How to choose snowboarding equipment?

I'm looking at getting into snowboarding and I'm not sure where to look for equipment.?

• I am looking for all of the equipment for snowboarding. I'm new to it so I'm not looking at going super expensive until I am sure that I am going to stick to it beyond this ...show more

• Answer:

  I got into snowboarding just this season. There is a hill/venue (i'm in suburban Illinois, no mountains here lol) a mere 5 minutes from my house so I'm lucky. We went on a blizzardy day so all the falls were cushioned by the powdery snow and didn't hurt at all. For the first day we rented equipment and used what winter clothes we already had. But my friend and I loved it so much we bought our gear (everything is on sale now that season's almost over) the following weekend and have been going at least 2x a week ever since. I went to REI and Dick's for my stuff. Also talked to the folks there to make sure I am getting the right gear for my needs (beginner). I would recommend renting first and see how you like it and then if you really think you'd get into it, invest in decent gear (my stuff is from the 2008-2009 line so they were on clearance). SOme people figure out right away they hate it, and some people get pleasantly surprised that they enjoy it. I'm already a figure skater so the cold weather doesn't bother me, since I like to skate outdoors also :) P.S. I agree with the others, have a good pair of snow pants at least and gloves, because you would be wet and miserable on your first day and might end up hating it unfairly.