As the excitement of fall winds down many people fall into a depression. The leaves are gone, the woods are desolate, and the chill of the winter air has crept upon us. While most people find this sad, I find it exciting! Why? Because its time for my favourite sport. Snowboarding! Hi I'm Lleyton and I am going to tell you all about it!

Snowboarding is a very recent sport and is similar to Surfing, skateboarding, and Skiing. Likewise, it is not surprising that the origin of snowboarding lies in these sports. Although it is hard to pinpoint the pioneer of Snowboarding, the History of Snowboarding tells us that it was initiated around the 1950s by a few surf and skate enthusiasts who used self-made boards to convey their skills to a new terrain: the snow. At that time, due to the novelty of the Snowboards, those contraptions often resulted in many broken boards and a lot of bruises. Snowboard History: The first real Snowboard hit the market during the 1960's in the form of Sherman Poppen's Snurfer. During that time, Snowboarding appealed initially to a small group of surfers, skateboarders, and Backcountry enthusiasts. Brave souls who rode their own Snowboard contraptions were highly frowned upon by the majority of skiers. They were not even allowed to ride the regular ice slopes used in Skiing. Consequently, Snowboarding started in the backcountry.

Snowboarding is a relatively new winter sport wherein you ride a fiberglass board with your feet strapped on it, and manipulate gravity to go down a ski slope or a specially constructed pipe. The principle of Snowboarding is to maintain your balance as you surf down a ski slope with both feet securely attached to the Snowboard. In Skiing, skiers shift their weight from one Ski to the other. In Snowboarding, riders shift their weight from heels to toes as well as from one end of the board to the other. To stop the board's motion, they push their heels or toes down hard to dig the edge of the Snowboard into the snow. Although most people compare Snowboarding to Skiing, Snowboarding Techniques are closer to skateboarding and surfing than to Skiing. Knowing what snowboard equipment you'll need and choosing the right board, products and accessories for snowboarding are essential.
Snowboard shopping can be a daunting experience if you are not quite sure what to look for. Here is some advice on essential snowboard equipment and tips on what to look for while you are out snowboard shopping.
Snowboards
The type and size of the board that's right for you will depend on your on your preferred snowboarding style and your physique.
Boots
Snowboard boots (along with their bindings) are designed to efficiently transfer the movements of your body while riding onto your board. Here's what you need to know when shopping for boots.
Bindings
Snowboard bindings fasten your feet to your board are an integral part of your set-up. Find out why it's important to get your bindings right and what to look out for.
Jackets and Pants
Getting the right outer-clothing will ensure that you have a hassle-free and enjoyable day while out on the slopes.
Gloves
Your snowboard gloves will be subjected to plenty of punishment. Make sure you get the right pair, which will last for several seasons.
Goggles
You should always wear a good pair of goggles during your ride to protect your eyes from the wind, snow, bright sunlight and ultraviolet radiation.
Helmets
You might be wondering if you really need to wear a helmet, and the answer is certainly yes to protect your head from any falls that