| I'm a huge snowboarding nut! I love it! I've | | | | whether it's a snowboard or a jacket and pants, can |
| snowboarded for more than 15 years and have more | | | | be a true advantage to a new snowboarder. Ask a |
| snowboards than I can ride in a day. | | | | snowboard shop clerk what the right size snowboard |
| And one of my favorite aspects of the sport is | | | | is for you. Typically, most riders should look for a |
| women's snowboarding. I love seeing the growth of | | | | board length that reaches from the floor to between |
| the number of ladies on the hills and watching this | | | | their chin and nose. A longer board provides more |
| sport grow into a truly gender-equal activity. | | | | stable riding, while a shorter board makes it easier to |
| What's the State of the Snowboarding World? | | | | turn and perform tricks in the snowboard park. |
| Traditionally, men have dominated snowboarding, but | | | | 3) Wear a helmet and wrist guards: Helmets aren't |
| the number of women snowboarders is growing. | | | | for nerds or sissies. Wearing a helmet, pads and wrist |
| The percentage of women snowboarders rose from | | | | guards can protect novice and pro snowboarders |
| 23 percent in 2002 to 27 percent in 2006, according | | | | alike from sustaining a serious boo-boo. Helmets |
| to the National Sporting Goods Association. | | | | today are stylish and lightweight while providing |
| While competitions, such as the Winter Olympics, split | | | | strong protection for your noggin. |
| men and women into separate heats, many experts | | | | 4) Eat a healthy meal and drink water: High altitude |
| think women and men can compete side-by-side in | | | | snowboarding on mountains can speed up the |
| snowboarding. There's not many sports that can say | | | | process of dehydration. Although you are surrounded |
| that. | | | | by frozen water, cold temperatures often such the |
| Despite snowboarding's growth among women, there | | | | hydration out of the air, and all that snowboarding |
| are a number of things new lady snowboarders may | | | | your doing is also working your muscles. If you don't |
| not know before they hit the slopes. Here's a few | | | | stay hydrated, your muscles could be more apt to |
| things to consider in order to best enjoy your first | | | | break down at moments where you need them |
| snowboarding experiences. | | | | most. If you have a pocket big enough, bring a small |
| How To Limit Chance of Snowboarding Injury | | | | bottled water with you on the slopes. |
| Some snowboarding professionals say that potential | | | | 5) Take a lesson: There's no shame in taking an hour |
| boarders are sometimes turned off to the sport | | | | lesson from a snowboard instructor. That's what |
| because novices often spend their first few days on | | | | they are their for. A typical snowboarding lesson |
| a board falling and incurring bumps and bruises. Some | | | | costs between $10 and $30 for a 1-2 hour session. |
| people even injure themselves, leading them to never | | | | Snowboarding tutors will be able to teach new |
| pick up a snowboard again. | | | | snowboarders the correct form for each rider's |
| Taking a few steps to protect yourself against injury | | | | preferred riding style. They can also tell you the best |
| can help you avoid any negative impressions of the | | | | parts of the mountain to ride! |
| sport and help you build a strong relationship with | | | | In summary |
| boarding for years to come. | | | | Women's Snowboarding is an awesome sport and |
| Here's a few of those steps: | | | | more and more ladies are joining the ranks of |
| 1) Start exercising: Helping strengthen your muscles | | | | snowboarders each year. If you're new to |
| before taking your first run will aid you in developing | | | | snowboarding, there's a number of steps you can |
| balance, which is an incredibly important part of | | | | take to get ready for your time on the mountain. |
| successful snowboarding. Regular exercise, even just | | | | To make sure you will enjoy your initial snowboarding |
| a daily five-minute walk around the block, will also | | | | experiences and continue to snowboard for many |
| help condition your body to help you cope with less | | | | years to come, make sure you outfit yourself with |
| oxygen at higher altitudes and train your body to | | | | the appropriate equipment and you take steps to |
| send oxygen to your working muscles. | | | | limit the chances of injury. If you can follow these |
| 2) Get the right snowboard size and clothing: | | | | steps, you'll be on your way to a successful |
| Purchasing the appropriate snowboarding gear, | | | | snowboarding hobby in no time. |