Snowboarding: Conquer the Cold With A Dash of Thrill.
When the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, snowboarders take to the mountain to experience winter in its purest form. Snowboarding is one of the fastest growing leisure activities worldwide, and it’s not hard to see why – combining the adrenaline rush of skiing with the creative freedom of skateboarding, it’s no wonder snowboarders across the globe are hitting the slopes with a smile.
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous alternative to skiing that allows you to discover the joy of snowboarding with a friend or the thrill of cruising down a slope solo, snowboarding is the activity for you. Even if you have no prior experience, it’s easy to learn and join the ever-growing snowboard community. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of snowboarding and go over the essentials to help you get started.
Snowboarding Basics
Before you hit the slopes, it’s important to understand the basics of snowboarding. There are two primary stances when snowboarding: the directional and the switch.
The directional stance is what most people use as it allows for both comfort and versatility on the board. Your left foot should be placed in front of your right foot, and you should be angled slightly forward. This allows for a smooth and easy slope cruise.
The switch stance is perfect for those wishing to take the sport to the next level. For switch stance, your right foot should be placed in front of your left foot. This will give you the flexibility to ride switch, and allows for some quick turns and awesome tricks.
Types of Snowboarding
There are four main types of snowboarding: freeriding, freecarving, slopestyle and boardercross. Let’s look into each a bit further.
Freeriding:
Freeriding is the favorite amongst all types of snowboarders – offering the freedom to explore big open mountainsides with a mix of obstacles and powder banks to keep you entertained. When freeriding, you should wear an avalanche beacon and other safety equipment, such as a helmet and padding, to ensure your safety.
Freecarving:
Freecarving is the opposite to freeriding, as it requires you to remain on the groomed tracks and make fast turns down the slopes. Those that are attracted to freecarving usually have more experience and skill – it’s a way for advanced snowboarders to enjoy a nice cruise down the slopes with a little skill and intensity.
Slopestyle:
Slopestyle is one of the younger racing sports in snowboarding – it’s often mistaken with freeriding as it combines different terrains such as mounds, rails, jumps and boxes. Those new to slopestyle don’t need to worry about the difficulty of the course, as the obstacles within the course can be changed to fit the skill level of the participant.
Boardercross:
Finally, there’s boardercross, an individual or group race that puts its participants on a course that delivers jumps and turns as they battle up to six other riders. As the most extreme and aggressive type of snowboarding, boardercross is the sport that aspiring professionals strive to excel at.
Essential Gear Needed
Now that you know a bit about snowboarding and the types of snowboarding, it’s essential to understand the gear you’ll need before you hit the slopes.
Snowboard:
A snowboard is obviously an essential – make sure to get one that best suits your level of snowboarding. You should look into the size of the board (longer boards are better for stability and speed) and the type of board (freeride, freecarve, etc.).
Bindings:
Newcomers to the sport should make sure to look into bindings, as they are just as important as the board. Make sure to get bindings that are comfortable and fit your boots properly.
Boots:
Boots should be snug yet comfortable – remember, good boots will be essential for sticking your landings and performing any tricks. Stiffer boots will offer more support as you shred, so be sure to take this into consideration when making your purchase.
Protective Gear:
In addition to your snowboard, bindings and boots, it’s important to invest in a quality helmet and padding for safety. And, for those temperamental days, consider grabbing a pair of gloves, sunglasses and snow gaiters to round out your snowboard wardrobe.
Learn to Snowboard
Snowboarding can get a bit tricky, so it’s a great idea to find a certified instructor or even a snowboard school to help you get started. There you’ll learn the basics safely and comfortably, while also receiving some great tips on technique and skills. You’ll be hitting the slopes like a pro in no time!
Where to Snowboard
Once you have the skills and equipment, it’s time to pick your spot to snowboard! You should take into consideration terrain, climate and nightlife when selecting a place to snowboard. If you want to stay close to home, look into nearby resorts. If you want a more extreme adventure, consider traveling farther to hit the slopes of a well-known snowboarding mecca.
Conclusion
Snowboarding is the perfect activity for those looking to combine comfort and adrenaline in one sport. Taking the basics of skiing and mixing it up with skateboarding, snowboarding is one of the few extreme sports that’s accessible to all, regardless of skill or experience. With the right equipment and know-how, you’ll be sure to experience the thrills of the winteranytime you hit the slopes. Now get out there, and get shredding!