by: Danielle Rose

Picking out a snowboard can be difficult because there are so many brands and types to choose from. Three major types of boards are freestyle, alpine, and freeride. When picking out a snowboard, you need to determine what style of riding you are going to be doing, and get a board specific to that type of riding. If you are going to be spending your time in the half-pipe a freestyle board is best for you. Freeride is best if you are going to be making runs down the hill, and alpine will be best if you are up for some high-speed racing.

Another important aspect of picking out a board is making sure that you get boots and bindings that go with the board. Each set up is going to have its own characteristics specific to the type of riding that a person will be doing.

Beginners should start with a freestyle (www.FreeSpiritActivewear.comwww.mountainsnowboarding.com/freestyle) or freeride board, freestyle bindings and soft boots. This set up is going to give you some forgiveness when learning. Shorter boards are also better for beginners because this allows them to maneuver and steer the board easier. The board should come up between your shoulders and nose. The height of the board isn't the only thing to consider though.

Flex is another aspect to look at. Heavier riders for their height will want to get a board that is a bit stiffer, and lighter riders will want to get a board that offers more flex.

Also, don't forget about the width of the board. If you have smaller feet this won't be as much of an issue for you. However, a person with larger feet needs to make sure their toes (in their boots) don't hang of their board. If they do, your toes can catch in the snow making it more probable for you to fall. If you have bigger feet, you will need to get a wider board.

When starting out, it is a good idea to first rent equipment, because snowboarding is expensive. Buying the equipment before actually deciding if you enjoy snowboarding can be a waste of money. Going to your local store and talking to the sales people to see if they rent can be the best way to test set ups to see which one is the best for you while you are still learning.

Once you have decided that snowboarding is right for you, and are ready to go and buy your own gear, the best time for you to go is going to be at the end of season. The best deals will come out at the end of the season when stores are trying to get rid of their merchandise to have room for the upcoming season of whatever it may be.