Snowboarding Blog & Snowboard Reviews » Beginner Lessons

How to Snowboard 101: Snowboarding Basics

Rami — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:09:53 +0000

If you want to learn how to snowboard without paying an arm and an ear for an instructor or any other online courses, this free guide is perfect for you. There are 12 lessons, read them in order, and pay attention. If you want to read these on the slope for reference, feel free to print them, or better yet, save paper, and read them off your phone.

Lesson 1/12
If you are new to snowboarding, then you’re probably anxiously waiting to tear up the slopes… but just lacking the knowledge of how to do it, right? Snowboarding is a ton of fun, not to mention fast paced and adrenaline kicking… but accidents can also happen fast, and the best way to avoid an accident is to be as comfortable on your snowboard as you can. And the best way to get comfortable on your snowboard is to get yourself acquainted with it well before-hand. To start with, learning to get on is a very important step, so that is the one we will discuss here.

Step 1
Find yourself a nice flat area, or an area that has a gentle incline. Try to choose a spot that won’t have other snowboarders on it. This way, you can keep out of their way, and they will not be in yours either. Once you have found a suitable spot, secure your snowboard by laying it down in the snow with the bindings facing down. The point here is to lay it down in such a way as so that it will not glide away from you!

Step 2
Now, turn the board so that it is towards you. It may be a good idea to attach the safety leash to your front leg so that your board does not roll away. You can now start fastening your board to your foot. Start with your front foot by placing it right on the binding mechanism. Fasting the ankle strap, and make sure that the back of your foot is secure and in place.

Step 3
Next, secure the top strap of your snowboard binding. Tighten it so that it is nice and tight, but no so that it is so tight it hurts! Now, get used to your board by standing up and moving it around with your front foot. Lift your leg up and down so that you get a feel for it. Go ahead and do this until you feel comfortable enough to continue. You can also put your free foot forward and move the board behind you by bending your knee at a 90 degree angle.

Once you have your board in place, and once you have grown accustomed to it, then you are ready to move on to the next part. This is a very crucial part of the process, so take your time… get it right… and above all, have fun!

Full Lesson Guide
1. Snowboarding Basics
2. Skating on a Snowboard
3. Switching Edges
4. Gliding on a Snowboard
5. Moving up a Slope
6. Heelside Sideslipping
7. Toeside Sideslipping
8. Heelside Traversing
9. Toeside Traversing
10. Falling Leaf Snowboarding Technique
11. Garlands Snowboarding Technique
12. Linking Turns

How to Snowboard 101: Skating

Rami — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:08:09 +0000

Lesson 2/12
Moving on a snowboard is not just confined to going downhill. Sometimes, you will need to move across flat areas with your snowboard on… and in these cases, you will need to learn how to skate. Flat areas Skating on a snowboard involves moving across flat areas, such as when you are going from mountain to mountain or going from the lodge to the lift. It takes a bit of practice to get it right, but it is a skill that you have to learn if you want to be able to effectively get around while on the slopes.

First of all, you will need to put your snowboard on by attaching your front foot with the binding mechanism. Your back foot should remain free.

Next, you will need to make forward-motion by putting your free foot forward, and pushing off with it until it is farther behind your front foot. . This will cause your board to glide forward from the movement. It is similar to skateboarding, which is why they call it skating.

There are a few things to remember though. First of all, never put your free foot in front of your secured foot. This can cause you to lose your balance and fall. As you get better, you will be able to push off with more strength, and will be able to glide for greater distances. As you improve at the maneuver, you will even be able to press your back foot against your snowboard or on your snowboard stomp pad.

How to Snowboard 101: Switching Edges

Rami — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:07:22 +0000

Lesson 3/12
Sometimes, you will find that you are on the wrong edge while learning how to snowboard. Most people need to unfasten their snowboard from their feet, turn around, and then re-attach it so that they will have the right edge facing forward, but did you know that there is a much easier method of switching edges than this? It involves rolling on your side so that you can switch it up… but it is a fairly complex move that takes some practice! Here is a step by step tutorial on how to do it.

Step 1
First, drop down on your knees, putting your hands in the snow (if you’re facing the other way you should still read this as it applies). To give yourself more support, drop down even further, onto your elbows. This will make the move easier to pull off.

Step 2
Now, lower your right shoulder down towards the snow. This is the beginning of your roll. You will now need to get your snowboard up in the air, and gradually turn it so that the new edge will be facing out.

Step 3
Follow through with your roll, and land on your back. Your snowboard should not have turned, and you can rest it back down in the snow. As you can see, you started face down, and you are now on your back. You have successfully switched from toe to heel edge!

The Other Side
Switching from heel to toe edge is pretty much the same thing, but in reverse. You will start by sitting on the slope, with your knees just slightly bent. Next, you will lay on the ground with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your hands up and put them behind your knees. You will now lift your snowboard into the air. Once it is, start to turn it. Plant one end of it in the snow, and continue rolling in that direction until you end up with your snowboard on its toe side with you facing up the hill. Just use your hands for support as you get up, and you are done! Just make sure to keep away from other snowboarders while performing this maneuver, as it is easy to whack someone in the face while your board is in the air.

How to Snowboard 101: Gliding on Your Board

Rami — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:06:04 +0000

Lesson 4/12
Gliding is a maneuver that is very important on the snowboard. It is the maneuver that will allow you to use your weight to shift forward and gain momentum. This is also a move that is necessary for getting of a chair-lift. Once you are able to glide while standing tall with confidence, you are ready for the chairlift, and one step closer to actually snowboarding!

Step 1
First, you will need to find a slope that is gentle enough to practice on. Choose an area that is pretty much devoid of any other snowboarding traffic (your best bet will be the bunny hills where anyone finds your grandmother a speed challenge). This will cut down on risk of accident, and will also help you not to be distracted. You will need to practice maintaining your balance, so spread your arms a bit if you have to. Once you feel comfortable balancing and have a clear shot, you are ready to begin your first glide.

Step 2
Place your rear foot just in front of the back snowboard binding, while your front foot is strapped into the front binding. Now, lean forward a bit so that you can start gaining momentum to move downhill. Your will want to point your toes down to move forward faster, but you can shift your weight toward the back to slow down or stop. Remember to keep your eyes where you are going, and not on your snowboard!

Step 3
Practice, practice, practice! Remember, that this is a move you have to have down perfectly, so practice it a lot before hitting the slopes. It may seem exhausting at first, but it can be very useful for moving around the slopes.

How to Snowboard 101: Moving Up a Slope

Rami — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:04:18 +0000

Lesson 5/12
What, I need to move up a slope? Unfortunately, down is not the only direction that you will be traveling on your snowboard! There are often a number of situations where you will need to travel upwards without removing your snowboard. You can inch forward without removing your board, but it is a maneuver that takes practice and precision. Here is a step by step instruction for how to perform this snowboarding move.

Step 1
Remember that, while practicing this move, start by finding a slope where there is nobody snowboarding down (honestly, I don’t even know why I say that, but if you’re lucky enough to be the only one on the slope great, but otherwise, the bunny hill is fine). As you can probably imagine, trying to move up a hill while others are snowboarding down usually does not end well! Once you find a good slope to start with, face up the hill with both feet secured to your snowboard. Now, bend down and assume a frog-like position (yes frog-like and not dog-like – there’s a subtle but important difference) with your hands in the snow in front of you. Your knees should be bent, the toe edge of your board should be in the snow, and your hands should be planted.

Step 2
Now, start inching your way up by moving your arms forward. Work yourself into a position where your legs are extended, with your bottom up in the air a bit. Use your arms and legs for support, as this can be a tough position to be in.

Step 3
This next step is the toughest. Just like an inch worm, keep your hands where they are, and bring your board up closer to them by pulling your legs forward. You should look like a frog crouching when you are done.

Step 4
Continue in this manner until you have reached the place you need to be. It can be exhausting, but it is often quicker and easier than trying to remove your snowboard and carrying it up the hill. This is time consuming and tiring, while this maneuver is tiring, but time effective. If you have a long distance to go, then you might want to remove your board… but for short distances, this move is the bee’s knees! Good luck, and don’t forget to practice.

How to Snowboard 101: Heelside Sideslipping

Rami — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:03:36 +0000

Lesson 6/12
Sideslipping on your snowboard is a maneuver that involves sliding along the fall line of the slope (i.e. when your snowboard is perpendicular to the run/slope). You need to be able to sideslip in order to control your speed while snowboarding down the hill. This lesson specifically focuses on the heelside – when you’re back is facing the slope behind you and you’re weight is on your heel edge. Here are some instructions that you help you learn this slightly challenging maneuver.

Step 1
First, you need to find yourself a moderate slope to practice on. If it is too gentle, then you will not be able to use it… but if it is too steep, then you might have trouble at first. Both feet should be attached to your snowboard via the binding mechanisms when you get started. Next, you will need to face down the hill while sitting on the ground. Bend your legs at the knees so that your snowboard is on its heel edge. Make sure to sit so that you are balanced!

Step 2
Now, dig your heel edge into the snow a bit deeper. Doing this will give you a better hold and a more stable position while you attempt the maneuver. You should also plant your hands down into the snow so that you can support your upper body.

Step 3
Next, you will want to move your hands in toward your back. You will want to balance yourself as you begin lifting yourself gradually off of the snow. Evenly distributing the weight between your knees can help with this.

Step 4
Now, try to stand up. It might be difficult the first few times, but with practice you should be able to do it easily. Just remember to stay balanced and to keep your body upright as you keep the board standing on its heel edge.

Step 5
You can now control the speed of your snowboard by using more or less heel edge. As you reduce the amount of heel edge, more of your board will be on the snow, which means that your weight will be more evenly distributed, which means that you will move faster. However, you will also notice that as you pivot yourself to put more of an angle on the heelside of your board, you can decrease speed. If you put enough of an angle on it, you will come to a complete stop.

At this point, you can lean back, put your hands in the snow, and go back to a sitting position to keep from moving down the hill anymore. Heelside sideslipping might seem a bit in depth, but with careful practice you will be able to master it in no-time!

How to Snowboard 101: Toeside Sideslipping

Rami — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:02:01 +0000

Lesson 7/12
Sideslipping is a method by which you can control your descent while snowboarding. It is a fairly advanced technique, but one that you must know in order to safely and effectively traverse the slopes. Make sure you practice toeside sideslipping on your snowboard first! It involves making use of the toeside edge of the board to control the speed of your descent, even to the point where you can come to a complete stop if you want. Knowing how to sideslip can also really help you learn how to turn, which is something else that you will have to learn before really being able to hit the advanced level slopes.

Step 1
To begin learning to sideslip on your toeside, find a moderate slope to start out on. Both of your feet should be attached to your board as well. To get started, face uphill with your board stretched out across the fall line. You should bend your legs at the knees until they are touching the ground, and make sure to keep your balance!

Step 2
While you are on your knees, start by digging your toe edge deeper into the snow. By doing this, you will achieve a firmer hold on your position from which to continue. You should also plant your hands into the snow.

Step 3
Move your hands in toward your body, and slowly rise to a standing position. Holding your hands to your sides, try to balance yourself as you lift you knees from the ground. Try to stand up, but make sure to keep your board on it’s toe edge, or you will go flying down the slope!

Step 4
Once you have managed to stand up, it is time to learn how to control your descent using the toeside edge of your board. As you noticed earlier, enough of a toeside angle will keep you from moving. As you decrease this angle, your weight will distribute more evenly, and then your board will start moving. To gain more speed, lessen the angle. To slow down, increase the angle again.

Step 5
Practice this move enough to know exactly what your edge angle is all the time without having to watch your board. This is called edge awareness, and it is very important to successful snowboarding. You can come to a complete stop using the toe slide method by reversing the steps above, but remember that practice makes perfect, and that you should really work to perfect this method before taking on any serious slopes.

How to Snowboard 101: Heelside Traversing

Rami — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:01:25 +0000

Lesson 8/12
Traversing heelside while on a snowboard is a way of controlling your descent by riding diagonally back and forth across the fall line instead of directly down it. This works to help slow your descent down the slope, and is pretty easy to do once you get the hang of it. Here are some easy instructions so that you can get started.

Step 1
In order to traverse heelside down the slope, you will need to start by looking in the direction that you want to go. You should also spread your arms so that it gets easier to keep your balance.

Step 2
Now, you will turn your body and head toward the direction that you want to go. You will want to shift a lot more of your weight onto the foot you are leading with for this, and remember to move together with the other foot. Angle the board downhill, but since you are traveling diagonally, only angle it slightly.

Step 3
After traveling as you read in step 2, you can return your snowboard to the original position it was in on the fall line, and prepare to go back across. Look where you want to go, turn your head and body that way, and shift your weight to your leading foot to gain momentum. Remember, angle downhill but only a little bit! With a little bit of practice, you will be able to traverse heelside very easily. This can really help you on those slopes that you want to take it easy on.

How to Snowboard 101: Toeside Traversing

Rami — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:00:25 +0000

Lesson 9/12
You can use a toeside traverse on your snowboard to travel gradually down a slope by diagonally going back and forth. This is a pretty simple concept, but one that requires a bit of instruction and practice. Here are some instructions, and coupled with a bit of practice, you should be traversing in no time!

Step 1
When treversing with the toe edge of your snowboard, remember that the front of your body will be facing up the slope. Look in the direction you want to go, and spread your arms to help keep your body balanced.

Step 2
Turn your upper body in the direction that you want to go, and gently shift your weight to your front foot so that you can gain a bit of momentum. You should be angled downhill a bit, but only slightly! Traversing is a very subtle method of moving downhill, and it will take you down slowly by diagonally moving across the fall line.

Step 3
Once you reach the opposite side, turn your head and body back the other way, and shift your weight to go that way. By following this method, you can now traverse toeside down those slopes that you would rather take it easy on! It might take some practice, but it is a good skill to learn and a necessary one for the more advanced slopes.

How to Snowboard 101: Doing Garlands

Rami — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:59:02 +0000

Lesson 11/12
A garland is a fairly advanced snowboarding maneuver that can really help you to navigate difficult areas of the slope. It is best to know how to do the falling leaf before attempting the garland, as the two are quite similar. There are partial, or half turns in the garland that make it unnecessary to change edges and it is called the garland because it leaves tracks in the snow that resemble a garland on the Christmas tree. I found that it’s defintitely important to learn this before you learn and attempt to link turns. Just point in the direction you want to go with your full arm outstretched, and to pivot your shoulder too.

Step 1
The first thing you will need to do when trying to learn the garland is to find a pretty wide area in which to practice. You should go to the top of the hill, and should position yourself pretty well across the fall line. The heelside position is the position that you will want to start with, and you should be looking right where you want to go.

Step 2
Once you are ready to begin, you can lessen the angle of your snowboard and point your board in a general direction down the fall line. Shift your weight to pick up momentum, and head down the fall line.
Step 3
Once you have a straight glide going, pick up a bit of speed. Always remember to watch where you are going! Once you have gained a bit of speed, you will start to slow down by increasing the edge angle of your snowboard and by shifting the weight of your body backwards.

Step 4
Now, you will move the forward end of your snowboard gradually across the fall line to the opposite side. As you do this, you should be slowing down, so remember to maintain your balance!

Step 5
Keep going until you come to a complete stop by turning your board uphill. Once you do come to a complete stop, you should have your board turned horizontally across the fall line. From this position, you can simply push off again as you did earlier. Once you do this, you will have successfully completed your first garland! Complete the same steps, but with the other edge of the board for doing a garland with your toeside.