Guide to Snowboarding
Snowboarding is a winter sport which bares many comparisons to skateboarding, or surfing, although is performed on snow. The main idea of Snowboarding is to maintain your balance as you travel down a ski slope with both feet securely attached to the Snowboard via are set of bindings. There are many different types of snowboarding including Freestyle, Freeride, and alpine.
What are the different types of snowboarding?
Freeriding (also known as "all-mountain Snowboarding"), is simply the exploration of a mountain on your board. It's very suitable for beginners, as all they have to do is ride down the piste, taking in the scenery. Freesyle is when you attempt ticks, including jumps, spins and grabs. You can use the natural terrain, or man made obstacles. Alpine is all about speed, and fast clean precision carving. Alpine boarders user boots with a hard plastic shell, and longer, stiffer boards than other styles.
What equipment do I need to snowboard?
If you go to a Ski/Snowboard rental or retail shop, they should be able to advise you about what equipment you will need, and obviously rent or sell it to you. Basic equipment will include:
- Snowboard
- Boot Bindings
- Boots
- Warm Clothing
- Protective Wear
- Helmet
Should I take Snowboarding lessons?
If you are inexperienced, then it is highly recommended you take lessons. It's allot harder than it looks, and hitting the slopes with no tuition can cause you and others injuries.
Where can I learn to Snowboard?
Many countries have artificial ski slopes you can go learn at before you venture on your holidays, although if one is not available you will most likely be able to pay for some tuition at your holiday destination. To prevent disappointment it's suggested you book lessons before you travel.
I can Ski, can I snowboard with no lessons?
Skiing and snowboarding use fairly different techniques, so for your own safety lessons are recommended. As a skier, you will most likely pick up snowboarding much quicker than someone with no slope experience.
Am I regular or goofy?
Regular and Goofy refer to two different stances possible in snowboarding, with Regular being left foot forward, and goofy being right foot forward. If you already Skateboard or Surf, you probably already know your stance, but if not, there are a few ways to try and determine you appropriate one:
- Kick a ball, which ever foot you use will most likely need to be your back foot on the board.
- Go to a staircase and walk up it, which foot did you use first, this should most likely be your back foot when standing on the snowboard.
Is snowboarding dangerous?
Like most sports, there is an inherent danger with Snowboarding. Although it's impossible to remove all risks, taking some simple precautions can make the experience safer.
- Take some lessons - If your new to snowboarding, don't think you can just pick it up, lessons will make you learn quicker and in a safer manor
- Wear Protection - Better be safe than sorry, wear as much protective clothing as possible. Helmets, wrist guards, knee pads, elbow pads, and impact shorts are all good examples.
- Stay on slopes you feel comfortable on - Don't jump on the black runs, when first learning stick to the nursery slopes, and move on to more difficult runs as you gain confidence.
- Snowboard in groups - Don't go out alone when first starting out, try to learn with a partner, or go out with a more seasoned boarder
- Don't push yourself to hard - If you get tired, take a rest, otherwise you risk causing an injury.
What age can you learn to snowboard?
Equipment is made for children as young as five, although most ski resorts will not teach children younger than seven years old. There is no definitive age, so it is up to the parent to evaluate if their child is ready to snowboard or not.
About the Author
Hugh Gallagher writes for StupidFAQer.co.uk - Snowboarding FAQ
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