What snowboarding equipment is mandatory?

[KEV]

My son is 11. He had an H2O snowboard (that I would classify as more of a toy than anything else) since he was 8. I recently found a deal I just couldn't pass on at Boardsforless.com and go him a new( never sold) 2005 board for $79. As part of the package, they offered a stomp pad and leash. I don't snowboard myself, so what I'm wondering is, Is my boy going to need these things or are they just unnecessary extras he can do with out?

[TheBlackWhisper]

Just extras really but the stomp pad will be good if he's just learning as it helps keep your loose foot on the board when travellng.As long as he's got bindings, board, boots (most important that they fit like slippers!) and warm clothes your pretty much set.

[Mc L]

A stomp pad is good to put your foot in when riding the lift because the rest of the board is slippery and If his foot slides of while getting off the lift he might fall. A leash just connect the board to your lead foot in case it comes out of the bindings. Both are good to have especially if he is a begginer.

[MetalMaiden5]

You definitely need a leash, and stomp pads are pretty necessary. Mostly all hills and all mountains require you to have a leash, and that is so if you have your board off, and the board slips, the board doesn't go flying to the bottom of the hill. Is is like a speeding knife haha. A stomp pad goes on the inside of your back binding to step on and give you grip when your going up the t-bar, or simply just getting around. Also good for getting the snow out of the boot grooves. He will definitely need bindings and boots as well, and also ideally a helmet. I live near the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada, and I believe every mountain has a helmet rule. Also any snow park you are required to wear a helmet as well. Godd luck, it is fun! He will love it.PS a good pair of goggles is an asset as well, but maybe wait until you know he loves it and they are necessary. There are a ton to choose from these days!

[M M]

I bought from them way back in 2004 and was very happy with what I got. As far as necessary goes, the stomp pad is necessary, but you can get one that is to your exact liking for about 10 bucks somewhere. It helps clean off snow out of your boots. The leash may be required at some resorts. Most of the resorts in CO do not require it though. I do not use one either. The main reason for a leash is for boards that have step in bindings (bindings click into a special boot) If your board did not come with bindings I suggest you get a him some strap in bindings, and don't go totally cheap. The cheaper ones tend to have springs that fail. Also a helmet, it keep you warmer than a hat in my opinion and is much more safe, after that, goggles, and possibly wrist guards.

[love2bskiin]

I don't believe the pad and leash are unessesary . Pad is for traction inbetween both bindings. Leash is good for keeping board close to you. He will need:bindings for the boardsnowboarding bootssnow jacket, pantsgloveshatdefinately sunglasses

[dimm0k]

Perhaps giving you a better idea of what a stomp pad and leash is would better help you decide whether they're needed or not.The use of a stomp pad is for when the rider is getting off the lifts and needs extra grip to keep the loose foot on the board while riding away and off the lifts. You're supposed to only keep one foot strapped onto your snowboard and the other foot loose for safety precautions. The stomp pad gives extra traction so your loose foot can stay on the board and give you control as if it were strapped in. While the more advanced riders may just push the loose foot against the binding to create the same strapped in feeling, it may be a little more difficult for beginners to do this method.Purpose of the leash is to keep the board attached to you so that if you aren't strapped into your board the board wont slide away. I don't think there's a need for this unless you have the boots/bindings combo where you step into the bindings like skis. I remember there was a rule requiring you to have one, but that was back in the days and I'm not sure if this rule still exists.As for mandatory equipment, I'd have to say a helmet, good pair of gloves, and waterproof jacket and pants. May also want to invest in a pair of wrist guards if the gloves don't have them built in because everyone's natural instinct when they fall is to use their hands to cushion the fall.

[fullgnarthrottle]

get him some snow too. . . ... he's gonna need that

[llaxman21]

Stomp pad you don't need but they are like $5 and so arer leashes so stop being so cheap. Some resorts require you to have a leash for safety reasons. I would say he WOULD need them.

[360]

mandatory= a snowboard(duh)extra= everything elseleash is completely useless trust me(just don't through you board down the hill)however you do want a Good stomp mat