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Snowboarding: Getting started

So you have decided you want to learn to ‘ride a board’ and not just any board, you want free-ride down a snow covered mountain. It looks easy right? So why is it proving to be so hard?

Last run of the day | Verbier

Get the look

Use a shorter board to begin with as they are easier to manoeuvre. Go for boots that are snug and firm as they will stretch a bit. Luckily the fashion for boarders is baggy. This is also really practical, as to start with you will spend a lot of time on your bum! You need to be able to move around easily, feel comfortable and warm in your clothing. Layers work best. Make sure your jacket is long enough, snow jackets will usually come complete with a snow skirt - use it! There’s nothing worse than getting snow down your back every time you fall over. Wrist guards and a decent pair of gloves are also essential.

Take lessons

If you can afford lessons - have them! This is probably the single best piece of advice we can give. Even if you have just one or two to get you going, a professional instructor can give you hints that your boyfriend won’t be able to. Some people don’t feel comfortable with a stranger but a good instructor will make you feel at ease and teach you the basics…and let’s face it, they are also likely to be a lot more patient than your boyfriend!

Goofy or Regular?
If you have ever surfed or ridden a skateboard, you will already know if you are Goofy or Regular. If not, get someone to push you gently from behind and watch to see which foot you put forward first. Right foot forward means you are Goofy, left foot means you are Regular. However, this is not a completely foolproof method. If after a few hours on a board you feel like something is wrong, try changing your setup around, it might just make all the difference to your riding!

Aargh…chair lifts and drag lifts

When queuing for a chair lift always go for an end seat. This gives you a bit more room and allows you to get off the lift to the left or right. As you get ready to dismount, point your board forward, let your board slide along the snow, then stand up, put all your weight on your front foot and try to wedge your back foot on the stomp pad against your binding.

With drag lifts…don’t sit down! They won’t hold your weight. Drag lifts are designed to pull you up the slope. Keep your shoulders in line with your board. Put all your weight on your front foot and rest your back foot on your stomp pad and you’ll be able to steer as you normally would.

Chair lifts and drag lifts are really tricky on a board so don’t be hard on yourself, they take some mastering, but once you have…this is a huge achievement, so well done you!

Stay positive!

It may all seem tricky, painful and exhausting at the beginning, but be brave, once you can ride there is no end to the fun and exhilarating experiences you’ll have!

Snowboarding: Getting started By Sarah Vickery

And thanks to Emma Bodkin and Sarah Andrews for their tips for beginner boarders!