It may be challenging to get your child to be active during winter months. According to Kids Health, snowboarding is an enjoyable way to play in the snow and will provide an opportunity to get some exercise. Snowboarding is an activity that can be taught to many children, and if your child is looking for a way to play during cold weather, learning to snowboard will allow your child to master new skills and have fun.
Step 1
Purchase or rent a snowboard, boots and bindings. Make sure that the equipment is the right size for your child, so he can be successful while learning. Christopher Van Tilburg, author of "Introducing Your Kids to the Outdoors," suggests going to a sporting store and having your child try on several pairs to find a good fit. Employees at sports stores can also offer tips and recommendations to ensure that you choose the right snowboarding equipment for your child.
Step 2
Have your child practice snowboarding movements at home before taking him to the slopes. Van Tilburg recommends showing them how to put on and take off his gear first. Then, you can encourage your child to shuffle with his front foot strapped into the snowboard and his back foot out, because this is proper technique for getting on and off of the ski lift. Other ways to practice at home with the back foot out include turning in circles, hopping, kicking as if riding a skateboard and climbing up small inclines.
Step 3
Take your child to the slopes for a few days of practice. According to Stacy M. DeBroff, author of "Sign Me Up!: The Parents' Complete Guide to Sports, Activities, Music Lessons, Dance Classes and Extracurriculars," it will take one to three days of practice before your child has the basic movements of snowboarding down well enough to do it on his own. You can play games with your child to help him master the basics, says Van Tilburg. Games such as Red Light, Green Light, Chase and Follow the Leader played with boots and boards will enable your child to learn to move freely so he can snowboard well.
Step 4
Make sure your child knows the safety guidelines of the slopes. Van Tilburg recommends teaching him to yield to those in front of him, to avoid stopping where it is hard to see him, to observe all posted signs, to stay on marked trails and to use proper lift etiquette. DeBroff adds that your child must always remember to wear his helmet and to watch for obstructions on the ground and other people on the slopes.
Step 5
Let your child get on the lift and snowboard on his own. You can ask the lift operator to slow the lift for your child's first few runs so he can get the hang of getting on and off on his own, suggests Van Tilburg. Snowboard with your child for his few attempts so he can learn by watching you. He can also watch others on the slopes so he can model their form and technique as he learns. Take your child on beginner slopes until he has mastered snowboarding and then he can gradually work his way up in difficulty as he improves his skills, writes Van Tilburg.
Tips and Warnings
- Many ski destinations offer snowboarding lessons for children. If you feel more comfortable, enroll your child in one of these classes so he can learn to snowboard. DeBroff suggests buying knee pads and wrist guards for your child while he is learning to prevent injury.
- Never let your child snowboard without a helmet because it will place him at risk of a head injury, particularly while he is still learning. Stay with your child and do not allow him to snowboard by himself.
Things You'll Need
- Snowboard
- Snowboarding boots and bindings
- Helmet
- Wrist guards
- Knee pads
References
- Kids Health: Safety Tips: Snowboarding
- "Introducing Your Kids to the Outdoors"; Christopher Van Tilburg; 2005
- "Sign Me Up!: The Parents' Complete Guide to Sports, Activities, Music Lessons, Dance Classes and Extracurriculars; Stacy M. DeBroff; 2003
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