Snowboard + Gear !

• 

  ngf on 21/07/2011 - 19:42

  +1

  Is this your first time at the snow?
  I'd strongly recommend hiring (many people find it's not for them). You might find some cheaper hire rates in Melbourne but they might be more of a pain to return (normally next day before 10 or noon.
  If you do hire try for off-mountain hire as it's generally cheaper.

  You might be able to pick up some cheap outerwear on ebay or gumtree

  If you're set on buying then gumtree might provide some second hand gear at alright prices but ensure you're sized correctly (ie. board length).

  For new gear you can get some cheaper set-ups from snowboard shops; but if you need outerwear and hardware you'll be looking at a huge dent in your wallet. Also, there is the option of going online shopping but with the short timeframe that's not really an option (and you would want to try on boots for a good fit).

  Anyway, hope that's some help.

• 

  BuyoTheCat on 22/07/2011 - 11:20

  +1

  I got a decent deal buying one second hand. it wasnt spanking new condition, but it did what I wanted to for $150 for board boots and bindings. I mean, they cant be any worst than hired ones.

  it turned out to be a good Nitro board that is cosmetically wanting, but rode quite well.

  but if you have to buy new, there's a snow sale stuff in collingwood. theres adverts for that o tv.

• 

  Manh on 22/07/2011 - 14:10

  I agree with ngf that for your first time ever, you should hire because you might decide it's not for you.

  Since you're from Melbourne, and you don't mind laying down $60, you can try to learn snowboarding safely indoors at http://www.skicity.com.au/

  I bought my first snowboard gear from the US at http://www.trusnow.com/ and my no-brand outerwear (3 years and still going strong) from the Chinese sellers on eBay. I did some minor repairs at the seams with Selleys Plastic Glue because the clothing is pretty much polyester. Very similar to the ones they're selling now if you searching for "Spyder snowboard jacket pants". With the outerwear, look for high waterproofing materials with high breathability like Entrant Dermizax or the popular Goretex (these 2 are rated higher than 20,000mm waterproofing and 20,000g/m2/24h breathability).

  Wear polyester or wool for your base layer because they wick your sweat away. Never wear cotton because they absorb like a towel. For protection, I still snowboard with impact shorts and knee pads underneath because I don't like landing on the icy Melbourne snow.

  You can look at reviews for snowboards at http://www.thegoodride.com/

  First day will be painful and very tiring so you might want to build up those leg muscles before you go next week. I was very close to giving up on my first day because I fell constantly the whole day and didn't feel like I was improving. I did my pre-season training by crouching in a stance in the shower to build up my leg muscles, but don't tell anyone that :)

  Sorry for the long post. Have fun up the snow.