Beginner's Guide to Snowboard Rentals

Reprinted from Helium.com with permission of author

By Glenna Kunkel

Resist temptation no longer. You've finally decided to try snowboarding. You too can learn to float through powder with a big grin on your face. But, before investing big bucks into snowboard gear, rent some and see if it's right for you. Getting your rental gear can be stress-free with some basic guidelines.

The least expensive rental option is usually a package deal at your local ski hill. These discounted packages typically offer a combined beginning lesson, lift ticket, and gear rental. Renting gear at the hill has its advantages. If it needs adjustment or something breaks, it's a simple matter of going back to the rental area. Most rental shops and instructors will not adjust non-resort rental gear due to insurance regulations. For a stress-free experience, try to pick up equipment the night before or get there very early in the morning. On holiday weekends, rentals go very quickly and they may not have your size.

At the rental shop they'll set you up with snowboard boots, snowboard, and bindings. Bring some snowboard socks to the shop with you. These provide padding, warmth, and wick away moisture. You'll first be fitted for boots. They provide the critical connection between you and the snowboard. Good fit is critical to a successful lesson. Insist on getting boots that do not use step-in bindings. Step-in bindings and boots are not easy to learn snowboarding in.

The boots should be the same size fitting as your street shoe. Try the boots on without letting any clothing remain inside the boot. Your toes should just touch the end of the boots. The width should be snug. If you wear arch supports in ski boots or other athletic gear, you may need them here. If you forgot them, purchase an inexpensive set of the green Superfeet. Lace up the inner boot liner snugly and then lace up the outer boot laces using all the hooks and eyelets. Once tightened, you should not be able to put a finger underneath the laces. Push your shins into the tongues of the boots. If you feel your heel lift up, the boots are too loose for you. Insist upon another pair.

Ladies should try to get women's snowboard boots as they have inserts for women's narrower heels. Make sure the boots are also not too high on your calf. Women have shorter calves and men's boots may dig into them.

Now it's time to get a board. If the rental shop uses Burton LTR boards, rent one of them. They are flexier and easier to turn. They also have special shaping that allows for better control. If LTR's aren't available, get a flexible board with freestyle strap bindings not step-in bindings. The board will be rated more for your weight rather than your height. The lighter you are, the flexier the board you need to start out on. The board length may or may not be between your chin and nose.

The rental shop will then fit bindings to the board. They will first need to determine your stance on the board. If you lead with your left foot, you have a regular stance. If you lead with your right foot, you have a goofy stance. They'll have tests to figure out your stance. Being regular or goofy is like being left or right handed.

Once they have bindings on the board, make sure the board is wide enough for your feet. If the board is too narrow, you will "boot out" and your toes or heels will drag on the snow. Insist upon a wider board if you "boot out". Once they have the bindings on, they will generally mount the bindings with the front foot at 15 degrees forward angle and the rear foot at a zero angle. The bindings should be about shoulder width apart.

Check the bindings on the board before you leave the rental shop. Make sure there are no broken parts. Check to make sure all screws are tight too. Ask the staff how to use the bindings. They should show you how to tighten them and loosen them.

Make sure the board is equipped with a stomp pad. This will help you when you are learning to turn your board and when you are getting off the chairlift. The board may also come with a leash. They are still required by law in some states.

Check the bottom of the snowboard too. If it is white and looks dried out, it has no wax on it. This will make it much harder for you to learn on. Your board will either not glide or will stick to the snow. Insist upon a quick wax for the board and that they use a wax rated for the outside temperature. If they use the wrong wax, it will stick to the snow.

Before you leave the shop, rent a helmet. When you are first learning, it can be very easy to catch an edge, and fall. A helmet is cheap insurance against a concussion.

Grab your goggles, and put on your sunscreen. You are now ready for your lesson! Go have fun and ask lots of questions. And at the end of your lesson, if you've had competent coaching, don't forget to tip your instructor.