I spent last winter hiring snowboarding equipment and now looking to buy. Does anyone have recommendations as to the best place to buy in the Calgary area?? It looks like a minefield out there especially when you're relatively clueless like me.

Thanks in advance

If its like here, local clubs have swap meets when you can get last years (or the year befores) stuff at bargain prices...

If you must buy new, pay the extra at a specialist store to get whats right for you, not whats on this weeks hot sales list. It will cost more, but its worth it if you keep it longer.

Can't help you with Calgary shops (I'm in Vancouver) but I found these links very useful when buying our gear:

Boot-buying guides:
http://www.snowboardingforum.com/gen...ing-guide.html
http://www.abc-of-snowboarding.com/b...oard-boots.asp

Board-buying guide:
http://www.snowgo.com/archives/2003/..._snowboard.php

The Vancouver shops all had big sales (40-50% off) over the last 6 weeks to clear out 2007/08 stock, there may still be some bargains around.

Sportsmart would be my choice. You won't require the top line gear that the specialist ski shops will be able to provide you with. I have found that the staff in Sportsmart are, relatively, well informed.

Source snowboards in Calgary

http://www.sourceboards.com/

If you are ever in Banff there are some excellent shops there, Rude Boys & Showcase to name but two