As a fresh-faced snowboarding newbie prepping for your very first outing on the slopes, properly securing the correct rental equipment should be priority number one on your pre-trip checklist. But according to the pros over at Utah-based Canyon Sports, for those first timers who have never rented before, the entire snowboard rental process can seem extremely overwhelming and confusing.
Finding the Right Snowboard Rental Shop for Your Needs
With countless shops at ski resorts touting their rentals, just choosing where to book your snowboard and gear can be an incredibly paralyzing decision for beginner riders. Look to identify rental outfits conveniently located right at the ski area or resort you will be visiting to maximize simplicity and minimize logistical hassles.
Search for places with instructors or techs who can patiently explain sizing choices and setup decisions in a way you’ll understand as a newbie. Shops promising wide selections of boards and boots specifically fitted for men, women and kids are prime options to find gear guaranteed to fit your body type. And do not just choose based on the cheapest rental rates – cut-rate prices often mean you will end up with lower quality, beat up boards and boots.
Getting Properly Fit for Boots and Choosing the Correct Board Size
As soon as you have identified a few reputable rental shops to consider, it’s time to get professionally fit by the staff for your boots and board length. Never, ever attempt to just guess at a boot size – always get your feet precisely measured and try on multiple pairs, walking around the shop to truly ensure a snug yet comfortable fit. Request boot options offering heightened ankle support and protection to help avoid injury as you are learning.
For determining snowboard length, experienced rental techs will carefully factor together your exact height and weight metrics and then recommend the appropriate width and length to best match your abilities. Explain that you’re a complete beginner so that the staff doesn’t mistakenly set you up with a board that’s far too advanced and difficult to turn and control. Do not be shy about asking all and any questions that pop into your head to find out everything you need to in order to end up with the best rental setup.
Understanding Your Rental Board and Gear Package Options
Another common rental mistake first-timers often make is not properly understanding the available snowboard and gear bundle package options the shop offers. Look for all-in-one packages that combine board, boots, bindings, and helmet rentals to score the best overall value and simplicity as a new rider.
Try to find shops offering packages with additional perks thrown in like complimentary waxing, damage insurance, beginner tuning adjustments and more. Ask the staff to clearly explain whether performance options like free-ride, all-mountain or freestyle boards are included or if you will need to pay extra to upgrade from a basic beginner board.
Pickup and Return Tips to Avoid Any Rental Gear Issues
When you head to the shop to pick up your rental snowboard package, meticulously inspect every single piece of gear thoroughly and test the board’s flex and binding settings before heading out. Ask the techs for advice on making any minor adjustments immediately if something just doesn’t feel right.
Conclusion
Following this advice will help you steer clear of many rental rookie mistakes so you can fully focus your mental energy on the excitement of conquering that first big blue or tricky terrain park feature. Let the tips here guide you to score rentals fully equipped for maximum comfort, performance, and enjoyment on the mountain.