Snowboarding is a fast-growing sport and many are getting on board around the world. This is the perfect sport for those adrenaline junkies who love the rush. Speeding down the slopes is one of the best feelings in the World in my opinion. Being in control takes some practice and definitely includes some bumps and bruises. By the end of the day, it feels like it was all worth it.
Any new skill takes time to practice. Snowboarding won't come to you overnight. You may fall down constantly, become frustrated and even be sore the next day. Just like learning to ride a bike; you need to stick to it in order to grow. Being prepared for the trip is a step in the right direction to start.
What To Wear And Bring Along
Resorts do carry rentals that are available to purchase for the day including snowboards, shoes, and helmets. You can also bring your own equipment to use instead.
When finding the right boots you want to only have one pair of socks. Snowboard boots are designed to keep your feet warm. You want your boots to be a snug fit so, be sure your heel is at the very back of your boots to ensure you have the right pair.
Finding the right snowboard is an important step. You want to make sure that the snowboard you have whether you buy one or rent one is the right height. Take your snowboard and hold it upright on the floor. You'd need it to come right up to your chin.
Helmets are voluntary when snowboarding. Starting out you are going to fall down a couple of times. It is vital to protect yourself and your body from any injuries that could occur.
A pair of water-resistant gloves, jacket, and pants are essential. Wearing a layer underneath is your best strategy to stay warm against ice and snow. Having a thin pair of pants and a thin long sleeve shirt is your best bet. After shredding down a few trails you will get hot and sweaty.
If the snow isn't tightly packed a pair of goggles protect your eyes while going down the trails. Snow attracts the light making everything super bright. I like to wear my goggles the entire time I'm out on the mountain, protecting my eyes in the sun as well as snow.
Determining Your Stance
Learning your stance is essential before starting. Your stance is the way you face when you're snowboarding down the slopes. You will need to determine which foot is dominant. If your left foot is forward that is known as a regular stance versus if your right is forward that is the goofy stance.
Personally I put my left foot in first. I feel more comfortable using my right foot to kick off the snow to get on and off the lifts as well as getting to the trail I'd feel ready to go down.
Strapping In
You want to keep your feet tightly secured into your snowboard. Each foot gets two straps. The first strap on your toes then the second across your foot. Crank the strap until you feel that your foot is tight and secure.
Carrying Your Snowboard
The way you carry your snowboard is essential. You don't want to be tripping over your board trying to get to the slopes. The best way to carry your board is to hold it under your arm in the middle, facing your bindings outwards. Be aware of your surroundings that you don't accidentally bump into anything or anyone.
Trail Ratings
Green (Circles)
Level: Easy
Wide, open trails
Grade: 0-25%
Blue (Squares)
Level: Intermediate
More turns, steep sections
Grade: 25%-40%
Black (Diamond)
Level: Difficult
tight turns, icier
Grade: 40%+
Double Black (Diamond)
Level: Expert
Steep, narrow, extra hazards
Grade: 60%+
Using The Lift
When getting on and off the lift you must only have one foot strapped into your snowboard. After scanning your tag or card you may enter the lift. Move up to where the signs or cones tell you to board. The lift comes up behind you. All you need to do is sit. You can pull the bar down from above your head for extra security but, it is not mandatory.
Just relax. Lifts take awhile but, they also give you a break. Keep your other foot under your snowboard to lift some of the weight being pulled down on your other foot. You might stop completely while going up the lift: It's not broken. They stop to let off small children that have trouble, just learning how to use the lift. They also could be shoveling the on/off area to make sure snow isn't piled up.
When coming to your stop get ready. Aim your snowboard like you are about the ride with your other foot on the stomp pad. Make sure your lap bar is completely up. The lift does not stop to let you off. Simply put your snowboard down and go. It's okay if you fall, you can stand back up: accidents happen. It takes some practice. We still sometimes run into each other and fall over when we have multiple people riding together and that's okay.
How To Stop, Turn, And Control Your Speed
One basic part of riding a snowboard is to grasp the concept of "toe" and "heel". Going down the slopes you will want to try not to just stay straight as this will give you too much momentum going down.
In order to turn; you want to gently lean on your toes to turn right unless you are using the goofy position than you will turn left. If you gently move your pressure to your heels the board will turn left or a goofy position will turn right. This will get you around turns as well as slow you down.
Stopping is the same concept. Using your toes with more pressure will push you to look toward the mountain. When looking at the mountain toe with your arms out until you're able to stop your board. Using your heels to stop feels easier to me but, you find what is comfortable to you. Having more pressure on your heels will face you away from the mountain. Keep heeling and squat to come to a hault. This is the opposite for those who ride goofy.
Ways To Get Up After A Fall
After a fall you may find it more difficult trying to get up especially on a downhill trail. There are a couple of ways to get up easily rather than just jumping up right away which could cause you to be unstable.
1: Stay in a sitting position. You can use your board to pivit the snow until you have a flat section. Grasp your snowboard with one hand while keeping your other hand on the snow. Lift your body up while keeping your center of gravity in the middle of the board to secure your balance.
2. Get on your knees. You can do this by flipping your body over or turning around. Place both hands on the ground, pushing your body weight back onto the board. You can put your arms out to catch your balance.
Products I Use And Where To Find Them
ZIONOR Lagopus Goggles, UV Protection, Anti-fog, Glasses Compatible - Amazon
High Preformance, XIKUN Ski Socks, Gender, Netural - Amazon
Breathable Neck Gaiter Face Cover Mask - Amazon
Arctix Women's Insulated Snow Pants - Amazon
MORCOE Waterproof Fleece Ski Jacket, Windproof With Hood - Amazon
Head Spring Legacy Women's Snowboard + Matching Bindings - Play It Again Sports
Burton Zipline Boa Youth Boots - Play It Again Sports
*** Britt's Creative Crafts was not paid to share anything in this article. I wrote this article to share to families about Snowboarding and share what I use. Our reviews are always based on our non-biased opinion. ***