5 Great Reasons to Take Snowboard Lessons

A guest post by Dave, a rider, snowboarding instructor, and author of SnowboredInstructors.com all the way from Australia.

I know you’re probably thinking “Why do I need to take lessons, I can teach myself how to snowboard”. Most people know a guy who taught himself, hell, most people teach themselves.

I teach people how to snowboard, and I see how much you can improve in a short space of time when you take lessons. I can think of a lot of reasons why you should take lessons, here are 5 great ones:

1. Build a solid foundation

Imagine your snowboarding skill like a building. At the moment your still doing the groundwork and figuring out how to install the cement foundations. You want to build a 90 floor skyscraper – why wouldn’t you – the skill for spinning 900’s lives on the 90th floor. Teaching yourself is like using the wrong mixture of cement. It looks ok, but if you put any weight on it, it’s gonna collapse. Sure, some people are naturally talented at mixing cement, they get the right mixture and they get a great foundation quicker than most. But only about 5% or less of people that learn to ride are like that, believe me. Think of taking snowboard lessons as giving yourself the tools, skills and knowledge to create a foundation worthy of the Willis Tower. You don’t want to demolish a 20 story building due to sloppy foundations, building a new one takes a lot longer.

2. Learn quicker

Having a solid foundation makes it 10 times easier to build things on top. You can add a new movement, new trick or just build some confidence. These will help you reach your potential faster.

3. Have more fun

The saying “the better you get, the better it gets” is massively true when it comes to snowboarding. Have you seen “IsenSeven – Lets Go Get Lost” yet? Well, if you haven’t, go and buy it and watch it right now, see how much fun they have whilst snowboarding.

4. Impress your friends

Whilst your friends are crawling around, trying to build foundations out of sand, you go away, learn how to make concrete and come back with a 10 storey palace, complete with swimming pool and hot girls (or guys) lounging next to it. If your friends aren’t impressed, go and find some new ones.

5. Look cool

It goes without saying that the most important reason to ride a snowboard is to look cool. Otherwise, what’s the point, right? Taking lessons will help you look a lot cooler than if you don’t.

“Shred the Knar”

So “get your knarly boots on”, get some lessons and start paving your way to becoming the next Shaun White, or Jenny Jones.

Don’t Pay for Lessons; Teach Yourself How to Snowboard!

You’ll be happy to know that it’s possible to teach yourself to snowboard. Snowboarding is very challenging. It will take you a considerable amount of time to teach yourself, so you’ll have to be patient. In many ways, you will become a much better snowboarder if you teach yourself. There are a variety of things things you can do and use to help teach yourself:

Snowboard Go’s Free Snowboarding Lessons: I’ve put together 12 mini ‘lessons’ on how to snowboard, and it covers everything you need to know. Honestly, you don’t need to pay for lessons, but if you insist, go through these lessons first and then opt for an instructor. This way you spend much less time (and money) with a snowboarding instructor. Click here to see the snowboarding lessons.

Video’s: There are also a variety of how to videos available to teach you how to snowboard. You can check out videos from your local library, rent them from your local video store, or check out the plethora of snowboarding videos on the internet.

Watch other riders: Head to the slope and watch people snowboarding (especially the younger kids). I remember the first time I tried to snowboard. It was really tough to turn from side to side and it felt like my back leg just locks up and doesn’t move. After many failed attempts, my frustration took the best of me. I blamed my board and took it back to the rental shop and complained that it wasn’t the right size. I explained what was happening and that’s when the snowboard technician recommended I simply go to the top of the slope and watch other riders for a while. I have to admit that his recommendation was priceless! Watching others is a key part of learning. You have read your books and watched your videos. Go to the slope and watch other people. Then try and do what they do.

Skateboard: Another thing you can do to help learn to snowboard is to practice on a skateboard. There are similarities between the two sports. Find an oversized board and start practicing. I have even seen skateboards that had bindings fitted on them. This was a unique idea. It allowed the person to strap in and get the same feel of the snowboard. I would only suggest this if you are wearing protective padding in case you fall. Concrete is not as forgiving as soft snow.

Skateboarding can help teach you the balance you will need when trying to snowboard for the first time. I would advise anyone who wants to teach themselves to learn snowboarding should first try skateboarding.

Practice: The last and most important thing you should know about teaching yourself to snowboard is practice. Be prepared to practice until you are proficient. You will fall, you will tumble, but you will get it. It will not be long until you have taught yourself to snowboard.

No Magic ‘Rule’: Over 5 years of riding (and over 3 years of helping friends), the most important thing I learned is that there is no magic rule. Just like walking and riding a bicycle, you need to give your body some time to get comfortable with a board. After that, it’s all about confidence, style and practice.