Defy Gravity and Achieve Unexpected Feats with Snowboarding.
Snowboarding is one of the most exciting sports out there. It’s fast-paced and thrilling, but also a great way to stay fit and have fun with friends. All you need is some gear, a terrain with snow – and a creative imagination. With snowboarding, you can defy gravity, sliding down steep slopes and performing tricks in the air. True, falling off your board and taking a few spills along the way is inevitable, yet it all pays off in the end; and many of those spills may actually teach you a lesson or two: The importance of practice and patience, the power of preparation and of course, the risk and reward of pushing yourself to the limit.
Snowboarding began in the United States in the 1960s, when two men by the name of Sherman Poppen and Tom Sims decided to attach two skis together with a rubber binding and a rope. To simplify the ride, Poppen and Sims went on to craft their own snowboards, and thus, snowboarding was born. Since then, the sport has grown and evolved, becoming an all-season activity, offering different, challenging and geographically unique riding experiences all around the world.
Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced rider looking for a challenge, snowboarding offers something for everyone. It’s a great way to get out, stay active and have some fun with friends. Before you hit the slopes, doing your research and getting equipped with the right gear is key. Here’s a beginner’s primer to help you get started on your snowboarding journey.
The Basics of Snowboarding
Snowboarding is essentially divided into two main genres: alpine and freestyle. Alpine snowboarding is all about the speed, taking on big mountains, going down slopes and trying to stay in control while doing so. Freestyle snowboarding focuses more on techniques, tricks and jumps, offering riders a more creative outlet to explore. There are various tricks, styles and patterns that you can incorporate on the slopes, and the more you practice and progress, the better your skills will become.
Before you begin your adventures, it’s essential to understand the basics of snowboarding. Much like a surfer hitting the waves, riding the slopes requires certain knowledge and techniques. To help you get the most out of your time on the snow, here are the fundamentals of snowboarding:
• Start with a Slow Speed: Don’t make the mistake of wanting to push yourself too fast from the get-go. Instead, start with a slower speed and focus on mastering basic moves, such as bringing both feet down together, leaning back and forth and maneuvering your board.
• Know Your Foot Position: It’s important to figure out the appropriate foot position for your size. Your lead foot should be placed closer to the heel edge of the board, while the back foot rests closer to the toe edge. Make sure they’re balanced and evenly-weighted from the start.
• Bend the Knees: When you make turns, you’ll need to be able to quickly stand up and flex your knees. A good rule of thumb is to keep your knees bent at all times, so that you can properly absorb the impact of the powder and the bumps on the terrain.
• It’s All About the Edge of Your Board: Much of your control on the slopes comes from the edge of your board. Know how to lean on your edge, so you can make sharp, quick turns. The more you practice, the better your edge control will become.
• Learn How to Stop: Stopping when necessary is absolutely essential to your safety and enjoying the ride. Make sure you know how to properly stop on both your heel and toe edges. When stopping, try practicing the snow plough method.
• Try Different Traverses and Terrain: When you’re beginning to feel comfortable with your boards and your speed, try experimenting with different traverses and terrain. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, overcoming fears and using your gained knowledge to try new things.
Knowing the basics is a great start; yet, mastering them takes time and practice. There’s no substitute for the actual experience on the mountain – the bumps, the wind and the speed – which will teach you new lessons and provoke personal growth.
Gear and Clothing
In order to enjoy your ride, you need the right type of gear and clothing. Here’s some of the equipment that you’ll need:
• Snowboard: Make sure to pick the right type of snowboard based on terrain, riding style and weight.
• Bindings: Size and fit are key when it comes to bindings; always make sure they’re securely fastened and provide enough support.
• Snowboard Boots: Invest in a good pair of snowboard boots, which will provide you with the right amount of cushioning and arch support.
• Helmet: Helmets are a must-have, and they’ll help protect your head and provide some insulation.
• Goggles: Goggles are important for protection from the sun’s UV rays and to avoid debris in your face when on the slopes.
• Gloves: Gripping your board and bindings or poles needs to be done without getting your hands frozen. Invest in good gloves to keep your hands warm, dry and comfortable.
• Snowpants: Snowpants are important to keep the wetness out and the warmth in. Make sure they move with you and don’t restrict movement.
• Clothing: Layering is key when it comes to clothing, since temperatures can vary quickly on the mountain. Make sure to wear several layers so you can add or take away attire if needed.
Safety and Regulations
Snowboarding can be a dangerous activity if not done safely. Before you hit the slopes, make sure you’re aware of the terrain’s regulations, restrictions, stop signs and other types of signals. Excessive speed, cutting people off and jumping onto the tracks are all dangerous practices that can result in serious injuries. Also, be mindful of other riders who are ahead of you, behind you and around you.
When snowboarding, just like in life, safety comes first. Make sure you’re carrying your avalanche safety gear: An beacon, shovel and probe. Also, it’s always a good idea to take a lesson first, so you can understand the terrain and any particular hazards, as well as proper protocol and directional signs.
Enjoy the Ride!
Once you know the basics, have the right gear, safety equipment and the proper mindset, you’ll be ready to hit the slopes and enjoy the ride. Snowboarding is not just an adrenaline rush, but also an opportunity to face your fears, practice patience and make friends that will last a lifetime.
For beginner riders, it might look intimidating, yet you can make the most out of it by taking your time, enjoying the moment and having a great time on the snow. So, gather your squad, put on your gear and remember: Stay humble and defy gravity!