a beginner, you’ll likely spend a significant amount of time sitting and falling in the snow, so don’t forget to spray the back of your pants as well.

In addition to waterproofing your outerwear, it’s crucial to have waterproof gloves or mitts on your first day. Wet hands can quickly make your entire body feel cold, so make sure to give your gloves a good spray with the waterproofing spray if needed.

By ensuring that your gear is waterproof, you’ll be able to stay dry and comfortable on the mountain, allowing you to fully enjoy your snowboarding experience.

Problem 3: Improper snowboard stance

One of the biggest obstacles beginners face when learning to snowboard is an improper stance setup. Having the correct stance is essential for a successful first day on the slopes.

If your bindings are too narrow or too wide, it can make learning to snowboard extremely difficult. The ideal setup for your bindings is to have them slightly wider than shoulder width apart. This wider stance provides stability and balance, making it easier for beginners to control their snowboard.

Another important aspect of the snowboard stance is the angle of your bindings. Many beginners find success with a duck stance, where the angles on the front and back bindings are set to +13 and -13, respectively. This duck stance allows for a more natural and comfortable riding position.

Lastly, it’s important to set your bindings slightly back towards the tail of the snowboard. This setup is beneficial for making those first turns easier because having a smaller tail and a bigger nose on your board allows it to slide around more smoothly.

To find the right stance setup for you, it’s best to explore different options and see what feels the most comfortable and natural. Make sure to test out your bindings with your boots to ensure that they provide a snug and secure fit.

Properly setting up your snowboard stance will give you a solid foundation for learning and progressing in the sport. It will make your first day on the mountain much more enjoyable and allow for faster progress in your snowboarding journey.

Conclusion

As a beginner snowboarder, it’s crucial to pay attention to your gear setup to ensure a smooth and enjoyable learning experience. The three most common problems beginners face with their gear are not having their snowboard waxed, having gear that is not waterproof, and having an improper snowboard stance.

To solve these problems, it’s important to either have your snowboard professionally waxed or wax it yourself. Always make sure your gear is waterproof by using waterproofing spray on your jacket, pants, and gloves. Lastly, setup your snowboard stance properly with a slightly wider than shoulder-width stance, a duck stance for the binding angles, and a slight setback towards the tail of your board.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to have a smoother learning experience on your snowboard and make faster progress in your skills. Enjoy the snow and have fun on the mountain!