Inlander 12/19/2013 by The Inlander

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How to Find & Fit Snowshoes

The Right Snowboard

by: Carla Grieser, Assistant Manager

Shape, sidecut and rocker, which is the best of the best? The advancement of technology in boards seems to be changing weekly, but there are three key points to consider when choosing your next board. 1) Size. Generally the longer you go the more hard-charging and faster the board will be, but as a good rule of size, between your nose and chin is a safe bet. 2) Stiffness. The Stiffer the board the more performance oriented the board is for all mountain riding. The softer the more forgiving and playful the board will be. 3) Rocker. The more rocker (or reverse camber) a board has the more float and off groom riding capabilities you will have at your disposal. There are so many sizes, shapes and rocker variations now so come on in and let our professionals get you in the perfect set up this season.

Snowshoeing is one of the easiest and most enjoyable of winter activities to learn; and it doesn’t require a large investment! Here are a few details to look for in finding and fitting yourself with new snowshoes. The first thing you need to decide is what kind of terrain you’ll be walking on. The more hills, trails, and uneven terrain you’ll be trekking, the more aggressive your snowshoe cleat will need to be. If you plan to be walking on groomed roads or across meadows, you’ll need a less aggressive cleat. As a general rule, the larger the surface area of the snowshoe, the more floatation you’ll achieve on softer snow. This, along with your weight, will influence which snowshoe and binding you’ll need. Most sporting goods stores will have a size chart posted next to their snowshoes. After picking the type of snowshoe you’ll need, you’ll want to place it on a flat, non-slip floor. Loosen the straps and place the ball of your boot over the snowshoes rotation strap/ bar. With your heel centered over the snowshoe, tighten the heel strap around the back of the boot. Then, pull up on the top straps to tighten them over the boot making sure there’s no slack anywhere in the straps. Test your bindings and become familiar with them. If you find your foot is slipping or moving about inside the binding, it’s not fitting correctly. But, if you find the snowshoe stays comfortably and firmly in place, you’re ready to have some CONTACT US fun! Now, get a good set of hiking poles for balance, and PHONE 1-208-772-0613 EMAIL cda@tri-state.com you’re set for an enjoyable winter activity.

WEB www.t-state.com

Finding the Right Helmet Helmets are becoming very popular in today’s world of winter sports. Not only are helmets warm and comfortable to wear while skiing and snowboarding, they can prevent head injuries and even save your life. Follow these tips to find the right helmet for you. • Measure Your Head - Take a soft measuring tape and wrap it around your head about 1 inch above your eyebrows and ears . Most helmets are measured in centimeters, so unless you love calculations, measure your head in centimeters. For example, if you measure the circumference of your head and it is 56cm, you will wear a 56cm helmet or Medium (55-58cm) depending on the helmet’s size scale. • Try It On - Make sure to put the helmet on before you buy it. The helmet should feel snug. A properly fitting helmet needs to be snug all the way around your head so that it doesn’t move around, but not so snug that it causes discomfort or headaches. • Shake Test - With the helmet buckled, shake your head around. If the helmet moves on its own or shakes separately from your head, it’s too big. The helmet pads should be flush against your head with no gaps. A helmet will generally last 2-3 years under ideal conditions. However, a hard fall or other impact can render your helmet useless. Frequently inspect your helmet for cracks, dents, imprints, etc. Don’t take risks. When in doubt, replace your helmet to save yourself trouble or injury.

14 INLANDER DECEMBER 2013