Ever wanted to float? Most kids grow out of dreaming to become an astronaut, but snowboarding remains a way for adults and kids to get out and feel that sensation of flying. Snowboarders know what a wonderful feeling hitting a jump is or blasting through powder is. This post is to help beginners get to that place, because there are a lot of steps to conquer before you can really take to the air on a snowboard.

Snowboard powder turn

Compared to board-sports like surfing, which require little more than the ocean, snowboarding often seems burred in equipment. Once you get the basics down however, you won’t need to think twice about gear before you’re on your way up the chairlift. Here’s the essentials:

Warm waterproof clothing. Snowboarding takes place in the mountains where conditions are often temperamental and extreme. Respect the power of the mountains like a surfer would respect the ocean or else be prepared to take a beating. Dress in layers, and don’t forget that the sun will be harsh, even if temperatures are freezing.

Snowboard boots should fit snugly. Since your boots will be strapped directly to your board any looseness in your boots will translate to worse control of your board. Don’t go too tight though, having your feet “fall asleep,” means even worse control of your snowboard!

Bindings are the mechanisms that hold your boots to your board. For beginners stick to basic two-strap bindings. although step-in bindings may look easier, you will never see a pro rocking rocking them. Practice putting your bindings on at home sitting down if you can, this will make it a lot easier when you have clumsy gloves on.

Snowboards come in all different shapes and sizes, you will however notice that most look like a popsicle stick, these are called freestyle snowboards. For your first time out get a freestyle snowboard the length of witch should stand to the height of your chin. Have an experienced snowboarder help you set up your stance. You don’t want to have your legs too far apart or too close together, the same goes for the angle of your stance. If you don’t know if you are regular or goofy check out this post. Another quick method is to decide which foot you kick with, put your kicking foot in back. It will steer you.

Tips

• Wear a helmet. Trust me, snow is not soft, neither are snowboards and trees.
• To accellerate your learning take a lesson.
• Try to learn proper techniques so you don’t have to un-learn bad habits. There are multitudes of books out there and I will cover some basics in the next blog!
• Take breaks, drink lots of water, and pack nourishing snacks. Chairlifts are a great place relax and have a snack, just don’t drop your lunch!

What to do on Your First Day of Snowboarding

Hit the bunny hill. Don’t be discouraged when you see 6 year old kids carving circles around you. It takes a long time to learn snowboarding, but every thing you put in pays off! Be prepared to learn slowly and enjoy the process, just because you’re not Shaun White doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Don’t be convinced by your nephew or friend that you are ready for an advanced run if it is your first day.

How to use Handle pulls and T-bars

These devices are often used to pull people to the top of the beginner slope. It will often take several tries to get it right, when you do fall don’t hold on and let it drag you. Let go of the handle and move to the side as quickly as possible so the person behind you doesn’t fall too. Relaxing is the key to using tows, just go with the flow.

• Did you know Nice Rack makes snowboard racks, that’s right, we don’t just make racks for SUPs and surfboards!
• Do you have any snowboarding tips? Hit us up on facebook and share them!

Shakas,

Jason