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