Aim for the Skies with Snowboarding!
Snowboarding has been gaining increasing popularity all around the world in recent decades, and for a good reason too. From carving your way down the mountains of the French Alps to hitting the jumps in the Park, snowboarding has become one of the most sought-after and thrilling feats you can partake in. Whether you’re a veteran to the game or just starting out, it’s easy to understand why snowboarding is so attractive – and why, with the right confidence and skill set, it can be so incredibly rewarding.
So what is it that sets snowboarding apart from other winter sports? To some, the feeling you get while bombing down a mountain, feeling the air passing by your face, is incomparable and unbeatable. To others, it is that smooth, graceful feeling of turning around tight corners, feeling the board gripping onto the snow. Or for those of us who love the park – it’s the kick you get from hitting a big rail or catching big air from a jump. All these parts combined create a unique snowboarding experience, an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
To begin your snowboarding journey, there are two foundational pieces you should consider: understanding the basics behind the equipment, and getting acquainted with the different riding styles and techniques. As the beginner to the sport, having a little knowledge in these areas will go a long way.
Let’s start with getting to know the equipment. When it comes to snowboard gear, there are five main components that make up the kit:
1. The snowboard itself.
2. The boots.
3. The bindings.
4. The outerwear.
5. Accessories.
The Snowboard: This is the most important part of any snowboarder’s set up. Your board is your primary mode of transportation down the mountain, and the shape, size, and flex of the board has a noticeable impact on the kind of riding you’ll be doing. In essence, the wider and stiffer the board, the more stability and speed you’ll get from it. The narrower and softer (or flexible) the board, the more maneuverable it is. Snowboards can also be made for different types of terrain such as rails, jumps, and powder, so make sure to talk to a knowledgeable salesperson at your local shop if you’re unsure which type of board is best for you.
The Boots: Snowboard boots are designed to provide stability and control to your snowboard. They also provide much needed warmth in cold weather. There are basically two types of snowboard boots available: hardshell and softshell. It is important that you choose the boot with the right amount of stiffness and padding for your style and comfort level.
The Bindings: Snowboard bindings are what keep your feet secured to your board. The size, flex, and contour of the binding should be chosen according to the type of board you are riding. Bindings are also adjustable for different styles of riding, so make sure to get the right sizes and settings for yourself.
The Outerwear: You’ll want snowboarding outerwear that is both warm and breathable, since it will be helping you stay comfortable in wet and cold conditions. Quality snowboarding clothes will also provide additional protection in case of a nasty fall.
Accessories: There is a wide range of accessories available to you in the snowboard market. These range from boards, boots, bindings and outerwear to things like wax, tuning kits, and bindings hardware. These items are definitely worth investing in as they will help you get the most out of your snowboarding experience.
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of the equipment, let’s take it to the mountain and look at the different riding styles and techniques. Snowboarding is broken down into four main styles: Alpine, Freestyle, Freeride, and Race.
Alpine: This is considered the most traditional form of snowboarding and it is the style that most beginners tend to gravitate towards. During Alpine, the rider is focused on gaining speed and momentum by carving their way down the groomed trails and slopes. Good edge control and proper stance setup is essential for effective Alpine riding.
Freestyle: Freestyle snowboarding puts an emphasis on tricks, jumps and other technical elements. A good Freestyle rider needs to have a solid grasp of how to stay balanced in the air, how to land correctly, and the ability to link multiple tricks together. Freestyle is all about style, creativity and performance.
Freeride: Freeride is a combination of Alpine and Freestyle riding in which a snowboarder utilizes the skillsets from both disciplines. During a Freeride session, you’ll find the rider hitting up jumps and rails, while also focusing on speed and carving. Freeride is great for taking on bigger mountains and more open terrain.
Race: Race riding involves a more extreme level of speed and control. High pressure turns and tight courses are the standard when it comes to Race riding. It is important for the rider to understand the basics of racing, such as how to effectively set up and start each course, how to position their body for maximum speed, and how to build their confidence and trust in their snowboarding skills.
Snowboarding is all about having fun, challenging yourself and pushing yourself to achieve new heights. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the sport has something for everyone to enjoy and excel at. The best way to get started is to take lessons from a qualified instructor and to go out and practice as much as you can! So get out there, aim for the skies and show the world what you’re made of!
Aim for the Skies with Snowboarding!