Snowboarding Tips for Beginners

Snowboarding Tips for Beginners

As a passionate snowboarder I tend to get into the subject of snowboarding with just about anyone. But I also find myself forgetting how frustrating it was when I first got started. With that realization, I decided to create a Snowboarding Tips page which will feature articles like these and one-liners that readers can vote up and down. The goal? Well to create a single reference page for all beginners to benefit from. So let’s kick things off with this general snowboarding tips article.

Choosing to undertake the hobby of snowboarding is often done at an early age — but really, it can be done at any point in someones life. Regardless of when it is decided that one would like to learn how to snowboard, it is still a daunting and oftentimes painful decision. In the interests of helping out anyone out there who is reading this and happens to be somewhat of a beginner in the world of snowboarding that we all know and adore, here’s some tips to ensure that it becomes a fulfilling, lifetime hobby and not just some spur-of-the-moment decision.

1. First and foremost, ensuring that you always have the appropriate layers of clothing on for snowboarding is absolutely essential. Seriously — this sounds like a no-brainer, but always doing so will ensure that you can focus on actually learning to be a good, safe snowboarder and not on whether or not you might have hypothermia  yet. Beginners should also watch out for packing on too many layers. Keep in mind that as you start out, you’ll be spending most, if not all, your time on the green hills which are usually warmer given their lower altitudes.

2. Next, you’re going to want to get used to having your feet fixed to the board before you go down a double black diamond snow mountain. So, as much as possible, even before you go down the not-so-steep slopes, strap your feet in and get used to the feel of the board while strapped in. Feel free to wobble/shuffle around, jump up and down, and bending at your knees.  This might be ridiculously boring, but just remind yourself that it will be a lot less painful to get used to this feeling now then when you’re en flight down the mountain.

3. Although you’ll be getting a new-model snowboard if you ever at all get really serious about snowboarding, start off with just an all-mountain free-ride snowboard instead of any other. These snowboards are specifically made for beginners and will help make for a much less painful learning experience as well. Although you’re going to be on a mountain in the winter and not at the beach in the summer.

4. If you’re learning on a sunny day (and hopefully it is) you’re going to want to make sure that you are always properly sunblocked at all times. Don’t let the season fool you — you can get quite the sunburn while shredding the snow in December (contrary to popular belief). Nevermind wind burns — so make sure you remind yourself about our first tip as well.

5. Lastly, don’t push it! New snowboarders are known for their failure to keep themselves together after they try and prove themselves worthy or brave while on a slope. You’re excited and I get it, but nothing’s worse than a major fall that knocks the wind out of you. Take it easy and don’t do anything stupid like jumps before you’re well and ready — and if you go by when you’re properly ready and not just when you THINK you’re ready then it is going to be quite some time.

6. Be confident. You’re legs are locked to a board and you can’t move. It’s going to feel very awkward and make you think you can’t really do this. You can bet that everyone felt that way when they first started, but the difference between those who gave up the sport and those shredding serious mountain powder is the confidence they had and accepting the fact that it’ll take a few tries before you get the hang of it.

Be safe, enjoy yourself and most importantly — have fun! It’s a great and lifelong hobby that will most likely turn into an obsession very quickly, so be careful with that as well!

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2. Snowboard Turning Tips Video
3. Snowboard Safety
4. Transition from Skiing to Snowboarding