Snowboarding is an amazing sport where you can explore the mountain, feel a thrill as you ride, and enjoy the freedom of nature in all its glory. Getting started with snowboarding might seem overwhelming, especially for a newcomer. Lucky for you we have some tips and tricks to help you get started.
What equipment do you need for snowboarding?
One of the great things about snowboarding is that it’s not as restrictive as other sports. However, since it’s performed during the winter, you do need to ensure that you have adequate insulation. Below are the essential pieces of equipment you want have.
- Snow Pants and a Snow Jacket
- Multiple Layers of Clothing
- Gloves
- A Helmet
- Snow Goggles
- Snowboard Boots
- A Durable Snowboard
These are the basic requirements. However, you should have even more layers of clothing if you’re dealing with extremely low temperatures. You can never be too careful, especially as a beginner – plus you can always take layers off. Focus on having well insulated gloves and boots – keeping your hands and feet warm is a priority.
Understand your snowboarding stance
There are 2 stances when it comes to snowboarding: Regular and Goofy. The way that you figure out which stance you are is by determining which foot feels more natural being forward. If your left foot is in front, that is the regular stance. If you have the right foot forward, that is goofy. Try out your stance on a bunny hill. If it does not feel right, you can always change it later.
Starting Out
Ideally, you want to take lessons from an experienced professional, directly on the slopes. That way you can have someone teaching you while in action.
When you hit the slopes solo for the first time it is important to learn the terrain before you go and start using your snowboard. Get acquainted with the map for the ski resort. Always check the signs on the on the mountain and stick to the beginner courses, at least for a while. As you learn more and improve your skills, you will eventually start going onto the more challenging courses.
Strapping into the snowboard and practicing
The best way to strap into the snowboard is to start with the strap by your toes, then continue with the one at the top to adjust your ankle support. Try to avoid tightening too hard, as that might affect your movement and flexibility. Instead, make sure that it’s tight, yet comfortable.
Once you are on the snowboard, what you want to do is to start on a small slope and practice maintaining balance. Once as you get a feel for the balance points you are going to want to practice turning. To turn heel side, lean back and turn your torso in the direction of your heels. If you are regular stance this is left and if goofy this is right. To turn toe side, lean forward and turn towards your toes.
I guarantee you that you will fall when starting out, but that is part of learning. Just make sure to brace yourself when you fall. The snow is soft and not painful to fall into, but you should always wear a helmet incase you fall on ice or rock.
What kind of snow is ideal for beginners?
As a snowboarding beginner, slightly powdery snow is ideal. It’s not very compact, so it moves really well under your snowboard. You want to avoid icy or frozen snow because it’s dangerous and it requires lots of control and attention, something that most beginners don’t have. Extremely powdery conditions are also not ideal as it is easy to get stuck when you fall.
Another thing to keep in mind is the weather forecast, it’s a good idea to avoid bad weather with low visibility, wait for clear weather just to be safe. Additionally, we recommend going midweek if possible since there are way less people on the snowboarding course and that can make the experience better for a beginner. You should always consider going with friends first, since they can call for help if anything goes wrong.
Conclusion
These are some great tips to help you get started with snowboarding. It’s very important to learn the ropes and focus on practicing as much as possible. The best way to accumulate experience is through snowboarding, falling, and getting back up. As you get better push yourself by trying out increasingly difficult courses. It takes time and commitment to get good at it but snowboarding one hell of a time.