Lessons - yes or no? - Snowboarding Forum

Cls · 11-12-2012, 08:55 PM

Okay, I am only going to get two days on the slopes this year. I am a good skier but have never snowboarded. I wake board and wake surf regularly and I usually pick up new sports easily. My question is, is it better to spend a half day taking a lesson or just picking up and learning by doing? I have never taken a lesson for any sport but I want to make the most of my two days and if that means a half day lesson will make the rest of the time better, then that is what I will do.

Also, I will probably buy a board and bindings since I expect to spend most time on the slopes in the future on a snowboard. Any feedback on boards and bindings will be appreciated. FYI, I am 6'4" and 220 lbs.

Thanks

IdahoFreshies · 11-12-2012, 09:07 PM

always yes. Just spend an hour and a half on a group lesson in the morning just to get the basics down and pointed in the right direction,

atr3yu · 11-12-2012, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdahoFreshies

always yes. Just spend an hour and a half on a group lesson in the morning just to get the basics down and pointed in the right direction,

Agreed, I wasn't even going to read your post. I was just going to say always, yes..... actually I didn't read it.... just yes!

abqmike37 · 11-12-2012, 10:04 PM

Take a beginner lesson and get a feel on your own, nothing beats actual time spend on the slope. Maybe a ride improvement lessons 1 to 2 seasons afterward to correct some bad habits you might have picked up.

**Donutz** · 11-12-2012, 11:02 PM

If you only have two days, then time is of the essence. While a group lesson is a damned sight better than trying to learn yourself (believe me on this, I went the latter route), the problem is that the lesson moves at the pace of the slowest student. If you get a private lesson, then it will move at whatever pace you're capable of. You're almost certain to come out of the two hours a lot farther ahead, and more ready to enjoy the remaining almost 2 days. Yeah, they're more expensive, but in your situation I'd think it's worth it.

firstx1017 · 11-12-2012, 11:38 PM

I agree with DONUTZ - totally!

lonerider · 11-12-2012, 11:51 PM

Private lesson > Group lesson > Learning from a friend > Learning on your own.

> = "is better than"

pharcyde · 11-13-2012, 10:18 AM

if you forego any lessons you may just spend the entire time face down in the snow.

phony_stark · 11-13-2012, 10:52 AM

If by making the most of your trip, you mean learning how to snowboard by the end, then take a lesson.

hot-ice · 11-13-2012, 11:22 AM

I wish I would have taken lessons. My brother gave me a few pointers, he didn't even start me out on the bunny hill, instead took me to a green where it was steep off the lift.

Didn't make it far until I caught an edge and hit my head(without a helmet

). That left me with a headache the rest of the day and made it less fun. I learned by trial and bruises, but I wouldn't recommend that to anyone. Get a lesson, buy or rent a helmet, and it will be more enjoyable.

And have fun!

11-12-2012, 08:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cls Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 1	Lessons - yes or no? Okay, I am only going to get two days on the slopes this year. I am a good skier but have never snowboarded. I wake board and wake surf regularly and I usually pick up new sports easily. My question is, is it better to spend a half day taking a lesson or just picking up and learning by doing? I have never taken a lesson for any sport but I want to make the most of my two days and if that means a half day lesson will make the rest of the time better, then that is what I will do. Also, I will probably buy a board and bindings since I expect to spend most time on the slopes in the future on a snowboard. Any feedback on boards and bindings will be appreciated. FYI, I am 6'4" and 220 lbs. Thanks

11-12-2012, 11:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
Donutz Drunk with power...er beer. Join Date: May 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Posts: 3,670 Blog Entries: 176	If you only have two days, then time is of the essence. While a group lesson is a damned sight better than trying to learn yourself (believe me on this, I went the latter route), the problem is that the lesson moves at the pace of the slowest student. If you get a private lesson, then it will move at whatever pace you're capable of. You're almost certain to come out of the two hours a lot farther ahead, and more ready to enjoy the remaining almost 2 days. Yeah, they're more expensive, but in your situation I'd think it's worth it. __________________ Illegitimi non carborundum Mountain Days: 30

11-12-2012, 11:38 PM	#6 (permalink)
firstx1017 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 183	I agree with DONUTZ - totally! __________________ I learned to snowboard at 50! woo hoo!

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11-12-2012, 10:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
abqmike37 Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 47	Take a beginner lesson and get a feel on your own, nothing beats actual time spend on the slope. Maybe a ride improvement lessons 1 to 2 seasons afterward to correct some bad habits you might have picked up.

11-12-2012, 11:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
lonerider Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Mountain View, CA Posts: 947	Private lesson > Group lesson > Learning from a friend > Learning on your own. > = "is better than"

11-13-2012, 10:18 AM	#8 (permalink)
pharcyde Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: toronto Posts: 41	if you forego any lessons you may just spend the entire time face down in the snow.

11-13-2012, 10:52 AM	#9 (permalink)
phony_stark Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 488	If by making the most of your trip, you mean learning how to snowboard by the end, then take a lesson.

11-13-2012, 11:22 AM	#10 (permalink)
hot-ice Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 138	I wish I would have taken lessons. My brother gave me a few pointers, he didn't even start me out on the bunny hill, instead took me to a green where it was steep off the lift. Didn't make it far until I caught an edge and hit my head(without a helmet ). That left me with a headache the rest of the day and made it less fun. I learned by trial and bruises, but I wouldn't recommend that to anyone. Get a lesson, buy or rent a helmet, and it will be more enjoyable. And have fun!