Breaking in snowboard boots is an essential part of a safe and successful experience on the snow. Once you choose the appropriate boots for your style and snowboarding ambitions, you break them in the same way you do most new shoes; you wear them.

Unless you live at the North Pole, you probably don't have the advantage of year-round snow upon which to practice snowboarding. You may think that the offseason is only good for building anticipation for next year's snowboarding opportunities and not the time for practice.

Snowboarding and skiing are somewhat similar winter activities. They both get you out in the fresh air, on a snowy mountain, maneuvering your way down the carved out slopes or runs. However, when it comes to the essential gear for the two sports, you begin to see the major differences between the two sports.