Heading Off-Piste in your Own Snow-Filled Adventure: A Guide to Snowboarding
Nothing beats the crunch of the freshly fallen snow under your feet as you glide across the slopes – the crisp air filling your lungs with each exhale, the sunlight blinding your eyes for a moment as you soar across the mountain – this is the essence of snowboarding. An exhilarating, thrilling experience in the coldest of winter landscapes, snowboarding is becoming increasingly popular with active folk of all ages.
If you’re keen to try out this exhilarating sport for yourself, then you’ve landed in the right spot! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to snowboard, from basics moves and tricks for beginners to tips for shredding the slopes for seasoned shredders. Let’s get ready to hit the mountains!
Before You Head Out: Preparing for Snowboarding
Before you venture onto the slopes, you’ll want to make sure that you’re well-equipped with the right gear and a few basics of the sport.
Rent or Buy Your Snowboard:If you’re just trying out snowboarding and don’t want to invest in a board right away, you can always rent one and use that to get a feel for the sport. If you’re already hooked or looking to get serious about shredding, you should definitely invest in a good quality board. Nowadays, boards come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of maneuverability, so it’s best to go for a mid-range option and talk to a pro for advice.
Practice Your Stance: Snowboarding is about balance and balance does not come effortlessly. To prepare for your time on the mountain, get familiar with the stances for both regular (left foot forward) and goofy foot (right foot forward). You’ll feel most balanced and stable on the board with hands, arms, legs, and feet all evenly distributed, so get to grips with this basic tip before you head out.
Learn the Lingo: To make the most of your snowboarding session, it’s worth learning the jargon. Get familiar with phrases like ‘riding out’, ‘popping’, ‘grabbing’, and ‘grinding’. Not only will this help you feel more comfortable amongst the boarders, but it will also help you talk about exactly what you’re doing with friends and experts on the mountain.
Hitting the Beginner Slopes: A Guide to Basic Moves
Ready to hit the slopes? Here’s a quick guide to the basics that you need to know when snowboarding.
Making a Turn:The basics of snowboarding are all about making turns. To get the motion right, press your weight onto your heels as you approach your turn and turn your hips and shoulders in the direction of movement and bend your knees. Start with small turns and then gradually increase their size as you get the hang of it.
Carving:Once you’ve mastered the basics, try out carving. Carving is all about creating a deep edge on the turn and connecting your turns with an efficient and powerful movement. To pull off this trick, press your toes on your edges and dig into the snow as you push your heel-side back and then rock onto your toe-side.
Stomping off the Lips:Once you’ve nailed carving, time to try and ride off the lips. When you’re out on the slope, you’ll come across atop of a terrain feature known as the ‘lip.’ This is where the trick lies. Commit to the lip, cast your weight back, flex your board, and press your feet in and grab the board for balance. This will send you riding off in style!
Tricks and Tips for Experienced Snowboarders
Ready to take your snowboarding up a notch? Whether you’re trying out your first trick or want to bring your shredding up a level, here are three stunts and tips to get you ready:
Triple Cork:This is a spin-style trick that’s already gained legendary status in the snowboarding world. To pull it off, start your spin but let the momentum naturally build before you jump, keep a firm grip on your board and make sure that your arms and legs are evenly distributed, and finish off by straightening your legs.
Grinding Rails:Grinding rails is an essential trick for any snowboarder looking to take their shredding to the next level. To get ahead with this move, make sure you approach the rail at a comfortable speed and find the sweet spot between too slow and too fast (around 30 mph). Once you’re in position, bend your knees and grab the edge of the rail with your back hand for balance.
Grass Slides:This is a great way to practice your slides at a low speed and low-stress environment. To pull off this moves, start off by clearing any tiny rocks and putting down a layer of grass clippings below the rail. Once this is done, you can give the movement a go and practice your slides with less fear of crashing.
Stay Safe: Snowboarding Tips
The most important part of snowboarding is having fun…and staying safe. Before you hit the slopes, here are a few top tips to keep in mind:
Wear a Helmet:A helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment while snowboarding. Make sure to buy one that is well-fitted and comfortable to wear, and never hit the slopes without it on.
Get Proper Training:It’s easy to get carried away on the slopes, which is why it’s important to invest in proper training and instruction. Professional snowboarder classes can help you hone your skills and teach you tips for a safe time on the mountain.
Respect the Mountain:Always be aware of other people on the slopes and obey the safety rules. Avoid skiing or boarding during unsafe weather and make sure to stick to designated trails.
At the end of the day, snowboarding is all about having fun. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your time on the mountain to the fullest, safely and responsibly. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to hit the slopes!
Conclusion
Snowboarding is a thrilling experience that takes commitment and skill to master. Taking the time to properly equip yourself with the right gear, practice your stances and techniques, and get familiar with the lingo will help you make the most of your snowboard sessions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shredder, following these tips and tricks will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time on the mountain. What are you waiting for? Head off-piste in your own snow-filled adventure – it’s time to shred the slopes!
Ending Line: Time to hit the slopes and get shredding!