Snowboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. But before jumping on the slopes, it's important to prepare with some basic fundamentals on easy ground that will translate to the bigger runs. Once you learn a few skills on the bunny slope, you'll be ready to tackle tougher hills.
Step 1
Strap your front foot into the front binding. On a flat surface, practice pushing yourself around with one foot strapped in. This is called "skating" and is how snowboarders get around on level ground.
Step 2
Push yourself a few times and plant your rear foot in front of the rear binding. This will help you develop the sensation of gliding over snow while standing still on your board. Strapping in with both feet is odd to new riders but becomes comfortable and reliable with practice.
Step 3
Focus on learning only one kind of turn at a time on a gentle slope, such as the bunny hill at the a skill hill or resort. Many riders pick up one before the other, so find what comes first for you and stick with it for several moments. Head down the slope by plowing, or slowing yourself with one edge, on your heel or toe edge. This means you'll either be digging your heel or toe edge into the snow, with the board perpendicular to the direction you are traveling in.
Step 4
Practice slowing yourself with each kind of plowing, either toe side or heel side. These are the basic elements of motion that you will build turning the snowboard with. Falling is part of the learning curve.
Step 5
Make a transition from a toe side plow to a heel side plow and repeat this over and over. This is perhaps the most awkward move for new snowboarders. Keep your knees bent and close together to flex the board, enhancing the turns.
Step 6
Focus on connecting your plowing, going from one side to the other. It takes practice and time to build the muscles called on for this motion.
Step 7
Reduce your plowing when you're comfortable and instead start to use the edge of the snowboard to carve into the snow. This step replaces the plow with fluid carving turns.
Tips and Warnings
- Most new snowboarders fall a fair amount in the beginning. It takes time to teach your body how to counteract balance and to use your muscles to respond to a strange new set of rules that govern the sport. According to Doctor Danger, perseverance is perhaps the most important aspect of learning. Strapping in at home on the floor can also increase your muscle memory and help you grow accustomed to having the board under you feet.
- Learning to snowboard is fun, but it does have risks. Wrist injuries are common with beginners, so wearing proper protection, and a helmet is always good practice. According to Snowboarding Tips, injuries greatly decrease after the learning process.
Things You'll Need
- Snowboard
- Snowboard boots
- Snowboard bindings
- Helmet
- Wrist guards
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