Advice for new guy.

First of all, hello, new here.

I've been snowboarding for 10 or so years now, 4 of those in the PNW with a couple minor ventures out into the slackcountry. I want to get more into it but not sure about the right place to start. I know I need to take my Avy 1 class at the least and etc. My biggest fear/worry is around physical endurance (I'm 6' and 250 but I do mountain/road bike all summer and snowboard/work out etc all winter so I'm not in the worst shape) as well as route/terrain knowledge. I thought about picking up skiing but since I've never done it before I'm thinking a split board might be the best investment. I've also thought about just using snowshoes as well but not sure how good of a solution that really is (never done it either). I have a couple friends that skin and ride BC all the time but I don't really want to go with them and than have to turn around early/hold them back etc... where does one find a person willing to lead a newcomer? (I don't want to go with another noob since we'd just both get into trouble without any experience).

Anyway, any advice on a good way to get started would be great. Thanks for the time.

Howdy and welcome to TAY.

Best advice is in your intro -- taking an Avy 1 will give you A) the basic knowledge to start building your skills, an assortment of potential partners that are probably near your experience level and C) some insight into what kind of gear choices you should be making.

Well if you want to be in the BC before you grow old and die get a split board.  With skiing you have to learn how to ski first (and ski very well) and the BC isn't the place for that.  Split boards have come along way in the last few years and chicks dig them 

Take an avy 1 (so you can be afraid of all BC snow deeper than 3inches - as I was), an intro to BC skiing class (Pro Guide has a great one) and a few BC ski books should start you in the right direction.

and please - for the love of God - don't get snowshoes!

and please - for the love of God - don't get snowshoes!

It's been my observations when touring with snowboarders that the splitboard is the way to go. I avoid inviting anyone using snowshoes...

Take an avi 1 class, but still buy a book on the subject to study on your own. There are a few good ones out there like Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain.

if you can afford to drop $1k or more on a split board setup then do it!

if you're not sure you're going to stick with it, then get ($100 or rent) snowshoes and try out the bc for a couple days. if you love it (which you will), then go buy yourself that fancy split.

snowshoeing isn't always as fast/good as skinning, but it can be advantageous in certain conditions and is a great way to get a taste of the backcountry on the cheap.

Well if you want to be in the BC before you grow old and die get a split board.  With skiing you have to learn how to ski first (and ski very well) and the BC isn't the place for that.  Split boards have come along way in the last few years and chicks dig them 

sorry, but the bc is not the place to be floundering on a snowboard much less on skis. splitboards haven't come so far that they can help you to the bottom easier if you aren't used to all kinds of conditions. find a crew you like riding the resort with so you can hike a bunch of slackcountry to get a better idea of riding the gnar. my $.02.