Snowboarding: The Winter Sport That Is Taking The World By Storm.
Do you love winter sports? Or perhaps you’re a beginner looking to get into a winter sport? Snowboarding is the perfect sport for both seasoned veterans and first-timers alike. This exhilarating winter sport is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to spend the winter months – and for good reason.
There’s something truly enchanting about the freedom that snowboarding provides you with. Gliding down snow-capped mountains, carving your own path, and leaving your mark on the mountain as you go – there’s no feeling quite like it.
But don’t let this incredible feeling distract you from the technical side of snowboarding. Whether you’re trying to learn a new trick or perfecting an old one, learning how to snowboard can be a bit daunting at first. But the wonderful thing about snowboarding, is that you never truly stop learning – the experience, progress and enjoyment is always ever-developing.
It’s no wonder snowboarding has become such an exciting 21st century sport – and it’s only getting more popular. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snowboarder, it’s time to explore why snowboarding is taking the world by storm. Ready to learn more? Read on!
What Is Snowboarding?
To start, let’s explore the basics of snowboarding. So, what is snowboarding exactly?
Snowboarding is a winter sport which combines elements of skiing and surfing. Participants strap their feet into a board that looks vaguely similar to a skateboard, minus the wheels, and then race down snow-covered hills. It’s incredibly fun, and quite technical too when you get into it!
The snowboarder is able to manoeuvre through the snow by crouching, leaning and twisting. As the snowboarder moves through the snow, they can perform tricks such as spins, jumps, flips and grabs. Snowboarding is incredibly diverse and there is something to suit every style.
History of Snowboarding
It might seem like snowboarding has just come into existence in recent years, but it actually has a long and interesting history!
The earliest traces of the sport go back to the 1850s, when a Vermont native by the name of Edward Boger created a board with wooden planks and wooden runners, similar to today’s snowboards. He dubbed it the “Boger Men’s Snowboard”.
In 1931, The National Ski Association, or NSA, officially recognised the sport of snowboarding and even went as far as sanctioning its first competition, which occurred in 1929. The NSA continued to manage snowboard competitions until 1977.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the sport really started to gain traction and popularity. During this era, the pioneers of the sport, Tom Sims, Jake Burton, and Chuck Barfoot, developed revolutionary designs that would shape the future of snowboarding into what we know it as today.
Benefits Of Snowboarding
Now that you know a bit more about the sport, it’s time to explore some of the benefits that come with snowboarding. From improved mental wellbeing to enhanced physical fitness, there’s a whole host of reasons why snowboarding is taking the world by storm.
1) Improved Mental State
One of the great things about snowboarding is that it can help improve your mental wellbeing. Even when snowboarding can be challenging, it can provide you with an amazing sense of accomplishment when you do something you never thought you could do.
Whether you’re learning how to do a new trick, checking out a new line, or even just going for a leisurely slide down the mountain, snowboarding is an excellent form of stress relief and the ultimate escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
2) Improved Physical Fitness
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, snowboarding is a great way to stay fit. From working your quads, calves, and glutes as you navigate downhill, to working your biceps and triceps as you carve your way through the half-pipe, snowboarding is an excellent form of total body exercise.
3) Improved Balance
Snowboarding also provides an excellent form of balance and proprioception training. As you move down the mountain and attempt new tricks, your body needs to constantly adjust to new positions and centers of gravity. This helps to hone your balance and proprioception, allowing you to become more in tune with your body as you move.
4) Enhances Creativity
If you’re a creative person, snowboarding has the potential to take your creativity to the next level. The freedom of the mountain combined with increased physical and mental ability, leads to the perfect recipe for creativity – and some seriously cool snowboard lines.
Snowboarding Equipment
If you’re ready to hit the slopes, then here’s a quick overview of the equipment you’ll need for snowboarding.
Snowboard
The most important piece of equipment for snowboarding is, of course, the snowboard. The design, width and shape of a snowboard all depend on the rider’s weight and skill level.
Bindings
Next up are the bindings, or the device that attaches the snowboarder to the board. They are usually made of either plastic or metal, and can often be adjusted to fit different foot sizes.
Boots
Last on the list are the boots. You’ll need a pair of boots that are specifically designed for snowboarding, as they provide better support and help keep your feet comfortable during long days on the slopes.
Where Can I Snowboard?
Now that you’ve got your gear sorted, it’s time to look for somewhere to snowboard!
There are countless snowboarding spots all over the world, from the USA to New Zealand, and there’s usually something to suit everyone’s skill level. To find the perfect spot for you, it’s a good idea to look into snowboard destinations that house a range of terrain parks and powder areas.
If you’re looking for a snowboarding holiday, many popular ski resorts provide lift access and rental gear for snowboarders. They also offer lessons for those just starting out!
If you’re in the US, then why not check out Arapahoe Basin, in Colorado, or Mammoth Mountain in California? For some of the best places to snowboard in Europe, then take a look at San Bernardo, in Andorra, or Cervinia in Italy. For some of the best powder in the world, head over to Whistler Blackcomb in Canada!
Safety Tips For Snowboarding
Knowing the basics of safety is key to having an enjoyable and safe snowboarding experience.
1) Know The Mountain: Always take the time to familiarise yourself with your surroundings and the terrain of the area you are skiing or snowboarding in. Look for hazards such as unmarked obstacles or steep terrain, and make sure you understand the piste map and risks associated with the area before heading out.
2) Don’t Go Alone: Snowboarding is a great activity to do with friends, so make sure you never head out alone and always stick with someone who agrees to show you the ropes.
3) Wear A Helmet: Wearing a helmet is the most important way to stay safe. Helmets should fit snugly, be made of the correct material, and have a certification that ensures safety.
4) Be Aware Of Bad Weather: Bad weather conditions can quickly cause an enjoyable day on the mountain to become dangerous, so always tune into the weather reports and assess if it’s safe to head out.
5) Pay Attention To Warning Signs: Ski lifts and other snow resorts will provide clear warning signs for any potential hazards. Pay attention to these and don’t be afraid to turn back if conditions become dangerous.
6) Warm Up and Cool Down: After a long day of snowboarding, you’re bound to be feeling both physically and mentally exhausted. Before and after you hit the slopes, take a few minutes to do a few warm up and cool down exercises to make sure you don’t end up with an injury.
Conclusion
So there you have it – why snowboarding is the winter sport that is taking the world by storm! From its fascinating history to its range of benefits, it’s no surprise that this thrilling winter sport has gained such immense popularity over the years.
If you’re looking for a winter activity to get your blood pumping, then snowboarding is definitely the sport for you! So, why not gear up, hit the mountain and explore why snowboarding has become such a beloved sport?
Snowboarding: The Winter Sport That Is Taking The World By Storm.