Choosing Equipment
Our job here at The Rookie Academy is to give you the best chance we can when it comes to obtaining Certification. In part, this comes down to your dedication to improve, part is down to us as trainers, but both of these can hit a huge obstacle if your gear is not right for you.
It is vital that you have the correct gear.
It is so frustrating for you the candidate and us as trainers, when your equipment limits your progression and does not allow you to become the best rider you can be.
WHAT TO BUY
You get what you pay for.
If it seems cheap –it probably is. Every year we come across people who have purchased board, bindings or boots in a GREAT DEAL offer, only to find what they bought breaks on them as soon as they start to demand the best from their equipment. You will become a stronger, more aggressive rider on the course…will your gear be up to it?
· BOOTS
You will be spending AT LEAST 6 hours a day in your boots. If they don’t fit properly…..PAIN!
Here in Wanaka we have some of the best boot fitters in the industry, people who know the product, can custom fit foot-beds ( a must for any serious rider) to your foot, and guarantee a full on going back up service for your time here. If you have boots already, great, if you don’t, my advice is to buy when you get here and get a great fit. If possible, go for a boot with a removable liner….they are easier, and quicker, to dry out.
· BINDINGS
The crucial interface between you and your board. It is no use having great fitting boots and a high performance deck, if all your muscular hard work and efficient movements (if you don’t have any…don’t worry we’ll show you!) is lost through bindings that are either sloppy and soft, or too rigid and limit movement. Let us help you decide. Every year, we have people having to fork out 600 dollars plus for new bindings after less than a week on snow, when they realise they CANNOT IMPROVE due to their current bindings.
As instructors, we need bindings that allow our ankles to flex, and deliver comfort and performance. e.g. Burton. Some bindings on the market do not allow this e.g. FLOW. Last year alone, 3 of our clients arrived with FLOW Bindings and had to buy new bindings within a week of starting training. When other people around you are improving, and you are not, and CANNOT because of equipment limitations it can be soul destroying. As Trainers, we do not ride or recommend FLOW Bindings. 6 out of 8 Rookie Trainers rode Burton Bindings last season. Any Intermediate to High-end model is fine, just be cautious of the ultra stiff Carbon hi backs on the top of the range models.
· BOARDS
Probably the least important of the 3! With such a range of manufacturers out there it can be a little overwhelming. Providing your board is of correct width to limit toe and heel drag, and reasonable length and suitable flex for your height and weight, and you keep it tuned well, it should perform for you. Strong, sharp edges are vital for grip
Some of the benefits of buying through us in Wanaka.
We can get you THE BEST deal on the top Brands and we offer 2007 model boards, so next years boards NOW! Especially cool if you are planning on working in the States, as you can ride your board for a season then take it overseas and its still new!!
We want to give you every opportunity to improve, so please don’t make any hasty decisions when it comes to buying equipment- it can be a costly mistake, both in wasted training time and your hard earned cash. If you have any questions or doubts on product, please drop me an e-mail.
Jim Hart
jimhart11@xtra.co.nz
Snowboard Manager
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