Where is the best place to learn to snowboard?
It is better to start learning snowboarding on a gentle training track. Snowboarders, unlike skiers, do not need a lift at first. They easily go up, and mastering the lift causes difficulties for beginner snowboarders.
Fixing the legs on the same board, unusual body position and sideways movement lead to a long-term addiction to the equipment. Therefore, you should not rush to travel to the big mountains.
Practice your snowboarding skills at ski resorts near your accommodation. Calculate the slope with the help of the slope intercept form calculator before starting snowboarding.
Choosing a snowboard: what is important to pay attention to
To choose your first snowboard, you need to decide on the purpose of skiing. Snowboards are classified as follows:
- Universal (All Mountain) – the classic designs allow one to descend from the groomed slopes and try to freeride, perfect for beginners. There is directionality, that is, you can only ride one side forward since the width, length, and rigidity of the toe and tail are different.
- Freestyle – the board is less short and light, suitable for performing tricks in parks, and has no direction (Twin-tip), that is, the toe and tail are twins.
- Freeride – the shape is wider and there is directionality, such boards are designed for riding on unprepared slopes.
- Carving (sports) – narrow, hard, and longboards with hard boots and special bindings, there is directionality, only for prepared slopes and professional snowboarders.
Get the prediction of the weather by using the percent error calculator.
It is better to buy a snowboard suitable for your own riding style after 1-2 months of training.
The choice is now very wide, but, oddly enough, experts advise you to learn how to ride a rented snowboard at a test center or from friends.
In this case, you can try different types of boards. After regular training for 1-2 months or a season, you can buy a snowboard suitable for your own riding style.
When buying, you should pay attention to the information sheet on the back of the board, where all the characteristics and riding techniques are written.
Snowboard characteristics
1. Deflection
The classic Camber with two weight points on the nose and tail gives good maneuverability, snow adherence, and speed, more suitable for advanced and park riding.
Reverse Rocker – The weighted point in the center allows you not to dig in deep snow and forgives beginners.
Flat completely touches the snow, and has good stability, and maneuverability, but you can catch on the edge and fall, suitable for beginners riding in the park.
Combination (Hybrid) – various combinations of the above advantages troughs designed for different purposes. Camber and Rocker or Flat and Rocker are more beginner-friendly.
When buying a board, keep in mind several characteristics that will help you make your choice.
2. Rigidity
It is measured on a scale from 1 to 10 and is divided into three degrees:
Low – from 1 to 5. For beginners and for learning at low speed, forgive incorrect movements. It is important that the more the student’s weight, the more stiffness should be.
Average – from 5 to 7. For experienced skiers at high speed.
High – from 7 to 10. Designed for professionals.
3. Length
Chosen by riding style, weight, and height.
4. Width
Depends on boot size and riding style. For size 45 and larger choose a wider snowboard, they come with a “wide” mark.
Once you determine the specific characteristics for yourself, then the choice in the store will be significantly narrowed. And you can find the one that works best for you.
Is it possible to learn how to snowboard on your own?
If you decide to master snowboarding on your own, be patient.
Prepare for a longer learning process without a snowboarder or instructor friend. Lack of insurance will lead to frequent falls, possibly to disappointment in skiing and in your abilities. If you decide to master snowboarding on your own, then be patient.
Before the first descent, it is necessary to perform exercises on a flat surface with one leg fastened. You need to fasten your leading leg, which will always be the first in the direction of travel.
If you do not know which leg is leading, then try the first exercises on each leg. Whichever is more convenient, the one and the leading.
Elementary exercises: lift the snowboard in place, spin in place, and walk. Next, push off the snow with your free foot and ride the snowboard in a straight line, in a circle and eight, changing the position of the pushing leg in front of the snowboard and behind the snowboard.