Are you ready to witness the next generation of snowboarders hit the slopes? If your little one is eager to carve into winter wonderland, it's time to gear them up with the best snowboard gear equipment. After all, every little ripper deserves the right gear for their sport.
Kids Snowboard Essentials
A happy rider is a warm rider. Dressing for success on the slopes is a must. From bindings to beanies, we've got the lowdown on the must-have kids snowboard essentials that will have your mini ripper cruising in style.
1. Snowboard
If you have a baby snowboarder, you'll want to have a Burton riglet 100cm or the Burton after school special 80cm.
The main difference between the two is that the riglet doesn't have metal edges while the after school special does. The nice thing about the riglet is you have it in their playroom and have it as a part of their existence from the get go.
As your kid gets older and heavier, the snowboard will move up in snowboard length - mostly depending on the weight of your kid. There's more things to consider as they become better rippers such a shape of the board.
2. Snowboard Bindings
Opt for adjustable bindings that grow with your little one's shoe size, ensuring a snug fit and maximum control. The Burton grom binding is a great option for your kid to learn to snowboard as it is designed to fit smaller boots.
3. Snowboard Boots
Get your mini ripper started on the right foot with the kids' Burton Mini Grom Snowboard Boots that are super-soft and flexible. Sizing starts small, and oversize hook-and-loop straps make getting ready fast and easy.
4. Snowsuit
Keep your little one warm and stylish with waterproof and breathable snowsuit. Opt for something with bright colours or funky patterns to make your kid stand out in the sea of snowboarders. Burton offers a variety of one piece snowsuits which are stylish and has gore-tex options that will keep your toddler snowboarding for longer! We love the toddlers' Burton 2L One Piece. It's insulated from hood to toe, it's designed to keep them happy in the snow and hopefully keep you from stressing out while putting it on!
5. Mittens
The toddlers' Burton Mini Mittens combine insulation and full waterproof, windproof coverage with easy entry and a secure fit to keep little hands happy.
6. Layers
Get a really good, warm baselayer. We use a merino wool pants and shirt. We love the toddlers' Burton Fleece Base Layer Set. It's the layering option that keep kids toasty, dry, and ripping all day long. Accessories include a toddler's North Face beanie for the colder days, mitts, and a buff. Plus, every little snowboarder needs a beanie that doubles as a style statement. Add a matching neck warmer for the ultimate in cozy coolness.
7. Helmet
Get your little ripper a helmet that fits snugly and comfortably. Look for additional features like adjustable vents to keep them cool during intense runs. A helmet is not just gear; it's a badge of honour for responsible riders.
Mama tip: If you're little ripper is tiny like ours, use a toque under the helmet to help with fit.
8. Googles
Safety is non-negotiable, even for the pint-sized daredevils. We still fight on good days to get Sylas to actually wear his Smith googles, but sometimes we're successful in getting them on! Foggy lenses are the arch-nemesis of any rider, so invest in goggles with anti-fog technology. Bonus points for lenses that block harmful UV rays – because even little shredders need to protect their eyes from the sun's glare.
9. Backpack
Another essential piece of equipment for teaching a kid how to snowboard is the Burton MDXONE snowboard backpack trainer. This backpack is the cats ass for keeping Sylas upright, and dragging him to a different location when he's having a meltdown!
10. Wrist Guards and Knee Pads
You may want to consider wrist guards and knee pads for those inevitable tumbles and wipeouts. These little pieces of armour can turn a potentially painful spill into a valuable lesson in resilience - and we use them religiously for toddler biking sessions.
Kids Snowboard Essentials Checklist
When it comes to equipment, Burton is my go-to for snowboard gear for the entire family!
- Burton Riglet Snowboard & Reel
- Burton Grom Bindings
- Burton Mini Grom Snowboard Boots
- Burton 2L One Piece Snowsuit
- Mittens
- Beanie
- Neck Warmer or buff
- Helmet
- Backpack with a leash
- Wrist guards and knee pads
Kid Snowboarding Tips
Before you hit the slopes with your little one, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the experience is safe and enjoyable for both of you.
- Have a snowboard lying around the playroom. Let it be a part of their life.
- Bring them to the ski hill often. Let them be a part of that experience, even if they are asleep. Get those neurons firing early!
- Start gliding on the floor inside. Once they can sit, they can be dragged.
- Introduce gliding on snow. This entails dragging them on their board in the backyard or on the sidewalk in your neighbourhood.
- Start with gentle, gradual slopes and work your way up to steeper terrain. Let your baby or child get comfortable with the sensation of gliding on the snow before attempting anything more challenging.
- Sign them up for kid gymnastics classes. When Sylas began taking steps at 11 months, I wanted him to continue to improve his coordination and body awareness. I believe that gymnastics teaches fundamental skills for body movement and control (ie. learning how to bail!).
- Use a Burton riglet or another mini snowboards specifically designed for children. These smaller boards are easier for little ones to control and maneuver.
- Use a harness or leash. A harness or leash can be a great way to help your child stay upright and maintain balance while learning to snowboard. Just be sure to use it properly and keep an eye on your child at all times to prevent accidents.
- Use a suitable helmet. Safety is the most important aspect of snowboarding, especially when it comes to children. Make sure your baby snowboarder is wearing a helmet that fits well and is specifically designed for snowboarding.
- Use goggles. This one is tricky for us because Sylas has them but refuses to wear them.
- Dress appropriately. Cold weather can be tough on little ones, so be sure to dress your baby in warm, waterproof clothing to keep them comfortable and protected from the elements.
- Know when to call it. Teaching your baby how to snowboard, is tough for you both.
- Take a lesson. If possible, consider taking a lesson with a professional instructor who specializes in teaching young children. This will ensure that your baby snowboarder is learning proper techniques and staying safe on the mountain.
- Use positive reinforcement and have fun!
- Be patient. Teaching a kid how to snowboard takes patience and understanding. Remember that they are still learning and developing new skills.
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