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If you are into fast-paced winter sports, like snow skiing, then snowboarding will probably be right up your alley! Snowboarding is actually a cross between several sports. It is similiar to skiing down the snowy slopes, surfing the water waves, and riding a skateboard. Basically, you stand on a board and then ski down, or ride, the snow. Sounds simple, right?
Before you decide to give this sport a whirl in the snow, you will need to obtain some basic equipment. If you don't already own the equipment, you might just want to rent it until you are sure that this is the sport for you. You will need, of course, a snowboard. These boards come in different sizes and styles. There are the freeride and the freestyle snowboards which, as their names imply, can be used to ride anywhere. And then there is the technical freestyle snowboard which is designed for jumping and for grabbing lots of air. There is also a snowboard called an Alpine that is designed to move through the snow at fast speeds. However, this board is not recommended for use by beginners.
You will also need to wear suitable boots and bindings, which will be compatible with your choice of a snowboard. For the best possible advice about which boots and bindings are best for your situation, ask the person who works at the rental shop.
After you have suited up properly, you are ready to begin. But, before you hit the slopes, there are some basic instructions to keep in mind. First, you are going to fall. That is probably not news to you, but you will have to get used to falling forward and bakcward, instead of from side to side in skiing. Second, it is a good idea to practice just staying on the board. If you are used to water surfing or skateboarding, then you will have the advantage of knowing how to balance your body while standing sideways on the snowboard. Generally, you will stand on the board with your left foot forward. It will take some time to find your comfort zone. Third, remember that you don't even have ski poles to help you navigate the slippery slopes. Your total control--steering and speed--will rely on your bodily movements as well as on the positioning of your body weight. And fourth, remember to follow the general rules wherever it is that you are snowboarding. Don't be rude, act responsibly, and try to stay out of other people's way.
Finally, unless you are on a kamikaze mission, you should find a relatively flat area to begin on. Get on your board and shove off slowly. Pay close attention to your body and your snowboard. Practice starting and stopping. Then, practice turning to the left and then to the right. As you catch on to what you are doing, and progress in your skills, you can then increase your speed. One last word of caution- Don't try to whiz thorugh the snow and catch big air until you are more experienced.
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