Snowboarding: Beginner Tips
Whether you’re an experienced skier or not, snowboarding is a whole other monster from your normal ski holidays that you are used to. Before tackling the slopes consider trying on the snowboard in your yard or even your living room. Once you are a bit more comfortable you can think about heading out to the snow. You will need to start on a flat area or a very small incline. Experienced skiers should not try to jump right into the bigger slopes. Start out slow until you get used to the feel and positioning of a snowboard.
If you aren’t ready to put on your board then turn it upside down so that it doesn’t slide away. When you’re ready to start, turn the board over. If you are on any sort of incline then attach the leash to your ankle before attempting to step into the bindings. Be sure to put your front foot into the bindings. Make sure that your foot, including your heel, is fitted securely. Buckle the ankle strap first and the toe strap second. The straps should be secured but not uncomfortable.
Do not buckle your other foot in yet. Pick the board up and down with the foot that is attached. Maneuver the snowboard in front of you and then behind you while bending your leg at the knee. This exercise will help you to become more familiar and accustomed to the feel of the board. Once you’ve gotten a feel for the board you can begin to practice different techniques, skill sets and overall maneuvers.
A very useful skill to have in order for you to get from one hill to another is skating. This involves attaching your front foot to the snowboard with the appropriate bindings. Leave the back foot free to provide the force or skating motion. Use your back foot to press the snowboard forward over and over in a skating motion. Be careful that your back foot does not go in front of the front foot at any time.
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