Jump in and Catch Some Snow! The Joys of Snowboarding
Snowboarding is a great way to get outside in the wintertime and make some memories with friends and family. It’s an exhilarating and thrilling experience for the beginner and the experienced snowboarder alike, with something for everyone to do. But before you jump in, always make sure to do your research and take the necessary precautions to stay safe and enjoy your time on the hill.
Snowboarding is rooted in both skateboarding and surfing, combining their elements to create a winter version on the asphalt. It originated in 1965, when Sherman Poppen, an engineer from Michigan, tied two pieces of plywood together, strapped his daughter’s feet in and called it a “Snurfer”, short for snow and surf.
As far as the physical sport of snowboarding, the 1980s and 1990s are when commercialization came into play. Companies like Burton, the godfather of snowboard companies, introduced the most popular boards on the market. In 1988, snowboarding was introduced to the world at the Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, Canada and then was later included in the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998, paving the way for snowboarders all over the world. With such an interesting history and some of the most amazing terrains for snowboarding in the world, it’s no surprise that this winter sport has been growing in popularity with each passing year.
So, what do you need to know if you want to get started snowboarding? Let’s start with the basics. First, you’ll need to find the right equipment. A snowboard, boots and bindings are the main components of snowboarding gear, but you’ll also need a helmet, goggles and appropriate layers to keep you warm and comfortable on the slopes. To pick the right board, you’ll have to consider your style, ability and the type of terrain you plan to ride. Generally speaking, narrower boards are reserved for more advanced riders, because they are better for carving and maneuvering on the slopes.
Next, you’ll need to learn the proper stance for snowboarding. Assuming you are regular, meaning you ride with your left foot forward and your heels on the outside of the board, your normal stance before riding should be slightly bent at the waist with your weight evenly distributed between your feet, not leaning to one side or the other.
Now you’ll be ready to learn how to turn and eventually carve down the mountain. The basic premise of turning is to shift your weight onto the edge of the board. To turn to the right, you’ll move your weight onto your right foot and lean into the turn with your shoulders and hips. Turning left is the same exact process, but with your left foot. The more pressure you put on the edge of the board, the sharper and tighter your turns will become. As a beginner, this can be challenging, but with practice and concentration, you will be able to make smooth and graceful turns in no time.
As you progress and master the basics, you can start to experiment with different terrain, tricks and jumps. Snowboarders have the option of using tricks like grabs, spins and rotations in the air and on the ground to create an exciting and unique riding experience. It’s important to take your time to learn each trick and make sure you’re completely comfortable before attempting at a higher level.
Snowboarding can be a great way to stay in shape during the winter months, as well as make some lifelong memories with friends and family. So, if you’re ready to shred, always remember to stay alert and be cautious out there. With the right precautions and knowledge, you can have an amazing and safe day on the slopes. Jump in, catch some snow and enjoy the ride!