How to Enjoy Snowboarding: Tips and Tricks for the Aspiring Expert.
Mentioning snowboarding conjures images of ice and snow, of challenging slopes, and of adrenaline-pumping runs filled with jumps, tricks, and spins. For some, snowboarding might even be considered a religious experience, as they break through the powder in pursuit of the perfect ride. As enticing as it sounds, it can also be intimidating. Afterall, learning how to snowboard requires commitment, hard work, and dedication. Let’s break down how to snowboard and share some tips to ensure your mountain experience is as adrenaline filled as possible.
First and foremost, the key to getting into snowboarding is having the proper equipment. The most important piece is a quality snowboard that fits your size and style of riding. Snowboarding is a wide-ranging sport, so there are a variety of snowboard designs that cater to a variety of styles and riders – from pure freestyle boards to all-mountain boards to powder or split boards. It is recommended to look for a board that has the flex and shape that best suits your particular skiing or snowboarding style.
Once you have your board and boots, it is important to make sure that your bindings fit correctly and are adjusted correctly. A correctly adjusted binding gives proper leverage and leverage control to the rider so that the snowboard is properly locked onto their feet. This will allow them to confidently control the board on the mountain and make the most out of the snowboard experience.
No matter how much equipment and accessories you have, you will need to learn how to use it before you hit the slopes. This is where formal instruction can come in handy. If you don’t want to invest in private lessons, there are a variety of instructional DVDs and YouTube channels that can help you learn the basics of snowboarding. Most importantly, take a few runs down the bunny hill to learn the basics and become comfortable with your board and the terrain before heading further up the mountain.
Once you have the fundamentals of snowboarding down, it’s time to get out and practice. Start by just having fun and develop your own style, as there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to ride. Start by making turns of varying sizes on the groomed and less-groomed terrain, and explore different slopes and aspects of the mountain. Then, once you’re comfortable and have built up a bit of confidence, start to get more adventurous. Small jumps, short rails, and other features are a great way to start progressing your skills and captivate your passion for snowboarding.
As you build up your ability, your skill set should follow in a logical progression. Don’t try to jump right into the bigger jumps, as this will only put you at risk of injury. Start with smaller jumps and move up as you become more comfortable and confident with the snow and terrain. Spend considerable time sharpening your fundamentals on the smaller features in the terrain parks to make sure that you are able to properly control your board and your body in the air and on landings.
It is also important to recognize your capability and the terrain. Oftentimes, snowboarders tend to forget that most times if you step outside your comfort zone and try something new, you will likely fail. It’s okay to push yourself a little bit, but don’t be irresponsible. Steep slopes and large jumps can bring on a huge rush of adrenaline, and sometimes even compell you to attempt something that is beyond your ability. It is important to remember your limits, as safety should always be your first priority.
Finally, as with any sport, it is important to take regular breaks throughout your day in the mountains. Even experienced riders need to rest their muscles, joints, and brains in order to stay at peak performance. Just a short break can make a huge difference when you are out riding, so plan accordingly.
Whether you’re an experienced snowboarder looking to add to your skill set, or a beginner that’s just getting started, following the tips above will give you the best chance of having a successful snowboarding experience. Remember to take your time, never be irresponsible, and enjoy the ride!