Do you really need a snowboard stomp pad?

Is it worth adding a snowboard stomp pad to your downhill arsenal? Here's what to keep in mind before making a decision.

You're primed and ready for a day on the slopes and the chairlift is about to set you down for your first run. You hop off the lift, set your board down, and as you swing your back foot on to the surface, you slip. Suddenly, you're sideways, causing a chairlift traffic jam right behind you as other riders try to get off the lift without getting smacked or crushing you in the process. You feel lame, they're all mad, and there's nowhere to hide. In a nutshell, this is why you need a snowboard stomp pad.

Most experienced snowboarders will tell you that you probably do not need a stomp pad. However, they probably won't tell you embarrassing stories of the spills they took as they learned to operate without one. Basically, you can get by without a stomp pad, but most new snowboarders find them to be a benefit, and some riders with more experience swear by them when they have to skate across snow, or do one-foot tricks.

The biggest argument against stomp pads is that they cover your graphics. However, if you're looking down and admiring your board when whipping down the slopes, it probably means you have larger issues to deal with. Also, some stomp pads are transparent, so you can see the graphics anyway.

Some people avoid stomp pads because they don't want to look like a newbie. If you're new to snowboarding, don't worry about looking like you are. Everyone was new to it at some point.

There are different types of stomp pads, but most are adhesive with either rubber or metal studs. Some riders prefer metal studs because they provide heavier grip in snowy conditions, but they're more prone to losing studs in cold weather. Rubber studs offer less grip, but are more forgiving when the temperature drops. Talk to the folks at the local shop about the pros and cons of each before making your decision.

To apply the stomp pad, here's a simple technique:

• Clean the surface between your bindings with a mild detergent.
• Dry it off.
• Heat up the area with a hairdryer.
• Apply the stomp pad as close to the rear binding as possible.
• Let it sit overnight.

Remember you can use the edge of your binding to brace your boot, so you want to place the stomp pad in a way that maximizes your foot placement.

Whether you need a stomp pad for the rest of your snowboarding life is up to you. They can really help with getting on and off of lifts, and any time you need to skate across the snow. Getting the most out of your day on the slopes is really why you need a snowboard stomp pad, because they make it easier to have as much fun as possible on the hill.