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I speak to many keen riders who book last minute ski holidays and then panic when they realise that they don’t have all the latest accessories and pieces of gear that they have read about. For snowboarders, the issue of whether or not they need a “stomp pad” is one that divides the community. So, what is a stomp pad and do you need one before setting off on any last minute ski holidays? What Are They? A stomp pad is a rubber, metal or foam pad that is attached to the top of the snowboard, enabling the rider to stand on it when the back foot is not strapped into the binding. This could be when you get off the lift, when you are skating to the lift at the bottom of the hill or if you find yourself stuck on a flat spot. The material from the pad allows you to grip the board with your boot, thus providing you with greater control over the snowboard. How to Mount One They come with a layer of strong glue on the bottom, so it is mounted onto your board by simply marking the correct spot (directly in front of your back binding so that it is in between both). Do this by placing your boot just in front of the back binding and mark a spot under the centre of your boot. Next, thoroughly clean the top of your board (without removing the mark!) and let it dry. Remove the layering from the bottom of the pad and place it firmly on the mark, before pressing down for a short period until it is held strongly in place. The Argument Against A stomp pad is an accessory which divides the snowboarding world. The more experienced riders, generally speaking, state that they are unnecessary and indicate that the rider is a beginner. This is because these riders are able to easily get by without one by bracing their back foot against the back binding for control and “skate” in situations when they are not strapped into the back binding. If you are an experienced rider who has no problems (or if you are very self-conscious!) you may want to avoid pads. The Argument For Stomp pads are fantastic for beginners and anybody who finds getting off lifts a stressful and difficult process. If you find that your board is slippery and hard to control, then I recommend that you try one out. They give you much greater control over the board and allow you to make easy turns, plus they also make traversing flat sections much easier. In many cases, people start off using a stomp pad as it helps them to learn riding single binding by making it safer and easier. Once they have mastered this, they then feel ready to progress and lose the pad. Another argument for them is the fact that they are also very good for scraping snow and/or ice from the bottom of your boot! Ultimately, whether or not you need a stomp pad is up to you. They are ideal for beginners, less-confident riders and those who struggle with the lifts, but most experienced riders will have no need or desire for them. If you do decide to attach one to your board, you should not feel self-conscious as many people use them and they are simply there to improve your experience on the mountain. I am a strong believer that the key to success when it comes to last minute ski holidays is being prepared and getting all the accessories you need to improve your time whilst on vacation. Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re heading off on one of the last minute ski holidays Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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