freerider88

So, I've gone skiing and snowboarding, and I can't really decide which one I like more as they are both fun. The falling wasn't so bad for me in snowboarding (I thought that was part of the fun actually), but the things that turned me off about snowboarding are:

1. Getting off the chairlift: I don't know why its so difficult for me, but I was 0/5 when I went and it was embarrassing for me.

2. Strapping in: I am really slow with the bindings and it was a pain to have to strap in and then strap off whenever I was getting on/off the lift. Plus, traversing flat terrain is not easy and skating with one leg was not fun and I couldn't get the hang of it.

3. Heelside turns: I was able to front side easily, and I got how to heelside towards the end of my session, but I was doing it all wrong. I was putting more weight on my back foot, and apparently, you should be leaning forward when snowboarding, so I don't know what to do, and I think my instructor told me the wrong thing? When I leaned forward though, I lost balance and couldn't heelside/link anymore which is frustrating.

Despite this, I still enjoyed snowboarding, so do you think I should continue and that these are all normal problems, or should I go back to skiing?

jegnorge

how many times have u went boarding? after a few seasons your "problems" should disappear.

freerider88

once lol (10 char)

sangsters

1. Okay -- this sucked for me for longer than I care to admit. A few things that made things easier for me were
-- When stepping off the lift use your back arm and hold onto the lift so when you start down the off ramp you are basically starting from a standing (zero mph) situation. Remember to let go of the lift. I expect a few negative comments on this one.
-- With your foot on the stomp pad (or just up against the back binding if you have no stomp pad) drag your toe. Helps keep you moving slower, also easier to turn out and come to a stop.
-- If you are lucky enough to ride with someone who rides opposite you. (e.g. my goofy buddy would ride up on the left side of the lift and when we exited the chair we'd go back to back off of the lift).

2. I hate skating. Hate it. A well waxed base will allow you to ride for longer on terrain that you might have had to unstrap to deal with previously. Often there is a place off the lift that is "uphill" from the lift area. If you strap in there you can usually "beat the traverse" by strapping in uphill.

3. Ummm, you'll get it.

And, at the end of things, these things all disappear. And you won't even notice it. Suddenly you'll be riding.

Deviant

Sounds like a normal beginner issue. The lift is one of the trickiest things for a beginner, don't be down on yourself for that. If it helps, drag your heel or toe off the edge of the board when getting off. When skating the board becomes easier, so will riding off the lift.

Being slow with the bindings is just because you're not used to them.

From your post, you have toeside turns already? That's quite good for someone on their first day. As far as the heelside goes, without a video it's a bit trick to see, but instead of "leaning" try it with just adding weight to the front foot. You shouldn't have to lean very much at all and it sounds like you're leaning too far over your front foot.


Don't give up, learning is a bit tough, but once you get used to it, everything (lift, skating, bindings, turns) will be something you don't even think about.

Edit: Sangsters beat me to it.

Veccster

Don't give up on boarding because you can't get off the lift. That's just stupid. It's not that hard and you'll figure it out. Stand by the lift long enough and you'll see a lot of people fall as they get off. Don't get embarrassed - just get up and do it again.

I agree with holding onto the chair for a bit longer. Allow everyone else to go in front of you. Just cruise straight down and don't try to turn. If everyone is already out of your way, it's easier to go straight.


As for strapping in...I had a friend that was TERRIBLE last year at strapping in. It literally took him about 5-8 minutes each time. It was frustrating to wait for him and I know it bothered the hell out of him. During the summer, he bought a used pair of Union bindings and his problems went away. He had no idea how much easier it was with better bindings. His old ones were just basic crap. He has been fine this season.

That is something you can practice in your basement. Put your boots and gloves on and go at it. Strap in and out and just keep doing it. Sit, stand...try it all.



If these are your issues with boarding, you have a lot less problems than other beginners.
Good luck and keep at it. Don't go back to skiing. Everyone I know that ski's now wants to snowboard (or tore an MCL because their ski's crossed in an accident - won't happen on a board).

sangsters

I completely agree. Not saying you can't get righteously f-ed up snowboarding but the majority of snowboarding injuries are acute injuries (wrist fractures of course) but the chronic kind of twisting injury (ankles, knees, hips) generally don't happen.

AceOfJacks21

just because something is difficult doesn't mean you should automatically quit.


snowboarding takes a ton of time and commitment, but once you get the hang of it it becomes a thrill ride.

john doe

Strapping in is just something to get used to. You probably don't even remember it but how long did it take you to be able to zip a jacket without thinking?

1 and 3 are related. You can't turn because you aren't using your front foot like you should. Same for getting off the lift. Learning to use your front foot as the main source of control will solve both issues. Go to the bunny hill and practice riding with your back foot unstrapped.

PS Watch Snowolf's videos in the tips section and Rick's at SnowProfessor.com -- How to snowboard

thugit

I'm just gonna quote all of Snowolf's video's for you, or about as much as I can remember as well as what I've found that makes things easier.

When you're getting off the lift, keep one cheek on the lift, and have one hanging off with your board and shoulders pointing straight. Then, when you're actually unload, give the chair a slight push and lean forward, pretend like there is an invisible rope at the tip of your board you're trying to reach.
Jam your back foot into the inside of your binding, and just ride it out.