Beginning to snowboard can be an overwhelming task at first.
However, following a few simple guidelines when you first start will make a huge difference , and you’ll soon be riding the slopes confidently in the blink of an eye.
Check out what I consider to be the top 9 snowboarding tips for novices.
Tip #1 1. Learn to Skate Well
The ability to learn how to skate from the beginning can make your day much more pleasant – and by that, I mean skating, I don’t mean on a skateboard!
If you’ve not climbed the mountain on a snowboard , you may not be aware that you need to get in and out of the lifts by stepping one foot off on the snow. Even if you did not have to do this, it’s difficult to get up the lift using the feet in place.
The lift is the most frequent moment you’ll require skating as a beginner , but occasionally you’ll have to skate on flat spots and slight up-hills too.
If you’re skating, you’ll have your front foot secured to your binding , while your back foot is completely free. Your back foot is used to push you along, thus the name skating.
Visit the link below for more information on how to practice skating, and how to get onto and off lifts with ease. You’ll spend many hours taking and getting off the lift so if have mastered skating, you’ll be more confident when it comes to those lifts.
Tip # 2: Take Lessons
Even if it’s only one lesson. Make sure you take at least one lesson, but at a minimum, more.
There are countless advantages to learning. If you had planned to spend 10 days on the mountains this year, try 9 instead and put the extra cash for a lesson. You will not regret it.
Lessons that will can teach you:
A proper technique from the beginning (this is massive)
You will get instant feedback on whether or not you’re doing the right thing (this is crucial and can’t be found from researching how to ride on the internet)
How to begin Where to begin? If you’re teaching yourself or a acquaintance who might know how to ride, but doesn’t know how to teach is instructing yourself, you’ll not know where to start. You might begin to try things that’s really difficult to perform if you haven’t completed other tasks before. This can result in poor techniques and losing confidence. The instructors will show you how to perform tasks in the most rational order.
Tip # 3: Bend Your Knees
One of the main causes of falling for newbies particularly on difficult terrain is because they’re not bending their knees enough or aren’t bent enough.
If you bend your knees (and I’m not talking about doing squats here!) you’ll absorb bumps more efficiently.
Although I’m certainly not affirming that it’s a good thing that you’re falling, but it could be a sign that you’re getting better – but don’t be able to fall because you’re too straight – so be sure you keep your knees bent!
Tip #4 4. Ride across the slope
A lot of novices get lost and rack an excessive speed they don’t have control over – and eventually, they either crash without warning or force themselves to crash to stop.
If you choose to ride along the slope rather than going straight up it, then you’ll be able to be able to check your speed. If you’re still getting excessive speed, you may even begin to ride back up the hill to reduce your speed.
Tip # 5: See for the place you’d like to go
It is natural to go wherever you see. If you’re watching the slope as you are planning to ride down the slope, your body will naturally want to bend to go downwards down the hill.
This will place your body into a bad position , and it could cause you to head directly down the hill even though you’re not supposed to, even in the event that you don’t fall first due to your twisting position.
See where you’d like take a trip – and you’ll arrive much easier.
Visit Snowboarding Days for more great snowboarding content.
Tips #6: Get away off the Bunny Slope Fastly
I wouldn’t recommend making too many attempts too soon since it could negatively impact your skills and confidence.
But, the majority of resorts have terrain suitable for beginners but isn’t the most bunny slope.
The most straightforward slope (often coupled with a carpet lift) is usually crowded and that’s not all, it’s packed with beginner. It means that there’ll be lots of people who fall and ski erratically ahead of you.
This can make it difficult to find a rhythm and can become difficult.
Once you’re at ease with getting your balance and descending the slopes, then you can proceed to other “green” trails around the resort.
7. Be sure you are using the appropriate equipment
Charlie has just given to me his snowboard very little, so I’m set to start learning how!
But wait ……..not too long You may not be aware of (and the thing that Charlie might not be aware of – or won’t inform you of because he’s looking for to make a quick sale!) is that some snowboards (and that’s also true for boots and bindings too) are more suitable for learning on than others.
If Charlie offers you his ferocious advanced snowboard, it’s going to be extremely difficult, and certainly not enjoyable to master. This can slow down your progress dramatically – or, even more importantly might turn you off snowboarding completely!
Click here for more information on the specifications to look for on snowboards, bindings or boots suitable for beginner riders. There is a chance that Charlie’s old snowboard is good enough, but be sure that it’s the case before buying it.
Tipp #8: Develop an outline of your plan for the Progression
You’ll be able to move faster with a strategy. A plan can also assist you to continue learning and trying different things instead of simply maintaining your current level.
Your strategy could be like:
Master snowflaking
Be comfortable skating
Be comfortable on both the edges of your heel and toe.
Start Linking turns
Learn C turns
Learn S turns
Ollies
Small Jumps
Riding Switch
Carving
Rails and Boxes
Etc…. Whatever you decide to do, design sure that the plan follows logically. i.e. do not go from snowflaking to jumping over X-Large jumps, or even into Double black diamonds!
This is also where lessons can really be helpful. Your instructor will guide to the proper direction, and be aware of the order you must move forward into. They will also be able to assess the level of your performance and the best time to proceed to the next step.