| Some people who come into the sport buy their | | | | Race or alpine boards are the kind of boards you will |
| snowboards; others get theirs as gifts after much | | | | see being used in major competitions, or by |
| pleading and patient waiting. That is a start, but now | | | | professionals. Its thinness increases stability and |
| you have to figure out the hardest part, which is | | | | makes the board pick up speed more easily, and |
| learning how to become a real snowboarder. In this | | | | make sharp, fast turns more easily. The shoe that |
| article we're going to talk about some of the | | | | goes with a race or alpine board resembles a ski |
| fundamental strategies of snowboarding, and some | | | | shoe, for support and control. |
| of the main things you're going to need to learn, and | | | | Be sure to keep your legs and your whole body |
| the equipment you're going to need to get started. | | | | relaxed. If you tense up it is going to be hard going, |
| As with any sport, the right equipment is vital if you | | | | and you run the risk of experiencing a dangerous fall. |
| want to perform properly, and you need to know | | | | Keep your knees bent a little, but don't lock them. |
| how the equipment works as well. A general guide to | | | | Instead, focus on keeping your legs loose to absorb |
| the basics of snowboarding should include and outline | | | | the pressure of any bumps you encounter. |
| of this information. | | | | That way, the ride will be smooth and easy and it will |
| You need a board that fits you right. Boards come in | | | | not be difficult to keep your balance. Avoid the urge |
| all sizes, for adults and children of all ages and sizes | | | | to tense up your legs, or you won't get that smooth |
| so when you get your board, make sure it is a good | | | | ride and you are very likely to end up on the ground, |
| fit. This way learning how to snowboard is going to | | | | which is not a good place to be. Look at the pros |
| be much easier. | | | | and see the way they do it, and you'll get a feel for |
| Snowboarding works in much the same way as | | | | the sport. This is a good way to avoid having to |
| skiing, and the board is shaped in much the same | | | | learn by trial and error, which can be a very painful |
| way as a ski. For those with experience in skiing the | | | | process. |
| transition should be much easier than for someone | | | | Strap one foot onto the board and see how you feel |
| who is altogether new to the snow. | | | | going across the hill, just to get a feel for it. When |
| There are many types of snowboards, including | | | | you think you are ready, strap in the other foot and |
| freestyle boards, free ride boards and alpine or race | | | | try going down the hill for the first time. |
| boards. Beginners like them because they are easier | | | | You steer with the leg that is in front. Use your front |
| to use than the other types of board. The two ends | | | | leg to guide the board, and use your hips to maintain |
| of the freestyle board are the same, so there is no | | | | balance. Don't forget to keep your knees bent to |
| front and back. This type of board is good for | | | | absorb the shocks of any bumps on the hill. You are |
| learning to snowboard, and for learning new tricks. | | | | now snowboarding. When you want to stop just turn |
| Use a soft, short shoe for this type of board. | | | | sideways so that the board is heading perpendicular |
| The free ride board is very versatile in terms of the | | | | to the hill, and you are facing up. That way the board |
| kinds of conditions it can handle. Of course, an | | | | will stop moving. To start again, point your |
| amateur or beginner wouldn't have much use for this | | | | snowboard down and it will start sliding. |
| facility. Many different kinds of snow and ground | | | | You might want to borrow equipment the first few |
| quality are within your reach with this type of board. | | | | times to get a feel for the sport before getting your |
| It is not as short or wide as the freestyle board and | | | | own personal shoes and board. You will also have a |
| it is less flexible. The free ride board goes well with | | | | better idea about what kind is right for you. |
| soft, tall shoes that have soft bindings. | | | | |