Snowboarding Attire
Appropriate snowboarding attire is required for all competitors. As a coach, you should discuss the types of sport clothes that are acceptable and not acceptable for training and competition. Discuss the importance of wearing properly fitted clothing, along with the advantages and disadvantages of certain types of clothing worn during training and competitions. For example, blue jeans are not proper snowboarding attire for any event. Explain that the athletes cannot perform their best while wearing jeans that restrict their movement. Take athletes to high school or collegiate snowboarding training or competitions, and point out the attire being worn. You should set the example, by wearing appropriate attire to training and competitions and not rewarding athletes who do not come properly dressed to train and/or compete.
Clothing must be appropriate to the weather conditions. Incorporate the "25° F rule" when training and competing. This means that if the temperature outside is 40° F (4.4° C), dress as if it is 65° F (18.3° C). This is how warm you will feel from the heat generated by your workout. It is best to dress in layers so you can add or subtract clothes as needed. Always bring too many clothes instead of too few.
Socks are a personal preference, but it is suggested that a wool or blended-material ski or hiking sock be used for snowboarding. Definitely avoid cotton socks, because they absorb moisture, are poor insulators and will result in blisters. It is recommended that liner socks made of synthetic or natural fibers be worn underneath insulated socks. The liners will help wick away perspiration and moisture from the foot and add more insulation layers of air. The liners will also absorb the friction between the feet and outer socks to prevent blisters.
Proper snowboard boots are perhaps the most important piece of equipment a snowboarder will own. Years ago, simple Sorel or pack-type boots were used. Today, sport specific snowboard boots are both available and recommended. Snowboard boots are made specifically to fit into today's snowboard bindings, and to give more support as well as better alignment than pack-type boots. The extra expense of purchasing these boots is well worth it.
Certain types of step-in bindings require the use of a compatible step-in boots, as discussed in the
Binding Systems section below. Make sure all of your pieces fit together properly before going to the hill.
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Alpine Snowboard Boot |
Alpine Boot Profile |
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Choosing Proper Boot Fit
Boot fitting is best done by a reputable shop technician. If you will be fitting boots for your athlete, try to keep the following suggestions in mind. Boots should fit snugly, but should not pinch at any one point. When the athlete is laced in and standing erect, the toes should touch inside of the front of the boot. Have the athlete then stand with feet approximately shoulder width apart, and bend at the knees. When the athlete is lowered into this position, the toes should not touch in the front of the boot. Try NOT to purchase boots with extra room, as they will tend to pack out and become roomier with use.
Incorporate the three-layer system. It's simple and it works well.
Inside Layer
The inside (or inner or base) layer is the wicking layer. Long underwear made of synthetic materials, natural silk or treated materials will remove perspiration from the body. Both the upper and lower body should be covered by a wicking layer. A shirt that covers the neck and fits snugly at the wrists is an effective way to conserve body heat.
Middle Layer
The middle layer should be an insulating layer and consist of wool (sweater or pants), fleece (top or bottom) or treated material. Synthetic insulations or phase-change treatments have also proven to be lightweight yet very effective. This layer provides warmth by trapping a layer of air around the body. Note: Except in extremely cold conditions, the legs do not need and would be constricted by this layer.
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Outer Layer
Wind and snow are blocked by the weatherproof outer layer. For the legs, snowboard pants are appropriate. If snowboard pants are not available, choose looser-fitting synthetic sweatpants. A snowboarding or ski jacket works well on top. Clothing made with laminates that are waterproof, windproof and breathable (allowing perspiration to leave the body) can be useful. Be aware that absorbent clothing such as cotton sweatpants will provide little protection from the wind and cold. Snowboard specific pants and jackets have many useful features that make snowboarding more comfortable.
Consider the ability of your athlete and the weather when deciding upon clothing for competition. For optimal competition, strive to dress your athlete in clothing that is lightweight, breathable, layered and slick on the outer surface, and that allows unrestricted movement. Do not neglect an extra set of warm, dry clothes to change into for athletes whose competition clothes will get wet with perspiration and/or snow after competition.
Gloves or mittens with the same three layers — synthetic base, thermal insulation layer and wind/waterproof outer layer — are especially appropriate for snowboarding due to the amount of direct contact with the snow. Snowboard specific gloves or mittens are best. Snowboard or ski goggles are recommended to protect the eyes from damaging ultraviolet rays, glare, wind and falling snow. Polarized lenses will cut glare, and high-quality goggles will be less likely to fog. Remember that if the goggles fog up, a goggle-friendly soft handkerchief should be used.
A helmet approved for alpine ski racing by Federation International du Ski (FIS) is required on all people in official training and competition, for all ability levels in all events.
