What You Need To Know Before Getting On A Snowboard

A vacation to the slopes to shred some serious powder can be a liberating experience that you’ll remember for years to come. While many love donning a pair of skis, others feel much more at home on a snowboard. There’s something about slaloming down the hill on your prized board that just can’t be beat.

If you’re thinking snowboarding might just be your cup of tea, then all the more power to you. Much like any sport, there’s a learning curve involved, and any downhill sport comes with its own set of risks and cautionary rules you should follow. You know how a car can get wrapped around a telephone pole in a bad collision? Imagine that, except it’s you and a tree. Suffice to say, there are some things you need to keep in mind before you get strapped in and venture away from the bunny slopes.

Here’s a few things you should to keep in mind:

Get A Proper Lesson Beforehand

If you’ve never been on a snowboard before, you should take the time to learn the fundamentals from someone who knows what they’re talking about. If you try to teach yourself, there’s a massive percent probability that you’ll just end up frustrated since you don’t know any of the tricks learned from years on a board. Everything from turning properly to getting back up after a fall are taught in a typical lesson and they’ll rapidly accelerate your progress from complete beginner to more than passable. Almost every hill offers a beginner snowboarding lesson, so just make sure to ask the hill operators when and where it is before you go off on your own.

Dress Appropriately

When it comes to the harsh winter temperatures typical of snowboarding, it is much better to be overdressed rather than underdressed. You should budget in falling and getting snow all over yourself into your wardrobe, even if you do manage to not wipe out your entire time snowboarding you’ll be much more comfortable knowing you’re insulated properly. A base layer of breathable, heat trapping fabric followed by long sleeves and a good pair of pants is a good place to start. From there, throw in a snowboarding jacket and pants so you’re completely waterproof, windproof, and as cozy as can be.

Adventure Genesis is a good resource for looking up some snow gear. I should also add that protective equipment is an absolute must. A helmet and goggles plus a solid pair of gloves make the difference between going down the slope on your board or on a stretcher.

Master Fall Technique

Even the most experienced snowboarders experience a fall now and then. While it is important to learn how not to fall as you get better at snowboarding, you also need to learn how to fall properly. Instinctively we tend to put our hands out to break our fall but when snowboarding this is more likely to give you a broken wrist than anything else. Try and keep your hands close to your body, cross them over your chest if you have to, and gracefully go into your fall and then get back up afterwards. If you’re dressed properly it won’t hurt at all and you’ll be able to get up and get right back at it.

Parting Words

No matter how much someone loves getting in a day at the hills, they all love being able to go back home in one piece a lot more. If you keep these tips at heart and always be a lifelong learner, you’ll always be able to come home from the ski hill with stories to tell instead of casts to sign. This list is by no means comprehensive, make sure to pay attention during your first lesson and don’t be afraid to ask your instructor any questions you might have. Enjoy yourselves!