Mini shredders get head start with specialized rides

By Matt Boxler

One of my favorite ways to get inspired before each run is to scan the mountain while riding the chair up. Invariably, I’ll spot a skier or rider doing something wonderful – executing tight, flawless turns along the tree-line, laying a board on edge and carving deep, gravity-defying arcs, catching air seemingly out of nowhere, spinning a slow-motion 520 and landing like head on pillow ... all in rhythm.

“Going big” is being expressed in so many ways out there. But more and more these days, my eyes are drawn to those who are going small ... literally. From magic carpet land to steeper runs beneath the quad to glades, these super tykes – many just 3, 4, 5 and 6 years old – are showing remarkable progression in the sport.

Not only are they linking carved turns, they’re riding switch and catching air – all on more difficult terrain. How is this happening when most resorts don’t begin to offer lessons for young snowboarders until they’re at least 4 years old?

The answer can be found in a new approach to youth equipment and instruction, driven by Burton Snowboards. Gone are the days when kids are supposed to start out on skis before giving snowboarding a shot. With Burton’s new Mini Shred line of snowboard equipment, parents can give their kids a head start in the sport virtually as soon as they’re able to walk.

With its Mini Shred line, Burton engineers developed a completely new construction standard for its youth equipment – boards, boots and bindings – after studying the way kids learn to ride.

The company’s Chicklet and Chopper boards feature Easy Rider construction, which gives kids an easier-to-ride, softer flexing snowboard that encourages progression. These boards have less dramatic side-cuts, mellower camber and edge tunes, and even edges that are turned up on the base to make turning and stopping simple.

On the smallest of boards, the 90 cm and 100 cm sizes, traction pads give the youngest of kids a chance to grow comfortable pushing around and sliding without having their feet locked into a binding. This set-up reinforces the fact that the earliest snowboard instruction can begin with kids in back yards and driveways without the need to invest in a lift ticket at a resort.

When the kids are ready, of course, bindings can be mounted to replace the traction pads.

With boots, Burton’s new Speed Zone Express has mom and dad in mind by offering a simple “one-handed pull and you’re done” system. This lacing system is offered in The Ruler Smalls and Emerald Smalls boots.

For kids with feet as small as size 11, Burton’s Grom boot is the one to grab. The Grom features a new Shred Ready lace-less system. It’s also designed with additional warmth and traction so kids will be comfortable wearing them all day, whether snowboarding or playing king of the mountain on a big pile of snow.

This boot is designed for the Grom binding, which features oversized buckles so kids can “do it themselves” for those times when they absolutely refuse parental help ... which is most of the time.

In typical Burton fashion, the Mini Shred line isn’t complete without a selection of snowboard-specific outerwear for kids ranging in sizes from 2T to 6. The line features a one-piece snowsuit, jacket and pants.

Next time you’re on the chairlift, be sure to check out the growing legion of pint-sized inspiration below.