How to Snowboard: 12 tips for beginners

Last updated 06. November 2018

Are you aiming to learn how to snowboard? If so, you are going to want to be sure to learn the right way from the start. That way, you will be able to build good habits. There are various things that you should be doing as you begin your journey to learning how to snowboard. Below, we will be going over some of the key tips.

12 Tips For Beginners

1. Buy Comfortable Gear.

One of the most important things that you are going to want to do when you are just getting started is to be sure that you are investing in comfortable gear. The boots that you use while snowboarding is going to dictate how comfortable you are when you are learning to snowboard. You want to be sure to get boots that fit appropriately because it can dictate your ability to balance.

snowboarder turning hard on a downward slope

2. Proper Gear Protection.

Another big thing that you want to do when you are just getting started is to invest in the proper protection for your body while you are in the learning stages. The worst thing that can happen is you fall and get hurt. After all, it will leave you either wanting to quit or being unable to continue riding. By investing in proper protection, it is not only going to keep you willing and able to learn and go through the motions, but it will also help you maintain high confidence even when you are failing. This is ultimately very important because beginners will fail and fail often.

3. Figure Out Your Optimal Stance.

Another big thing that you should be doing when you are just getting started is to figure out your optimal stance. You need to figure out how you will be standing on the board because it can dictate the future techniques that you will learn to implement. If you choose the wrong and/or an unnatural position for yourself, it could push your learning curve back. You want to find the position that you feel the most comfortable in because it is going to allow you to utilize the best technique and really build your confidence much quicker. You can do this very easily by figuring out which is your plant leg. When you fall, figure out which leg falls first in an attempt to catch your balance. That is the foot that you are going to want as the forward leg on your board.

4. Gloves.

When it comes to getting ready for a snowboarding session, you are going to want to be sure to make the proper investment in gloves. Gloves are very important when it comes to your comfort level and your performance. If your hands are consistently freezing, you are going to be unable to perform as well as you should. For this reason, you should be looking to invest in the best possible gloves that you can find when it comes to your snowboarding gloves.

gloves resting on top of skis

You want heavily insulated gloves that are going to allow you to maintain comfort and performance. Along with this, you want to carry an extra pair of gloves along with you. That way, you can swap out the wet pair for a completely dry pair whenever it is needed. This can keep your sessions going for longer periods of time without having to worry about your hands freezing.

5. Workout.

Another big thing that you are going to want to do when it comes to prepping yourself for a snowboarding session is to work out ahead of time. You want to prepare your body for the grueling effort that is required to snowboard. The fact is, your entire body is likely to be sore after a snowboarding session. Because of this, you are going to want to prepare your body ahead of time by working out. You want to specifically focus on things like your core and your overall stamina. You should be able to improve your snowboarding efforts by working out your core and strengthening your core. Your core is going to do a lot of things including dictating your balance and more. You also want to focus on your leg strength because it will help you balance and be able to maneuver throughout the snow.

6. Always Have A Plan.

When you are snowboarding, you are going to want to focus on always having a plan. It is all about knowing where you want to go and where you are going to be able to flow smoothly.

7. Use Your Leverage.

Another big thing that you are going to want to keep in mind when you are learning how to snowboard would be to use your natural leverage. You want to keep your weight directly over your board in order to effectively position your weight equally in a way that is going to help you maintain better balance.

8. Use Your Speed.

Speed is something that you are going to want to maintain when you are snowboarding as it can help you balance and maneuver.

9. Protect Your Skin.

It is important to carry the proper sunscreen when you are out snowboarding as your skin will be heavily exposed.

10. Practice Turning.

One of the hardest things that you are going to do with snowboarding is turning. Therefore, you should spend time practicing the maneuver to be able to pull it off while riding.

11. Be Confident.

Your confidence is going to dictate your success.

12. Layers.

Always dress in warm but breathable layers for better comfort while you are out snowboarding.

Overall, there is a lot that you are going to want to do when it comes to learning how to snowboard.

 

If you liked the article, please leave your feedback.

Recommended Reads