advice for snow (i live in hawaii and have no experience)

[hawaiiSUCKSexceptsurf]

yeah, so tell me about them. how much do they cost, etc,,?

i was thinking of buying a used snowboard and selling it when done.

help/

[hawaiiSUCKSexceptsurf]

thanks for the help you jerks.

[surf patrol]

lol, sorry but I don't have any info on places to stay.
Just a quick thing about snowboards / boarding though, I was talking to my brother the other day about it. He is a novice and has been a few times, and recently went to a snow dome somewhere (indoor snow in UK) Before when snowboarding he had just used hire boards but this time he used his mates proper board. He reckons the difference is unbelievable and it's far far easier on a decent board. It might well be worth getting a second hand good board if you want to get the best out of it if you are considering hiring.

[hawaiiSUCKSexceptsurf]

ill look on craigslist, thanks. i dont even know anything about snow, or how cold it really is. do i need sunglasses to block the wind?

i have a scarf
a peruvian hat
a waterproof winter jacket on the way by mail
no thermal underwear.
normal sneakers. no boots.
normal jeans.

should i be investing in boots and waterproof pants and thermal underwear as well? special socks?

[sal]

do i need sunglasses to block the wind?
should i be investing in boots and waterproof pants and thermal underwear as well? special socks?

yes, yes, yes.

[jethrodog]

buy some warm gloves. if you will be outside alot get some warm boots, otherwise your shoes will be fine. Buy thermal underwear. Dress in layers so if you get too hot you can take some off, too cold you can put more on. Wear sunglasses because in the snow it can get very bright with the reflection, can actually sunburn your eyes. very painful. Don't spend alot on anything because in Hawaii you won't ever use it again.

Or, you can just drink alot while you are there and you won't feel the cold at all.

[dondiemand]

dont forget to bring lip balm/lip gloss..last thing u want is a cracked lip..goodluck!!

[hawaiiSUCKSexceptsurf]

thanks.

jethro, i will definetly be spending a lot of time in the bars, since it gets dark so early.

is thermal underwear really necessary? i have hairy legs, and even tight socks hurt when it bends my hair in odd directions. plus i will probably never use them. even if i move, i wont live somewhere THAT cold. anyone know about cheap waterproof pants to go over jeans?

[sal]

You don't want to wear jeans, even with waterproofs over the top. They will get wet, cold and heavy. Even if you don't fall over too much, which you probably will if you're a learner, you will sweat and they will still get wet.

A good set of thermals won't just keep you warm, they will also wick moisture (sweat!) away from your body to keep you drier and therefore more comfortable.

It may seem a hassle/expensive but it's worth it, and you don't have to pay shedloads, most stuff can be found cheap if you just look.

[hawaiiSUCKSexceptsurf]

i saw a pair at oldnavy for 6 bucks. too bad i didnt pick them up.

[sal]

i saw a pair at oldnavy for 6 bucks. too bad i didnt pick them up.

Go back and get 'em!!! It's totally worth getting the right gear, otherwise you'll be uncomfortable and miserable and won't enjoy yourself

[tomcat360]

This is generally what I do:

Top and bottom base layer (always)
Fleece top and bottom (depending on weather, must be really cold)
Windstopper Jacket (always)
Ski pants (always)
Hardshell jacket (only when it's percipicating something wet, so not usually)
Gloves
Helmet (or hat, helmet holds my goggles though)
Goggles
Baclava (when they are making snow, it's like getting ice thrown at you)

You will get your bottom half wet, so getting some water proof, or ever resistant pants will help. I have some really cheap ski bibs, which aren't waterproof, windproof, or really that warm, but I ski fast and don't fall much, and if I do, I'm back up on my feet quick enough to avoid getting wet. Also, snowboarders tend to sit on their ass more (just kidding, but really ) so I know if I did that with my ski pants, I would be wet.

ALWAYS wear gloves. If you are going fast enough, snow can cut you. Well, at least the heavy wet crap we've got on the east coast will cut you. I was skiing with my dad once, and he laid down in a carve and cut his hand up really bad because he forgot his gloves. Plus, you'll be really cold with out them, and you gotta make a snowman, remember!

Socks--don't try to over do it. Lots of first timers put on multiple layers of cotton socks. That doesn't do anything. One thin pair of high socks (perferably acrylic or merino wool) is what you want, but they are expensive (like 20 bucks) so just wear some thin socks of some kind. Come to think of it, I think dress socks might work pretty welll.....don't quote me on that though.

Good luck man, post up any more questions, as you can tell, the only thing I love as much as surfing is skiing

[pat42]

You want advice?.............here's some advice.

DONT EAT YELLOW SNOW!!

[tomcat360]

hahahahahahahahahaaaaa!!!

Thank god for pat

[jethrodog]

i thought it was fortified with vitamin C?

[jethrodog]

Don't wear jeans snowboarding. Sal was right, you will be cold and miserable. If you have some sweats or even pajama bottoms, wear them, then wear some waterproof pants, even if you go to a discount store and get a cheap pair of rain pants, just make sure they will keep you dry. That is the key to staying warm, keeping dry.

[Real Pol]

What everyone said about on the slopes is right, layers etc. But don't forget a wee bit of padding, unless it's nice fluffy snow it could hurt.

If you're boarding you will be on your ass. Skiiers stand in neat lines, leaning on their poles with there arses sticking out. Boarders sit on their backsides.

Where are you going? If its a town or resort then you can kick around in trainers as the streets will be cleared/trampled of snow. I used to always take walking boots with me, but they mess up your windmills and swan dives on the dance floor of the clubs.

It can be really cold in the mountains at night, however with the weather we're having in Europe just now, it may not be too bad. In Bulgaria a few years ago I could hardly walk from one pub to the next without finding breathing the cold air difficult, however in the Canadian Rockies last year I went out at night with only a t-shirt on under my jacket, (this was all at this time of year).

As for buying a board, I would personally never rent again for the reasons surf patrol said. However if this is your first time then it would be a waste of money buying. If you lived a thousand miles from the sea you wouldn't buy a surfboard for a one off trip. You'd be cheaper buying in the USA than Europe and probably cheaper online than in a store, but don't buy boots online unless you've tried them on in a shop. £200 - 500 for board, £100 - £150 for bindings, £100 - 200 for boots. £100 -250 for a six day lift pass. Hire of boots and board £70 - 200 for a week. You can often get deals where you get a pass, hire and lessons for a reduced rate.

I can't really think of anything more, can you tell I'm excited? I'm going to Chamonix in France on Friday!!!!!!

[hawaiiSUCKSexceptsurf]

thanks for the info. im going to colorado. i hope i can rent a nice board.

[tomcat360]

I'm going to Chamonix in France on Friday!!!!!!

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so freakin jealous!!!!!!!!! take some pictures for us

[^*^BATMAN^*^]

You want advice?.............here's some advice.

DONT EAT YELLOW SNOW!!

Or red snow, thats the colour of the oil in the bobcat