Florida Sports

Posts Tagged ‘Choose’

Article by Issac Francis

Purchasing a snowboard could be a serious investment. Just like important buys, plenty of investigating should be done well before throwing out your hard earned dollars to ensure that you’re obtaining the most desirable board available. Keep reading to find out regarding the types of snowboards, the best ways to learn what size snowboard is the most suitable, and when the right time to purchase is.( Snowboards for Sale )Decide on Your Riding StyleThe type of riding you decide to do need to be the greatest influence on the type of snowboard you get. The biggest difference, equipment-wise, is found between Freestyle/All-Mountain riding and also the race disciplines. Competition gear, also called Alpine gear is comprised of hard-boots which is closely resemble ski boots, and as well longer, stiff-flexing directional boards and distinct bindings. If you aren’t an advanced intermediate or higher, you should try to get freestyle/all-mountain gear, featuring softer bending boards, soft boots, and either strap-in or step-in bindings. ( Snowboards for Sale )Snowboard DisciplinesHow Long Must My Snowboard Be?All snowboards are size in centimeters from tip to tail, with the last two numbers normally included in the board’s brand (so a Burton Custom 56 would be 156cm tall). ( Snowboards for Sale )First timers and freestyle riders most commonly search for shorter snowboards to enable them to control quicker – between the collarbone and chin is an excellent length. All-mountain riders tend to opt for a slightly lengthier snowboard, measuring in between your chin and the nose. ( Snowboards for Sale )Riders that commit to almost all of their time in the riding big mountain terrain and deep powder want to look for a bigger board, sometimes measuring between your nose to several inches across the forehead.How Wide Should My Snowboard Be?The final element in figuring out the best measurements snowboard would be the width. Standing on top of a properly sized board, your feet really should expand pretty much entirely across the board. Too much distance between your feet and the edges makes it difficult to add pressure to help get the board to turn, while having your toes and/or heels overhanging the sides of the snowboard ends up with drag that can cause accidental falls. Luckily for riders with bigger feet, a number of makers produce their snowboards in both regular and wide designs. ( Snowboards for Sale )How Stiff Should My Snowboard Be?The stiffness of a snowboard affects both how easy it can be to turn as well as how good it’ll handle an edge on hard snow. Freestyle snowboards are often gentler compared to all-mountain snowboards, due to the freestyler’s must make minute improvements when executing tricks. Novices ought to use the softest board which can suit their height and weight. More advanced snowboarders mostly use stiffer boards for harder snow (typically found in the eastern U.S.) and just a little softer boards for powder (normally located in the western U.S.). ( Snowboards for Sale )Do Images Matter?No. The most suitable snowboard for yourself is the perfect snowboard for you, it does not matter what’s decorating the topsheet.

Article by Brian

Your snowboard size has a big effect on your snowboarding experience. A snowboarder needs to consider the following factors when choosing a snowboard length: height, weight, gender, terrain and skill level.

All these factors can be calculated using the snowboard sizing calculator on our website, visit the link at the end of this article!

To better understand the factors in your snowboard sizing choice, you need to learn the important elements of snowboard technology. Below is an outline of each key part of a snowboard and how it can best fit your riding style.

Camber & RockerSnowboards camber is the amount of space below the arch of a snowboard when laid on a flat surface with its weight on the nose and tail. In most new boards you want a slightly springy camber, which helps stabilize the board at higher speeds and makes it easier to carve. Reverse camber, also known as “Rocker” models are now available which arch in the opposite direction and allow for more pop on ollies. The reverse camber technology is mostly found in snowboards made for tricks and terrain park riding.

Side-cut RadiusThis is the measurement of how deeply or shallow the snowboards cut is from the nose end to the middle of a board. A board with a larger side-cut will make big arching turns.The smaller the side-cut radius the tighter you will be able to turn.

Waist WidthThe waist is the narrowest point of the snowboard. This is the middle, located between the bindings. Waist width of a snowboard should be wider then the size of your snowboard boots. If you snowboard it too narrow for you boot size then your toes or heels may hang over the edge and cause you to loose control of the snowboard.

Effective EdgeThe snowboards effective edge is the length of the metal edge that contacts the snow. This does not include the edge of the tip or tail. The effective edge completely touches the snow when the board is in a carved turn. A smaller effective edge produces a touchy, and more easily turn-able snowboard, while a longer effective edge produces a more stable, and controllable snowboard.

Base & DeckA snowboards base is the side where you apply wax to make if slide quicker on the snow. Typically snowboard bases are constructed from a polyethylene called P-Tex. The deck of the board is where the bindings are mounted and the snowboarder stands. The deck includes mounting holes where the bindings can be attached and adjusted for different angled stances.

LengthOverall length is measured from the tip of the board to the tail and is generally expressed in Centimeters (cm). Shorter snowboards are recommended for terrain parks and long snowboards for big mountain and powder riding.

During a ski holiday, don’t catch a cold, catch a warm ski lodge instead.

The Italian slopes are also a great alternative if you enjoy skiing. And like a wise traveller, you must also book an accommodation in advance to better maximize your time in the Italian slopes.

Skiing Italy is almost certainly the option of those in search of winter vacations with sun and fashion but often unnoticed as a ski holiday location versus neighbouring France, Switzerland and Austria. Italy comes with fantastic ski areas, idyllic alpine communities and upmarket skiing. To put it accurately the Dolomites Superski spot offers probably the most runs of any sector anywhere in Europe. Ski housing in Italy is customary, comfortable and sometimes in conventional village residences or some great early hotel. Primarily, ski lodging in Italy is tremendous value. Discover what makes ski housing in Italy special.

Travel around

Airline flight times are a little longer contrary to other Alpine locations. Milan, Turin and Bergamo can be contacted within just two hours, Venice and Brescia take a little longer. Even so transfer mileage to most ski resorts to help you still get through to your ski accommodation in under 5 – 6 hours from the UK. Ski transfer companies are readily accessible at all air terminals. Most often (if you don’t drive to Courmayeur), driving a car will be a less helpful option. Car route times is often as long as 14 – 16 hours based upon your ski vacation destination in Italy.

Ski Housing in Italy

Italy happens to be identified for great catered accommodation and fine foodstuff. In Italy there’s a simple good mixture of hotels and ski chalets and several living spaces. You will discover minimal purpose-build blocks and discover mostly demand a small stroll or a ski bus to go to ski lift and ski slopes. Italy is also endowed with awesome historic hotels, many boasting substantial terraces that you can like your lunch or après-ski under the sun. Many of the so-called Pensions (larger B&Bs) recently improved to hotel standard, adding fitness services along the way. Catered ski lodging in Italy quite often comes with impressive cooking. Italian cuisine and in particular the various pasta meals are the ultimate skiing diet.

Skiing

There are several well known ski areas in Italy and many very large interconnected ski areas like the Milky Way composed of Cesana, Claviere, Sansicario, Sauze d’Oulx and Sestriere and presenting 400km of piste. The Dolomites Super Ski Area comprising Selva Val Gardena, Val Di Fassa, Folgarida, Madonna di Campiglio, Alta Badia, Arraba, Alleghe and Cortina has more than 1200 kms of pistes, but not all interlinked. Regardless of whether you’re a skiing newbie or a professional skier, you will in all probability acquire slopes to cater for your needs.

Ski Housing Expense

Ski accommodation in Italy is usually good value and mostly more cost effective than neighbouring France, Austria and Switzerland. Very cheap cost preference is frequently other possible traditional exclusive B&Bs and Pensions delivering half-board deals. Eating out is not high-priced and fine Italian food is easily available in many of the conventional eateries and mountain refuges. If you have dinner out at night you will need to budget £15 for dinner, £4 for a pint and £2 for a soft drink.

Find to find your ski lodging in Italy. You finalize on single, quick request form, Your requirement is contributed with all appropriate and signed up ski accommodation companies. Managers can send a quote and you may select the one which may match you. Even if it is not ski housing in Italy.

There are other ski destinations indeed, but to ski in Italy and to savour the food and ambiance of the country is more than enough to give the Italian slopes a try.

When you acquire hockey equipment, whether it’s meant for you, a child of yours or a different family member, you want to make sure that you’re acquiring all that you need and that it will be trustworthy and well built. It isn’t essential for you to spend the highest amount for gear on the market, although it should be good enough to provide ample protection, and well matched to the size, ability and style of the player. To assist you in seeking out the hockey equipment that will fulfill your requirements, we’ve come up a list of guidelines to follow when you shop.

When you think about the kinds of impacts you are subjected to in hockey it becomes easy to see why protecting not only the head but also the teeth and tongue is so important. Think about the current rates incurred by you at the dentist if you think chipping or losing a tooth is no big deal. A mouth guard also helps protect from jarring your skull and brain as many don’t realize. Mouth guards are custom fit by dropping them in boiling water and molding them to your mouth. Another piece of gear you shouldn’t ever be without is hockey tape. You may need tape to fasten your hockey socks to your shin guards or to tape your stick. Taping the top of your stick enables you to have a stronger grip. As you might guess this can make a large difference in the heat of a game. Blade taping can give you a bit of an edge over the competition when it comes to moving the puck down the ice. In short, hockey tape is a simple and inexpensive part of your hockey arsenal that can come in handy in many situations, so it’s something you should always have in stock.

Hockey gloves may not be the first thing that you think of when picking out hockey equipment, yet they are something every player should have. While goalies need distinctive gloves for their position, it is critical to keep your hands protected, regardless of the position you play. Aside from protecting you from direct hits from flying pucks, it’s good to wear gloves simply because hockey is a cold weather game and you don’t want your hands to get cold and chapped when playing. You want to locate hockey gloves that fit adequately, and that will make it possible for you to have a solid clasp on your stick. When you are just beginning to shop for hockey stuff, you will no doubt realize just how many different things you will need. You’ll want to be fully protected from head to which makes it a great idea to make lists to be sure you haven’t missed anything. This article has covered a few helpful hints for picking hockey equipment that is right for you.

Have you been in the market for a hockey equipment bag? The game of hockey is loved by millions across the world, and every single individual has the same issue: there is simply too darned much equipment necessary to take part in the game! When I was a youngster, I’d virtually fill a few grocery bags and carried those to the rink with me. These days, technology has advanced to the extent that there is a hockey equipment bag produced for almost any scenario.

This write-up is written to assist the reader make a better purchase choice when researching the hockey equipment bag market. Listed here are the 3 essential facts to consider:

Hockey Equipment Bag Point Number One: Determine the Proper Size

There are a number of newfangled bags on the market that come in a bewildering quantity of sizes. The very first order of business in choosing the proper hockey equipment bag is to figure out how much material needs to fit in it. When the player in question is a squirt or even a mite, then she or he doesn’t need as big of a bag like a participant at the bantam or high school level. Additionally, a few bags have pouches on the sides to separate skates from the remainder of the equipment. There might be other pockets too that will play a factor in how big of a bag is needed. And it goes without saying, hockey goalies will need a bigger bag compared to other players.

Hockey Equipment Bag Point Number Two: Choose the Proper Fabric

Back in the days of old, hockey bags were crafted from canvas, primarily. This is the identical fabric that tents were made out of, in addition to many other products. They safeguarded the equipment to a certain extent, but they did not permit air ventilation. Any old-time hockey player can attest to the truth that hockey gear grew to become unbelievably stinky as the season wore on. Today the majority of bags are constructed of polyester or nylon that permit air flow. Some of the higher end bags actually come equipped with a small fan to further reduce the risk of stinky hockey gear. A well-informed shopper should look for heavy-duty zippers that will withstand the misuse that the normal hockey player will put it through. Additionally, the straps also needs to be looked into for their durability and sewing.

Hockey Equipment Bag Point Number Three: Decide on the Most Important Features

Top quality bags could also come equipped with wheels to make it easier to transport. The bags without wheels, nevertheless, are a better choice when the user wants to be able to fold it for storage. Additionally, as we mentioned previously there are many bags on the market that will incorporate a battery powered fan. Needless to say, there are lots of cosmetic characteristics that don’t really increase the flexibility of the bag but will certainly increase the price. Purchasing a bag with a Minnesota Wild logo on it, for example, will raise the price rather dramatically.

Conclusion:

The sport of hockey can be very strenuous for its individuals. It’s advisable to transport your equipment with a proper hockey equipment bag, and keep your energy for the game!

Snow skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in the world. Millions of people hit the slopes every year for fresh air and fun, and a large percentage of them are beginners. This is a fun sport, but it is equipment-oriented. Without the proper ski gear it can be frustrating, discouraging, and even dangerous.

This article will help guide you in selecting the best equipment for your level and style of skiing. Skis are the single most important piece of ski equipment. Choosing the right pair of skis will help you get the most enjoyment out of your skiing time.

Your Skill Level

The most important factor in choosing a pair of skis is your skiing ability. Beginners and intermediate level skiers need skis that can be easily maneuvered, while experts require more specialized skis. When choosing a pair of skis, the variables include materials, type, length, shape, and stiffness.

Materials Used In Skis

Skis were originally made of wood, but very little wood is used in modern skis. The most common materials used today are aluminum and fiberglass. Other more exotic materials like Kevlar, carbon, titanium, and boron fibers are also used.

Skis are frequently made from a variety of materials to provide various degrees of flexibility and strength in the different sections of the ski. The core of the ski can be made of foam, wood or some other material. The tops and sides are usually made of aluminum and fiberglass. The base of the ski is a synthetic polyethylene, with edges of steel.

Type Of Skiing

There are several different types of skiing and, therefore, different ski designs. For example, cross country skis are longer and thinner than downhill skis, because they are made for gliding along straight paths, rather than making quick turns down a hill. Furthermore, downhill skis come in a variety of shapes and styles, depending on whether they will be used for freestyle, powder, racing or packed trails.

Length Of Skis

Most beginners start off with a pair of short skis because they are easier to turn; also some freestyle skiers use short skis. Longer skis are faster, so racers and expert skiers who like the challenge of a fast run use them. They are also suitable for a greater variety of snow conditions. Skiing ability, style, and the weight of the skier determines the proper ski length.

Various Shapes Of Skis

Skis come in various shapes to match the different types of skiing. For instance, skis that are narrow in the boot area are capable of making sharp, fast turns. Skis that are wider in the boot area offer more stability and will make broader turns. The overall length of the ski, when taken into consideration with the various shapes, results in skis with a wide range of characteristics.

Appropriate Stiffness

The stiffness of a ski is determined by the materials and shape. Shorter skis offer a greater maneuverability at the expense of high-speed stability, while longer skis are more stable at high speeds. Your skiing level and style will enable you to choose skis of the appropriate stiffness.

In Part 2 of this article we will examine tips for renting and buying the right skis for a successful and fun day on the slopes.

The most important piece of your snowboarding equipment is the boots. Good thorough research is required in order to insure your safety while massively enjoying the snowboarding experience.  The snowboard boots you choose can make snowboarding a blast or a pain. Boots come 1st while you are putting together your snowboard ensemble. With a comfortable pair of boots you can then find the perfect bindings.

Your performance will be affected by the boots you choose. The right boots will give you max control of your snowboard while protecting your ankles and feet from the torque and pressure inherent with snowboarding. A good pair will also keep your feet dry, warm and “breathing” while your snowboarding.  Bad boots can leave you utterly frustrated and hurt because you can’t execute the moves you want to make. If there is one piece of gear you should spend your money on, it’s the boot. 

Unlike boards, snowboard boots don’t line up quite as neatly in defined end-use categories (powder or freestyle, for instance).Boots are either hard, soft or a hybrid. While the inside of the boots are pretty much the same from brand to brand, the outside varies greatly. If you don’t want your toes to move much at all then get hard boots — soft ones if you do want your toes moving easily. Burton snowboard boots are some of the most popular boots in the snowboarding industry. But there are a lot of other snowboard and snowboard equipment vendors that make high quality boots, goggles, clothes, gloves, etc. for the casual and avid snowboarders. K2, DC, GNU, House, F2, Nitro, and Oakley are just a few of the many high quality name brands for you to choose from.

Before you select a pair of boots, you must first decide whether you want to go with a step-in binding or a traditional strap binding.  How the snowboard boot fits, holds, and supports your feet and ankles is most important in your purchase.  No matter what type of snowboard boots you’re looking for, buy the ones that fit and support the best.  After all, you wouldn’t want to be out of control and in pain when you ride down the slopes.  In a nut shell, your boots should fit tightly around your ankles and hold your heel in place down in the boot..  Along with the snowboard bindings, your boots transfer energy and movement from your feet to your snowboard.  Therefore, your level of snowboard control depends a lot on your boots and bindings.  You will not enjoy snowboarding if your feet are sore, wet or cold — so make sure you buy the best boots possible for your style of snowboarding.

Polo shirts are a classic addition to any wardrobe. They are great for dressing up or down. If you are shopping for polo shirts online, you may have questions about what exactly the descriptions mean. There are a few main categories of fabrics that you will have to choose from, including cotton, jersey knit, pique and sport knits.

Polo shirts are available in pique or smooth finish. Pique polo shirts have a raised, corded pattern. They can add style and personality to a run-of-the-mill polo. Pique fabrics come in cotton, polyester and silk blends.

Cotton is a classic, breathable fabric. It is popular for office and casual wear. Cotton polos are generally the least expensive. Check to see if the cotton polo you are looking at is pre-shrunk or not, as this can affect your size choice. Allow for some shrinking with 100% cotton. Cotton polos are very comfortable and soft, but may require some ironing. Cotton polos may also stain more easily than other fabrics. They might be a little heavy for sports, so consider a polyester blend or sport knit for strenuous activity.

Jersey knit polo shirts are a little lighter and easier to clean than cotton shirts. They come anywhere from 1%-50% polyester blended with cotton. The more polyester, the lighter the shirt will be. Jersey knit polo shirts resist stains and are easy to clean. They also rarely require ironing. They have a little bit of a smoother look and feel than cotton polos, making them a good choice wash and wear. Cotton and jersey knit polo shirts are both great choices for breathability in warm weather.

Most silk blends are combined with polyester and cotton. Silk blended fabrics have minimal shrinkage, resist fading and have a really soft and smooth feel. Silk blends are popular for their ironed appearance and extremely soft, cashmere touch. These polo shirts are wonderful choices for work or times when you want to be comfortable but still have a polished appearance.

Sport knit polo shirts are the most lightweight polo shirts on the market. They are also available in a mid-weight style for added warmth. The sport knit fabric is made up mostly of nylon. It comes in varying degrees of stretch, breathability and water resistance. Some incorporate a wicking technology that takes moisture from your skin and propels it to the outside of the shirt, keeping you cool and dry on hot days or during athletic activity. Nylon fabrics are very stain resistant, just about never need ironing and usually will not fade. Shrinking is also minimal for sport knit polos.

When you know how to choose the right polo shirt, it will be like custom clothing designed for your specific needs. Choose your polo shirt depending on the weather, the use of the shirt and the level of care that you wish to put into it. No matter which style you choose, you know that you can depend on the classic look of the polo shirt to make you look good no matter if you are at home, playing sports or at work.

Buying a Snowboard for the First Time?

One of the best ways to get in shape and stay in shape is by training for a physical activity that you really enjoy (like snowboarding!).  It is easier to motivate and stay committed to your workouts knowing that it will allow you to have more fun on the slopes.  I hope this post encourages you to go out, get a snowboard setup, and start snowboarding each season.  It is a very rewarding sport and a great way to stay in shape during the cold months, when 75% of weight gain occurs during the year!

So  you are ready to start snowboarding, but how do you choose a snowboard if you are a beginner?  The first question to ask yourself is “What kind of snowboarding activities do you want to learn?” and “Where will you be riding and what are the snowconditions like usually?”

Most people just want to snowboard, but keep in mind what direction you think you are most likely to head in; freestyle (trick in the park/pipe), grooomed trails, deep powder, racing, or all of the above.  If you are not sure, an “all mountain board” is a safe bet, and what most people start out with because it is versatile and allows you to try different things.  I didn’t get a more specialized set up until my second time around.

Below are some practical guidelines to keep in mind while doing research.  Be sure to write down any questions you may have and consult a pro at your local shop.  This is the best way to pick out a board for the first time, as a good snowboard store/company should have someone knowledgeable on hand to answer your questions.  I would avoid buying online, unless you have already tried out your setup in person and are sure it is the right one.

I would also check out the buyer’s guide from Transworld Snowboarding Magazine, which is really awesome!  I buy it every year, even if I am not on the market for a new board, because I love reading about it.  They do a “Good Wood” test (many boards have a wood core), in which they test a bunch of boards that have no branding elements on them so the testers are unbiased.  Highly recommended reading J

One other bit of advice; many major snowboard companies will have demo days at certain ski resorts.  You can demo your new set up for a fee, before having to purchase.  If you have the time and money, this is the best way to be sure your new set up will be perfect.

Feet First

The first step is to stop thinking about the actual snowboard, and start thinking with your feet!  Your boots are the foundation of a good snowboard setup.  If your boot’s aren’t comfortable, you will not be able to perform well, in fact it will be hard to have fun at all.  A little toe pain goes a long way when it comes to snowboarding.

Also, the size of the boot is going one factor in determining the size of the board, so boots first.  Your boots, once strapped into your binding, shouldn’t stick out over the edge of the board, otherwise you risk TOE DRAG.

Before trying on boots, make sure that you cut your toe nails.  Your boots should be very snug, but not tight or uncomfortable.  The boots will pack out a tiny bit when broken in, but not more than maybe a ½ a size, probably less.

It is recommended to try on several brands, as each one cuts the shape of their cut differently, and uses different technology and materials to create a certain fit.  There are different lacing systems, different amounts of shocking absorption materials, and even different shapes depending on your style of riding.  Some of the boots will have heat molding; you can take out the inner boot, heat it up, and mold it around your foot.

Bindings Next

Your binding’s need to fit perfectly with your boots to assure optimal performance and safety.  Most brands of bindings in will work with most brands of boots, but I think it is a good idea to pick out the boots first, and then buy the same brand of bindings. I would also pick a board from the same brand too, just to keep things simple, as there are certain brands like Burton who have some boards that are only compatible with their own bindings.

Bindings come in different shapes, sizes, and materials; in general, the lighter/stronger ones will be more expensive.  Try finding bindings that are easy to use and avoid using plastic parts, which often break in the cold.  You should also be able to adjust your binding easily and take them off easily.

A quick note, I would completely avoid step-in binding/boot systems.  These basically allow you to step onto your board and be secured to it without having to strap on the bindings.  The convenience you get from saving 20 seconds strapping in is far less valuable than the cost of performance you will endure the rest of your time on the mountain.

Board Sizing

Picking the right size board depends on 4 main factors;

How wide is your foot? How tall are you? How much do you weigh? What is your riding style and ability?

If you have a size 11 or larger, you will most likely need a wide board to avoid toe drag.  Not all boards come in wide sizes.  There are some boots now that are specifically designed to decrease the overall length of the boot, so people who can almost fit on a regular width board can wear these boots and don’t have to buy a wider board.

For quicker turning, transitioning from heel to toe edges, and more control (especially on groomed/hard pack trails), a narrower board a good sidecut is key.  (Sidecut is the shape of the edge of the board).  For floating on powder, a a slightly wider board is great.  For freetsyle riders doing tricks in the park, a shorter board makes it easier to rotate, and a twin tip board is ideal.  (Twin tip boards allow are shaped exactly symmetrical, which makes switch stance riding easier).

Again, most first timers will want to buy an all mountain board, which has a relatively symetrical shape, but if you know you are going to be focused on riding in deep powder, you may want to get a more specialized board for that (which will be longer, have have a much longer/wider nose, and much shorter narrower tail, which helps to sink the tail into the powder and keep the nose and board afloat.)

This is a pretty cool calculator for finding the right size board.  I wouldn’t trust it blindly, but it will definitely put you in the right ball park: http://www.frostyrider.com/tips/size-guide.htm

Board Options & Technology

There are allot of options and styles of boards with new technology coming out each year.  Camber and Reverse Camber boards are currently the hottest new trend.  These boards play with the shape of the board by adding rocker.  Essentially, all board used to be slightly convex to the ground, but now companies are making boards that are perfectly flat or concave to the ground.  Some companies are playing with mutliple kinds of camber in the same board.  As a beginer, I wouldn’t worry too much about this technology unless you know you want to be a freestyle snowboarder. But let me say that I love my new board’s reverse camber design; I find it makes flat landing slightly more forgiving, and helps me pop my ollies.

Goofy Versus Regular

If you skateboard, wakeboard, or surf, you know already what stance you like.  There are 2 good tests for determining whether you are goofy or regular (Left foot forward or right foot forward).  One is to run and slide against a slippery floor on your sock.  Which foot do you naturally foot forward ?  That is your front foot.  The other test is to have someone push you while standing, which leg do you put backward?  That is your back food.  Don’t think to much when doing these tests, just let your body react.

Take a Stance

You have the option to put your stance narrower or wider, and to turn out each foot to different angles, and on some new boards, the ability to move your stance forward or backward (closer to one of the edges.)  A great way to determine your stance is to (once you are a little warmed up) jump up as high as you can and try and land silently.  Your body will automatically put you in the position that you are most powerful in.  How wide are your feet?  How turned out is each foot?  This willl be pretty close to your ideal stance, although you may want to turn your backleg inward slightly if you are not planning on riding switch (with your oposite foot forward pointing downhill) to make you more comfortable on the board.

Seasonal Rentals & Pricing

One other thing to keep in mind; you may want to get a seasonal rental instead of purchasing a board your first year round.  Snowboarding can be totally zen, but it is equipment, money, and time intesive, and conditions vary on the weather.  If it is your first season, investing in buying a board may not be the best decision.  Many snowboard shops will have seasonal rentals. If you think you want to buy a setup, a good idea is to buy really comfortable boots and then get a seasonal rental for the board and bindings.  There may be an option to buy that board at the end of the season for a discount, and if not, you can pick out another board at the end of the season for a major discount. (Late March and April, a lot of equipment will be on sale, sometime for 50% off or more!)

In general, this is a great time to purchase equipment and clothing for snowboarding, if you can make it throughout the season without needing anything too much.  I bought my boots for 30% off in April, my gloves for 50% off in May, my jacket for off, and my pants for 30% off.  Major savings !!!  Of course, if you want a very popular board or boot in a popular size, there is very little chance that it will be waiting for you at a discount, so keep that in mind.

Surf the Earth

Now you are all set, and armed with information to pick out a great first setup and experience an amazing sport.  Snowboarding is total zen and one of the best ways to spend time outside in nature during the cold months.  If you are just getting started, I encourage you to get in the gym and start training for your time on the mountain.  The more conditioned you are, the more fun you will have.

In general, there is a 3 day learning curve for snowboarding, and I highly recommend taking a lesson the first day and not trying to keep up with your friends.  You should be linking turns and transitioning from your heel edge to your toe edge by the end of the first day, although this will vary from person to person.  (Most people will do what’s called a “falling leaf” in the beginning, which allows them to maintain control but prevents you from learning proper technique.)

Ideally, your first trip should be somewhere with fresh snow (for softer falls and slower “learning” conditions), and should put you on the mountain for 3 days in a short period of time (as long as you are relatively in shape.)  If you go 1 day a season, and wait a year to go again, that 3 day learning curve gets way longer.

I know you wil find that snowboarding is a rewarding sport that will allow you to stay in shape and connected with nature during the cold months of the year.

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments below and I will get right back to you.

Take care, stay fit, and shred hard!

Johnny Fitness

http://www.getdynamicresults.com

Promotional apparel-items such as polo shirts, caps, or jackets-are all great ideas for promotional items. They can be used as uniforms for your staff, promotional giveaways, or simply as gifts for valued clients and customers. There are many reasons why polo shirts are a fantastic choice for your next promotion-here are just a few.

* Polo shirts have huge design potential

Polo shirts come in an enormous range of styles and colors. From sporty two tone shirts to practical, low key styles, there is a very large range to choose from. Whether you’re interested in shirts for employees to wear on the shop floor as a kind of uniform, or in designing shirts for promotional giveaways, there’s a rainbow of colors to choose from and it’s easy to choose styles that will reflect the kind of image you want to project.

Polo shirts typically have large print areas that give you plenty of room for your chosen design, and whatever you want your shirts to say, you’ve got the space to make it happen.

* Polo shirts are great value for money

Granted, polo shirts are more expensive than a promotional pen or coffee mug, but they have enormous value in terms of the longevity of the item and the uses you can put them to. A well-made polo shirt will continue to be an effective advertising vehicle for your company long after the ink in a promotional pen has run dry, and polo shirts can be used in a variety of exciting ways that are highly visible in terms of the number and variety of people who will see them. The advertising message on a polo shirt is also much more likely to get noticed, simply because of its large size.

* Polo shirts promote company identity

Polo shirts can be used by staff as a uniform, given to company sports teams, and used at other company events where you want your employees to present a uniform look that reflects a particular image. Having promotional polo shirts on hand makes it easy to dress your staff in matching clothing for any casual occasion.

* Polo shirts have a large range of promotional applications

Polo shirts can be used in a wide variety of ways-trade show giveaways, door prizes at conferences, spot prizes at company events or promotional business events, fund raisers for schools or charities, and apparel for highly visible marketing events. Have fun and get inventive with your next promotion-make a bold statement with eye-catching polo shirts, and you reap the rewards in terms of increased public awareness of your company.

* Profit!

Polo shirts and other types of clothing are also great options for promotional merchandise. Night clubs, pubs, cafes, and restaurants, all types of products and services-the potential is endless. Shirts that feature a fun and funky design are always popular, and most people like to wear clothing that tells something about their tastes and what they enjoy doing. Promotional merchandise is not only popular with customers; it’s also fantastic advertising, thanks to the large print area that promotion