Advice you wish someone had given (beginner) you. - Snowboarding Forum

Daggs · 12-29-2012, 08:15 AM

I've been snowboarding a few times the last couple seasons, but this is the first season I'm actually serious about learning the sport and progressing. So, in hindsight, are there any tricks, or pieces of adivce, that you wish you had known when starting out?

lonerider · 12-29-2012, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daggs

I've been snowboarding a few times the last couple seasons, but this is the first season I'm actually serious about learning the sport and progressing. So, in hindsight, are there any tricks, or pieces of adivce, that you wish you had known when starting out?

Get a private/semi-private lesson from a good instructor.

MeanJoe · 12-29-2012, 08:28 AM

Agree 100% with lonerider... save yourself a lot of pain during the learning curve by learning to do things correctly the first time with lessons. You'll progress faster and build a proper foundation for your riding and avoid ingraining bad habits that will be harder to correct later.

Learn about layering and quality base layers, mid layers, and outerwear. Proper layers and good gear is the key to staying warm and dry while riding which makes for a happier day. Bulking up with cheap long johns, two pairs of socks, a sweater, scarf, and restrictive Columbia jacket is not the way to stay warm and dry.

Get a helmet. Seriously. It could save your life.

Read many of Snowolf's excellent posts on turn initiation, visualize the concepts even mimicking the moves on dry-land.

Read and understand the basic rules of etiquette and trail safety.

Ride trails appropriate for your ability level. You won't have fun falling every 10 feet on a black and everyone else will hate you for being there when you shouldn't be.

sabatoa · 12-29-2012, 08:54 AM

Learn switch early because you're not going to want to bother "starting over" once you get decent.

slyder · 12-29-2012, 08:57 AM

I think Mean Joe nailed this one. Simple, concise and dead on.

Me I was to ill informed and nieve and just went out and did it. Now that I'm learning park I'm taking this very same approach and just applying it to a different part of the sport.

Don't build up expectations of flying down all the runs. I took me about 3 outings to become beginner proficient. For many not all it takes a few days of riding to really click and then be comfortable on the green and blue runs. Keep using good form and you will progress quickly and safely.
Enjoy it is a blast.

AIRider · 12-29-2012, 12:53 PM

When on toe side edge, imagine a penny between your butt cheeks, and squeeze it.

chomps1211 · 12-29-2012, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AIRider

When on toe side edge, imagine a penny between your butt cheeks, and squeeze it.

Won't the copper turn your ass cheeks green?

AIRider · 12-29-2012, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chomps1211

Won't the copper turn your ass cheeks green?

Help pushing/aligning your pelvis over the board, thus making you flex more at the ankles, so you're not hunched over. That was my biggest problem when I first started out.

cb1021 · 12-29-2012, 06:06 PM

Commit, more aggressive, use more body strength (it's a sport after all)

that1guy · 12-29-2012, 07:01 PM

Do not drink and ride a snowboard while you are learning.

12-29-2012, 08:15 AM	#1 (permalink)
Daggs Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 53	Advice you wish someone had given (beginner) you. I've been snowboarding a few times the last couple seasons, but this is the first season I'm actually serious about learning the sport and progressing. So, in hindsight, are there any tricks, or pieces of adivce, that you wish you had known when starting out?

12-29-2012, 08:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
sabatoa -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 1,493	Learn switch early because you're not going to want to bother "starting over" once you get decent. __________________ '12 NS Legacy 163 Days on snow 2012/2013 season: Boyne Highlands: 5 Boyne Mtn: 1 Shanty Creek: 1 Crystal Mountain: 1 Pine Knob: 1 Mt Holly: 4 Hawk Island: 1 Cannonsburg: 0 End of Season: 01/12/2013

12-29-2012, 08:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
slyder Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Milwaukee Suburbs Posts: 1,920	I think Mean Joe nailed this one. Simple, concise and dead on. Me I was to ill informed and nieve and just went out and did it. Now that I'm learning park I'm taking this very same approach and just applying it to a different part of the sport. Don't build up expectations of flying down all the runs. I took me about 3 outings to become beginner proficient. For many not all it takes a few days of riding to really click and then be comfortable on the green and blue runs. Keep using good form and you will progress quickly and safely. Enjoy it is a blast. __________________ Thanks -Slyder Last edited by slyder; 12-29-2012 at 09:01 AM.

12-29-2012, 12:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
AIRider Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 564	When on toe side edge, imagine a penny between your butt cheeks, and squeeze it. __________________ Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

12-29-2012, 08:28 AM	#3 (permalink)
MeanJoe Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 160	Agree 100% with lonerider... save yourself a lot of pain during the learning curve by learning to do things correctly the first time with lessons. You'll progress faster and build a proper foundation for your riding and avoid ingraining bad habits that will be harder to correct later. Learn about layering and quality base layers, mid layers, and outerwear. Proper layers and good gear is the key to staying warm and dry while riding which makes for a happier day. Bulking up with cheap long johns, two pairs of socks, a sweater, scarf, and restrictive Columbia jacket is not the way to stay warm and dry. Get a helmet. Seriously. It could save your life. Read many of Snowolf's excellent posts on turn initiation, visualize the concepts even mimicking the moves on dry-land. Read and understand the basic rules of etiquette and trail safety. Ride trails appropriate for your ability level. You won't have fun falling every 10 feet on a black and everyone else will hate you for being there when you shouldn't be.

12-29-2012, 06:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
cb1021 Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 42	Commit, more aggressive, use more body strength (it's a sport after all)

12-29-2012, 07:01 PM	#10 (permalink)
that1guy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Inside the Space Needle Posts: 253	Do not drink and ride a snowboard while you are learning.