Ride Equipment

There are three general types of snowboards on the market today: freeride (all-mountain), freestyle and alpine (carving/ race). Distinctive to each type are shape (sidecut), flex (longitudinal and torsion, or twist), construction materials and size ranges. The Otto Hollaus Ski & Ride School endorses the use of freeride or freestyle snowboards for our students.

Freeride boards are the most popular and account for the majority of snowboard sales. This design allow riders to explore virtually all aspects of snowboarding (all-mountian, terrain park, half-pipe and powder). While freeride boards may not excel in any one riding category, they perform well in all conditions. Freeride boards are fairly soft flexing and maneuverable for beginners, yet are stiff enough to hold a carved, fast turn on hard snow as riding skills develop. Many freeride boards are designed to be ridden regular (forward) and switch (backward). They bridge the gap between freestyle and alpine carving/race boards and are great for young riders developing riding skills.

Freestyle boards generally are wider, more stable (for balance) and, in some cases, more forgiving to ride. They tend to be shorter, lighter and softer in flex. These boards are designed primarily for performing tricks in terrain parks and half-pipes. As a result they have limited edge hold and stability at speed and are not ideal for carving turns or cruising fast.

• Board size is determined by rider weight. Each board size is designed to accommodate riders within a specific weight range. Most weight ranges span 30 lbs for junior riders. Board width depends on a rider’s shoe size. While a slight boot overhang is ideal (dictated by the rider’s angled stance), excessive overhang causes toe or heel drag in the snow and negatively affects balance. We recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s weight range and consult with specialty shop staff to determine stance angle options.

• Board flex (longitudinal and torsion, or twist) also depends on rider weight. The general rule is: softer flex is better for lighter riders; stiffer flex is better for heavier riders.

• Board shape (sidecut) determines the type of turn when a board is put on edge. Deeper sidecuts (hourglass shape) allow more aggressive turns. Boards with the same shape fore and aft are best for riding regular and switch.

Otto Hollaus Snowsports Academy endorses the use of soft snowboard boots for our students. Comfort and performance are primary factors in choosing snowboard boots. Hard (rigid plastic) boots resemble ski boots and are primarily designed for racing and high speed carving. Soft boots are designed for all-around riding, freestyle and powder. These boots combine leathers and synthetics into a somewhat looser fitting boot (than a ski boot) and they flex (bend) with relative ease. Soft boots offer extended-use comfort and are preferred by most riders. The majority of children’s boots on the market are soft designs.

• Fit: To get the right combination of fit and performance in a snowboard boot, two layers of socks should be worn: the first layer a wicking polypropylene material and the second layer a cushioning material for insulation.

• Sizing: Junior boots should be snug to avoid foot movement and blisters. The closure system (laces) should be easy to tighten to avoid friction from a loose fit.

• Performance: Junior boots should be soft in flex to offer forgiveness in maintaining balance.

Otto Hollaus Snowsports Academy endorses the use of strap bindings for our snowboard students. The majority of snowboard bindings fall into two categories: strap and step-in.

Strap bindings are preferred by most all-around (free) riders. They typically are a two-strap design with one strap going over the toe area of the boot and the other strap (padded) going around the ankle. Strap bindings feature an adjustable base plate that offers the rider the ability to change stance on their board. A high back spoiler - for support and performance - is an integral component in strap bindings. The majority of junior bindings on the market are strap bindings.

Step-in bindings offer convenience for entry and exit, however, they require a high back spoiler (not always included) for support and performance.

Junior bindings are offered in one to three sizes with each size accommodating a range of junior boot sizes.

The use of aftermarket, snowboard boot footbeds increases comfort and help address alignment needs. Many children’s snowboard boots have no footbeds or defined arch support. Two types of footbeds are available:

• Trim to Fit: A generic arch support footbed to improve comfort and fit.

• Custom molded: A custom-designed footbed that supports a rider’s foot in a neutral position when in a snowboard boot to provide comfort and optimum alignment and balance.

Please label all equipment with name and phone number for easy identification. Colored tape helps younger children find their equipment.