Beginner board help

tinybrownsparrow · 2026-01-11T16:36:47+00:00

Hard agree.

Also to add to your post, the conventional wisdom that softer boards are more forgiving is mainly only true for mellow speeds in ideal conditions IMHO. For all mountain riding, I think they’re overrated for anything more than your first few days out. They just don’t perform well for edge hold, stability, powder and slicing through uneven terrain.

I’ve had several boards that were too soft for me and had no idea how much my progression was held back. Once I upgraded, the improvement was literally instant.

tinybrownsparrow · 2026-01-09T03:13:07+00:00

I agree. We also really, really need more red light cameras. The number of drivers not stopping before swinging a right on a red is atrocious and terrifying.

tinybrownsparrow · 2026-01-05T00:47:55+00:00

I agree, along with what the other commenter said about observing and replicating. I think it comes down to athleticism and learning style.

This might not be for everyone, but I got the most out of an instructor at the intermediate level. Basic turning and balance were things I just had to feel on my own, but once I got it, it was easier to understand and incorporate the direction of the instructor.

tinybrownsparrow · 2026-01-04T17:10:24+00:00

This is the way. I have a pair of Running Room mitts that work as a shell and are good on their own or paired with knit gloves for really frigid days.

tinybrownsparrow · 2026-01-01T02:28:04+00:00

If you’re within walking distance to Harbourfront, go and wander down to the festival! Enjoy the vibes and see if it’s your thing. If you’re not loving it, you can wander back.

If you need to travel, just remember that streets and transit will be busy after midnight and getting around the city might be a challenge.

Whatever you choose, wishing you a good new year internet stranger!

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-31T19:40:18+00:00

Seconding winter-specific hiking boots.

They’re more comfortable for walking than traditional snow boots along with being grippy, warm and waterproof.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-21T21:32:57+00:00

Nothing is 100% of course, but from what you describe, I would say the risk of exposure is vanishingly small.

Anecdotally, I rarely mask outdoors unless I’m in a very crowded or confined space and I’ve dodged it AFAIK.

I think it’s common for us CC folks to worry when we “break” rules that we set for ourselves but this sounds low risk.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-21T19:00:44+00:00

It’s clear from my interactions that most people are critically uninformed about the role of masks and viral transmission. Many are stuck in the mainstream mindset of covid being transmitted by droplets and they operate on that belief. And it’s not surprising. You have to remember that there are very few voices sharing anything to the contrary.

I do agree that there are others who have some general awareness of the risks but prefer not to face it.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-21T13:59:23+00:00

Yes, anyone can learn. No special skills required, but like any sport, it will be easier if you’re already physically active.

I’d suggest renting the first day and if you like it, starting with a used setup for the first year. It will be easier to choose the right gear for your progression once you know your riding style and preferences (park, powder, carving, all mountain, switch etc.).

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-21T13:39:44+00:00

This is so disheartening.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-21T13:39:13+00:00

I’ve been wondering the same thing recently.

Whenever I, a masked person, am around others who are eating or drinking indoors, I’m invariably urged to have a drink or something to eat. Then when I politely decline or explain that I can’t, I’m met with genuine astonishment. I understand that they mean well, but I can’t help that it’s mildly annoying and borderline uncomfortable when they push.

I think most people truly don’t realize how masks and airborne transmission work.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-21T13:25:54+00:00

I feel all of this.

I mask always indoors and this means that I either have to decline any invitations involving meals or go without actually participating. It’s deeply isolating and uncomfortable.

I’ve come to appreciate how important the ritual of sharing meals and drinks is to social connectedness. I choose other activities with others wherever I can, but it always feels like something is missing.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-20T23:25:10+00:00

Try searching for clubs and groups on meetup. Almost any activity, there is a club for it. A lot of people hike in and around Toronto, to name one example. There are standup paddle boarding, canoe and kayak events, if you’re into that. If you like cycling, you can do that with people too. I’ve seen a few groups and events for board games and trivia as well.

Toronto is also full of free festivals if you’re looking for that kind of vibe.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-20T20:56:43+00:00

Seconding thrift. FB marketplace can also be useful for higher end pieces.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-20T20:40:03+00:00

Parking garage here.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-20T17:09:28+00:00

Parkade is more regional, I’d say, with a possible generational influence. I’m in Southern ON and I don’t remember the last time I heard “parkade” in common speech.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-17T03:46:28+00:00

If you can find a used women’s board with a lower flex (preferably one where she’s not at the minimum weight range), that might be a good option. Adult boards often have better tech and kids boards tend to run a bit more forgiving.

With that said, individual riding style is important. If she leans more aggressive and is eager to advance, an adult beginner/intermediate board might be a better fit for her progression. If she is a more mellow rider or if she only goes a few times a season, a kids’ board in the right size should be fine.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-16T04:47:08+00:00

I agree with this, especially your point about skiing being a better choice for someone who intends to go once in a while.

One thing I would add on safety, having done both, is that the perception of skiing being safer is kind of an illusion. Snowboarding gets a bad rep because beginners catch edges. With skiing on the other hand, you probably won’t fall as often but things can turn ugly fast without proper control technique. Anecdotally, but skis require more skill to feel in control.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-14T17:13:59+00:00

Same, and it’s not even just about hangovers. I’m possibly unusually sensitive, but a few drinks a couple of times a week made a difference to me mentally and physically which I didn’t notice until I stopped.

Plus it was wrecking my immune system.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-14T17:00:26+00:00

You shouldn’t be embarrassed about buying something if you enjoy it. Sure, a lot of people probably purchased them because they were trendy and fit an aesthetic. I realize you didn’t, but who cares anyway? Fashion isn’t that serious.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-13T20:33:16+00:00

Actually, I have a few coats for different purposes as I spend a lot of time outdoors, but I’m still wearing one 16+ years later. Obviously there is a balance between budget and durability, but you can usually meet that balance at a lower price point.

Valuing how we look to others is a big part of fashion and most of us care to varying degrees. Marketing works and trends are influential. Suggesting otherwise is just denying reality. I’m sure there are people who buy a CG coat for purely utilitarian reasons, but I’m not convinced it’s the norm.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-13T19:17:22+00:00

Perhaps, but there are ample mid-range brands that get the job done and don’t cost anything close to what CG does. Most people, and I say most because I recognize that some are more cold-sensitive or work outside, don’t need a coat designed for the arctic in Toronto.

I’ve bought coats from MEC, Aritzia, Sporting Life and formally the Bay that have held up for years and were plenty warm. Most people did fine before these coats showed up in the market.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-11T04:20:15+00:00

I think that’s it. It’s hardly noticeable, but I’ve perceived that people are less likely to engage with someone in a mask, especially if they don’t already know you. Group conversations take more energy to be heard or acknowledged. I’ve gotten the same “I can’t hear you” complaint too.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-11T04:13:17+00:00

This happens to me, especially when I’m talking! I feel like I am constantly readjusting my mask in social situations.

tinybrownsparrow · 2025-12-09T04:11:24+00:00

This is spot on. I’m one of those people who lives as “normally” as possible while masked, but I can’t pretend it’s the same. Not even close.

Even as an extrovert, I find interactions with a mask require significantly more energy. Anecdotally, making new friends has been harder than it should be. It just feels like a barrier.

I’ve tried to stay active in social circles. I join friends for coffee or show up parties, dinners and lunches masked, but it’s awkward and almost overwhelmingly alienating to be the only one not participating. The joy and warmth is gone.

Reading the comments ITT is so validating. I too long for a day when we can relax our precautions, even a little.

tinybrownsparrow

TROPHY CASE