Collection: Snow

Garage Skateshop is a Southern California skate shop, in business since 1995, that also carries snowboard gear: boots and bindings from Ride, Union, ThirtyTwo and Vans, outerwear from 686, and goggles, helmets, balaclavas and mitts from Oakley, Smith, Airhole, Crab Grab and Dakine. Everything ships from Orange County, California.

What gear do I need to go snowboarding?

To go snowboarding you need a snowboard, bindings, snowboard boots, a waterproof jacket and pants, gloves or mittens, goggles and a helmet. Under that, wear a base layer and snowboard socks, and bring a beanie or balaclava for cold days.

• Hard goods: snowboards, snowboard bindings and snowboard boots.
• Outerwear: snowboard jackets and snowboard pants.
• Protection and warmth: snow goggles, helmets, mitts, balaclavas and stomp pads in snow accessories.

Is it worth buying your own snowboard boots?

Yes. If you only buy one piece of snowboard gear, buy boots. Rental boots are packed out from hundreds of other feet, and a loose boot means sore feet and less control over the board. Your own boots mold to your feet over the first few days on the hill, and you can still rent a board and bindings until you're ready.

How should snowboard boots fit?

Snowboard boots should fit snug. Standing straight, your toes should lightly touch the front of the boot. When you bend your knees into a riding stance, your toes should pull back slightly and your heel should stay locked down with no lift. Don't size up for comfort: liners pack out and loosen after a few days of riding. If you have wide feet, look for a wide model like the Ride Lasso Pro Wide.

BOA or laces: which snowboard boots are better?

Neither is better. BOA is faster and easier with gloves on, and traditional laces let you fine-tune the fit.

What waterproof rating do I need for a snowboard jacket?

A 10,000mm (10K) waterproof rating is enough for most resort days in dry snow. For wet storms, spring slush or long days in the weather, go with 20,000mm (20K) or GORE-TEX. The number is how much water pressure the fabric holds back before it leaks, so higher means drier. Much of the 686 outerwear here is rated 10K or 20K, and many of the mitts and gloves use GORE-TEX.

What should I wear snowboarding?

Wear three layers: a base layer that pulls sweat off your skin, a warm middle layer like a fleece or hoodie, and a waterproof jacket and pants on the outside. Skip cotton and jeans. They soak up snow and sweat and stay cold and wet all day. A regular puffer works on a dry, cold day, but it isn't waterproof and soaks through if you fall a lot.

Snowboard brands at Garage Skateshop

• Ride: snowboard boots and bindings, including the Lasso and Anchor boots.
• Union: snowboard bindings and stomp pads.
• ThirtyTwo: Double BOA snowboard boots, pants and base layers.
• Vans: snowboard boots, including the Hi-Standard, Aura and Encore.
• 686: snowboard jackets and pants.
• Snowboards: YES, Public and CAPiTA.
• Goggles and helmets: Oakley and Smith.
• Accessories: Airhole balaclavas and neck warmers, Autumn beanies, Crab Grab stomp pads and mitts, and Dakine gloves.

Snowboard gear FAQ

Is last season's snowboard gear still good?

Yes. Boots, bindings and outerwear from the past season or two use nearly the same materials and designs as the newest versions, and they usually cost less. Check the snow sale for marked-down gear.

Do I need a helmet to snowboard?

You should wear one. Most falls while learning are backward falls onto hard snow. Look for a helmet with MIPS, like the Smith Method Pro MIPS or Rodeo MIPS, which adds protection against rotational impacts.

Mittens or gloves for snowboarding?

Mittens are warmer because your fingers share heat. Gloves give you more grip for buckling bindings and holding your board. If your hands run cold, go with mittens.

Balaclava or neck warmer?

A balaclava covers your head, neck and face in one piece and fits under a helmet. A neck warmer, like the Airhole Airtube, covers just your neck and face and is easier to pull up and down.

What do snowboarders wear under their pants?

Snowboarders wear a base layer, like thermal leggings, under their pants. It keeps you warm and dry without the bulk. Skip jeans or sweatpants underneath.

What is a stomp pad for?

A stomp pad is a grippy pad stuck to your board between the bindings. It gives your back foot something to push against when you ride the lift with one foot unstrapped.

Can I return snowboard gear?

Yes, within 30 days of shipment if it's unused and in sellable condition. Bindings must include all parts and the original, undamaged packaging. Sale items are final sale.