If you love the rush of adrenaline and excitement of snow sports, there’s no better time than now to invest in a pair of snowboarding gear. But with so many different types of snowboards out there, how do you choose the right one? Snowboarding can be an intimidating sport for beginners. It requires strength, balance, agility, and coordination – all things you probably lack if you’ve never snowboarded before. However, it doesn’t take long to master this thrilling winter activity. With the right preparation and willingness to learn, anyone can become a pro snowboarder in no time! If you’re thinking about buying a snowboard but aren’t sure if it’s the right choice for you – or perhaps you have friends who are interested in learning with you – read on for our top 12 tips for first-time snowboarders that will help you ride like a pro!
Do your research and find the right board for you
The first step to becoming a pro snowboarder is choosing the right snowboard! There are many different types of boards out there, and they all have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. It is essential that you choose a board that is best suited to your specific needs. To do this, you’ll need to know a few key factors about yourself and your snowboarding style before heading to the store! You can also get help from a professional at the store who can guide you through the selection process and make sure you pick the right board. We have a checklist below of things to consider while shopping for a snowboard, so make sure to go through that before you start browsing!
Learn how to stop
Anyone can fall off a board, but there are two ways to fall off – and only one of them is safe! If you come to a screeching halt on your board and it slams into the ground, you risk snapping a board in half, losing a finger, or even breaking your leg. These incidents are avoidable – which is why you should always know how to stop properly! There are two types of stopping: the regular and the panic. The regular stop is used when you want to stop but not slam into the ground. The panic stop is when you’re not in control of the situation and you’re trying to regain your balance. While knowing how to stop is essential, it’s also important to know how to control your speed on the slopes. This way, you won’t have to stop, which is always a good thing!
Practice makes perfect
You’ve picked out a board and know how to stop, but you’re still struggling to get the hang of snowboarding. What’s wrong? Well, nothing! Learning any sport takes time, and snowboarding is no exception. As with any new activity, you need to practice enough to be able to execute the movements and skills with speed and accuracy. This means that you must be patient and try not to get discouraged – it takes most people around 10 hours to grasp the basics of snowboarding! If you find yourself struggling, don’t give up! Snowboarding is an exciting and rewarding experience, and with a little bit of practice, it can be exactly that for you, too!
Don’t forget the sunscreen!
You don’t want to look like a red lobster after spending a day on the slopes, so remember to wear sunscreen if you’re going to be out in the sun. Also, make sure to wear snow-proof clothing that offers protection from the cold and the sun. No matter how long you’ve been snowboarding, you don’t want to be unprepared for the conditions. Make sure to pack sunscreen, snow-proof clothing, and a hat that covers your ears, especially if you’re going to a place that has high altitudes.
Know the lingo
First-time snowboarders often pick up the lingo and terminology of the sport as they go along. But it’s also a good idea to get familiar with the lingo and terminology of the sport before you start. This will help you better understand what others are saying and make you feel more comfortable when you’re out on the slopes with other snowboarders. Here are some terms you should know:
Go slow, then build up speed
When you’re just starting out, it’s best to go slow and take your time. This might seem like the opposite of what you’re supposed to do, but it’s better to go slow and master the basics of snowboarding before trying to speed up. You also don’t want to be racing down the mountain when you’re still getting the hang of things – it’s dangerous! Once you’re comfortable and confident, you can start building up speed and improving your skills.
But don’t try to go too fast too soon
The key to snowboarding is patience, and it can take some people a few years to fully master the skill. When you’re snowboarding, you should always be in control of your board. If you’re going too fast, it’s hard to control your board and maneuvers – and you could end up falling on your face. It’s also important to know that if you’re a beginner, you might encounter some trouble on inclines and descents. This is normal and part of the learning process!
Don’t stick to just one trick or skill
So, you’ve gotten the basics of snowboarding down and you can now say that you’re a snowboarding pro. But what now? What should you be doing to stay at your best and continue improving your skill? Well, one thing you can do is stop focusing on just one trick or skill and start trying out new things! Snowboarding is an ever-growing sport and there are always new skills to learn and ways to improve.
Don’t be afraid to fall – it’s how you learn!
One thing you should never do when snowboarding is be afraid to fall. After all, this is the best way to learn and get better – not to mention, it’s inevitable! Don’t worry about falling, but instead understand that it’s part of the sport and you should pick yourself up and try again. You might be embarrassed at first, but you’ll soon realize how common falling is, and it will just feel normal from there on out.
Final Words
Throughout this article, we’ve discussed how first-time snowboarders can become pros and master the skill of snowboarding. We’ve talked about the importance of choosing the right board for your needs and skills, how to practice and get better, and how not to be afraid to fall. Now all that’s left is for you to go out there, pick a board, and start snowboarding! Now that you’re fully prepared to become a pro snowboarder, there’s no stopping you! So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to hit the slopes and enjoy the thrill of snowboarding! And when you’re done, be sure to show off your skills by trying out some of our tips above. After all, what better way is there to prove that you’re a snowboarding pro than by showing off your skills?