Snowboarding; An Introduction

Snowboarding is an incredible sport to get into. Whether you’re interested in hitting the jumps and the rails, speeding through the trees in thick powder, or just enjoying a relaxing, controlled ride down the slopes, theres a few things you need to keep in mind. In this article, like many of my other articles, I will list a few tips and things to keep in mind and try while starting out.

1.) Chooose the riding style that suits you. The two riding styles, like any other board sport, are “goofy” and “regular” footed. Goofy footed riders ride with the right side of their body facing downhill, whereas regular footed riders ride with their left side facing downward. Minor altercations are applied to the way the bindings are positioned on the board based on this, so make sure you pick the style your most comfortable with instead of “sucking it up” and just trying to adapt. It’ll make your journey that much easier.

2.) The most important rule of snowboarding in my opinion; KEEP AN EDGE. What this means is that, while riding, never ride with the board completely flat on the ground. Always lead either slightly onto your toes or heels, as this is the key to keeping your control. If you ride with no edge, you are very likely to start to rotate involuntarily (which would result in you digging an edge and falling, usually hard) or likely to catch an edge you weren’t prepared for due to the terrain, which would also result in falling.

3.) Learn to stop (or speed check). Essentially the same thing, this manuever is performed by quickly putting all of your weight on one edge of the board so that it becomes perpendicular to the slope. This will bring you to a complete stop, or just slow you down quickly to maintain control. This can be done on your toe or heel edge (with your front or back facing downhill) but I suggest you learn to do it on your heels first, as this seems to be easier for those that I’ve taught. This technique (so to speak) is Crucial. Use the “speed check” as often as you need to when starting out; The longer you let yourself gain speed and go out of control, the harder it will be to use the speed check to get back in control.

4.) Work on your weak edge early. When starting you, you will find that one edge (the toe edge for most) is more difficult to use. Try not to become overly dependent on one edge, as learning to use the other will become very frustraing very fast. Work on both edges and switching between them while riding. Practicing this will help you start to gain perfect control much more quickly.

5.) Keep your knees slightly bent. Not much more to say. It will help you center your balance and keep that edge.

6.) Somewhat obvious, but worth mention regardless; start out on the bunny slope. (Don’t be too cool to start out slow) You will have a Miserable time learning if you try and jump right into more difficult slopes, and you will more likely than not hurt yourself.

7.) DON’T GET FRUSTRATED. YOU WILL FALL A FEW TIMES. The more frustrated you get, the harder and more painful it will be to learn. If you fall (which everyone does) get back up, it’s no big deal.

Besides these few tips, the rest is common sense. Wear a helmet! It will safe your life. Also, dress warm, layers being the best way to achieve this. Keep your face covered and throw on a little sunblock (Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t be burned. The snow will actually reflect the light, burning you more quickly). If you’re freezing, again, it can be a really miserable experience for you. Ride smart, and have fun. I hope this article helped, and thanks for taking the time to give it a read.

-Kevin F