You have the option to rent a snowboard and boots at camp and we will have a Leedom helmet available for you to use. Nevertheless, you will need proper clothing at camp and might want to own your own snowboard equipment as well. We hope you find the following information useful.

Where should you purchase your gear?: You can purchase the following gear either at a retail store or online. With boots, it is important to know how they fit and we recommend you try them on in a store. When choosing a store, you should visit a higher-end athletics store or specialty ski/snowboard shop that has a knowledgeable staff and a reputable line of equipment. If you know a brand and style of a product you like, you can often purchase equipment online with less hassle and at a lower cost. Be sure to understand the return policy and only choose a reputable online retailer. We recommend backcountry.com , where you will receive 10% off any purchases just for coming from Zephyr Camp Snowboard's site, by clicking on this link.

Snowboard: For someone who is just getting started a shorter board is a good choice. A short board might stand between your shoulders and your chin when held up next to you. However, the learning curve is steep and you will soon be riding comfortably with greater speeds and more confidence. This increased ability may leave you wanting a slightly longer board. Also, some advanced riders prefer shorter boards for doing tricks.

A medium sized snowboard should stand somewhere between your chin and nose and is a great choice for the snowboarder who wants to ride all over the mountain and in varying terrain. This length is great for just about anything, including learning. A long board should stand taller than eye-level and is built for high-speed carving, big mountain terrain and deep powder. The longer boards’ edges hold well at high speeds and the larger surface area keeps a rider on top of the powder. However, these boards are more difficult to turn at slower speeds and are harder for beginners.

Snowboard width is something to consider as well. Riders with larger feet, say size 11 or larger, may want to consider looking into a wider board. When you stand on the board, you want to avoid having your heel or your toes hanging over the edge, as this can really be “a drag”.

Boots and Bindings: There are two different types of boots and bindings to consider: strap-in (where you latch straps around your boot) and step-in (where you click your boot into the binding). The strap-in binding and boot system offers comfort and easy adjustability. In selecting such a boot, comfort and performance are your main considerations. Be sure your heel doesn’t rise when you lean forward in your boot. Look for boots that offer a liner boot or internal lacing, as these can help keep your foot comfortable and in place. When purchasing the boots and bindings, make sure you either purchase them together or bring one to the store when you purchase the other, as some boots work better with certain bindings.

The main advantage to the step-in binding and boot system is convenience in taking your board off and on, as you can click in while standing up. These systems must be purchased as a unit as not all step-in boots will fit all step-in bindings. Step-in boots are stiffer and more similar to ski boots than boots with strap-in bindings. Comfort is the key and, again, look for internal lacing systems to help keep your foot in place. Be sure to consider the mechanism that locks your boot to the board. Look for minimal moving parts and be sure snow isn’t going to get packed into it, therefore making it harder for you to step in.

Helmets: We strongly encourage the use of a helmet for your own safety while snowboarding. A helmet is often more comfortable than a hat and with proper venting it can be just as warm or cool. The fit should be snug but not tight and can be adjusted once you have the proper helmet size. We have partnered with a leader in the ski and snowboard helmet industry, Leedom Helmets, and encourage you to visit their website to learn more about your options. Registered Zephyr Camp Snowboard students will have the opportunity to receive a significant discount on their helmet purchase in advance of their scheduled camp. In addition, helmets will be provided for each student at camp to assure your safety and to offer you a chance to try a helmet out if you have not already purchased one.

Goggles: Goggles should not only protect your eyes from the sun, wind and snow but they should look and feel good as well. There are many options out there but there are a few things to keep in mind. Look for good ventilation and be sure you can replace your lenses if they are scratched or damaged. Also, make sure your goggles will fit into your helmet! Look for a good everyday lens that is not too dark for those overcast days or too light for the blue-sky days. Sunglasses, while protecting your eyes from the sun, are not a replacement for goggles that protect your eyes from the sun, flying snow, and blowing winds.

Pants and Jackets: While looks are important, you do want to keep a few other things in mind when purchasing outerwear. First, your jacket should have good ventilation and be waterproof or, at minimum, water resistant. Second, the jacket must both allow for freedom of movement and, ideally, hang down over your tailbone, as you will definitely be sitting down on the snow when learning to snowboard. A hood is nice and, if you choose to have one, be sure it will fit over your helmet. When trying on a jacket we suggest you twist, touch your toes, and even sit on the ground to see how it fits.

Your pants should be at least three sizes larger than any other pant you might wear if you want to look hip! No, seriously, again there are several considerations. You will be bending over, stretching and getting up a lot, so look for a pant that fits well when you do these movements. Your pants, too, should be waterproof and, while breathable isn’t as important as for your jacket, a well-ventilated pant can be more comfortable. You can even purchase snowboard pants with padding in the rear, not a bad idea when you are starting out!

Mittens or Gloves: Mittens are generally warmer than gloves. There are no poles to carry so the need to use your fingers independently is less important than in skiing. However, you will need to work with your bindings and so if you do choose mittens find a pair that fit well. You will be using your hands to push up off the ground and therefore a hard exterior is important. The exterior should shed water and snow and not attract it. Your gloves or mittens should be able to be tucked into your jacket sleeve or pulled over the sleeve cuff to avoid sleeves filled with snow.

Wrist Guards: We encourage you to also consider purchasing wrist guards. There are a few different brands of wrist guards available but, in general, they can be divided into those that fit inside your gloves or those that are worn outside. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Another possibility is to purchase a pair of gloves or mittens that have the guard built in. This way, you are sure to always have the guards on.