On snowy days and in snowy hills, there are many ways to find fun and enjoyment. Some enjoy snowball fights, others build snowmen. Some may like to take a trek through the snowy forests, while others may wish to stay inside, looking out at the winter wonderland with a toasty fire and a cup of hot chocolate in hand. Whatever the case, the winter season has no shortage of activities to partake in, and one of the most popular is snowboarding.
Snowboarding (see more here) is one of the most fun ways to enjoy the wintry climate. After all, few can defy the allure of riding a wheelless skateboard through a foot or two of snow and ice, all while going down a descending mountainside. To the adrenaline-fueled and enjoyment-seeking folks out there, such a scene is very alluring, I’m sure, while to others, such a scene may incite some dregs of fear and doubt.
Whether you’re the former or the latter, worry not, for as with all things, snowboarding has to be learned, and the best way to learn is the safest way. So in this article, we’ll be going over some beginning tips and advice on how to righteously slide down that mountain or hill with both comfortability and safety.
Step 1: The Right Gear
Before anything else, it is essential you have the right supplies and gear for anything you do; snowboarding is no less the case. Before taking that drive to the mountain or climbing up that snowy hill, be sure you have the proper gear in hand. Common yet essential gear for snowboarding includes:
- Snowboard– the primary tool for snowboarding is, of course, the snowboard itself. When picking one out, make sure that the board fits your size and build. Things to consider when choosing a snowboard include height and weight. A board that’s too small will leave little room for maneuvering, while one that’s too large will be hard to manage.
- Boots– snowboard boots are the go-to for snowboarding, as they provide control, comfort, and support. Again, make sure the boots you get fit your size, weight, and build. It’s also nice to have some breathability around the ankles.
- Bindings– these are responsible for connecting the boots securely to the snowboard, ensuring neither slips from the other. As with the boots and board, make sure the bindings match the size and weight of both you and your gear. And of course, ensure their compatibility as well.
- Clothing– you want to make sure you’re as warm as possible, and the right clothing will help you ensure that. When considering clothing for snowboarding, it’s best to liken it to winter clothing. Examples include snow jackets, snow pants, thick socks, thick gloves, and more.
You can find more information for snowboarding gear and the like at websites like the one here: https://theworldpursuit.com/what-to-wear-snowboarding/
Step 2: The Right Mindset
It’s important to have the right mindset before doing anything, and that’s especially true when you’re learning something new. And as with all novices learning a craft, it is essential to realize one simple fact: you are going to fail. And you will likely do so more than once. But with failure comes learning, and with enough learning, success. No one, no matter how skilled or naturally talented, succeeded without effort or diligence.
With snowboarding, that is no less the case, as you will fail, and you may get hurt a few times more than others. But diligence and practice will make you better over time.
Step 3: The Right Posture
Snowboarding successfully and safely involves having the right posture for it. When you’re first beginning, all the way to when you’re an eventual expert, your posture will reflect how you move and maneuver when snowboarding. When first mounting your snowboard, make sure your knees are bent slightly, your back is straight, and your weight is distributed evenly across both your feet. Keep your sense of balance at all times, ensuring you and your board are centered.
This ensures your axis, where all the movements will occur. Whether you want to rotate your board or change direction, keeping yourself centered and balanced will ensure that such movements are made with smooth transitions. While doing so, make sure your back is straight and that you’re not leaning too forwardly or backwardly. Maintaining your center axis ensures maximum maneuverability.
And these steps are just the beginning. When you master these snowboarding tips for beginners, you can move on to more advanced techniques, but do ensure you’re doing so steadily. Despite the speed at which you’re going down a mountain, slow and steady is sure to win the race.
Conclusion
Snowboarding is surely a fun and exciting endeavor, but it can also be dangerous; one that’s not without its risk for injury or harm. Ensuring not only your enjoyment, but also your safety, is all too important, especially when first learning the fundamentals. So before shredding that snow and ice, make sure you have the right gear, the right mindset, and the right posture for maximum safety and comfort, all of which are not without their own fun, to be certain.
