Learn the Snowboarding Basics

Boy, do we love snowboarding. We’ve been dreaming of half pipes since we first bolted a plank to our feet all those days ago. All those days ago… days ago… ago… go. Oh, look Timothy: There we are, learning the snowboarding basics that ensured we became these ultra cool desk dudes that we are today. Ouch! That fall must have hurt! Look at my wonky snowboarding technique, that was pretty special. SNAP! Oh, I’m back in the room, and suddenly aching at the groins to share my snowboarding basics with you.

Being a snowboarding beginner is great. It gives you an excuse to look like a complete goof, and still get patted on the back. If you want to get the most out of your snowboard lessons and quickly learn how to snowboard, it’s a good idea to know the snowboarding basics.

Choose the Right Snowboard

We’re presuming you’re starting out. We recommend you rent a snowboard that’s going to give you the maximum opportunity to learn the basics of snowboarding. We also agreed that a shorter board is going to give you maximum control on the slopes, so rent a short snowboard, and head for the slopes. Renting a snowboard gives you the opportunity to find the style of board to suit you, without making too large an investment.

If you’re wondering how short a short snowboard is, it’s a matter of a couple of inches. Stand the board up in front of you, and a standard board will reach your chin — a short board, is just a couple of inches shorter.

Choose the Right Slope

Don’t get ahead of yourself, or believe that launching yourself in at the deep end is going to bring your snowboarding skills up in a flash. Choose a nice and steady slope that’s clear of the main crowds. Many ski resorts in Europe offer free beginners slopes, so it’s always worth inquiring when you first arrive.

Basic Snowboarding for Beginners

There’s no way we’re going to teach you how to snowboard in a measly internet article, the key is to get out there and try, and try, and try again. We highly recommend taking some lessons from the experts to point out how you can quickly learn from your mistakes. (And there will be plenty of those!)

The founding basic of snowboarding, is to lean forward. It’s a common mistake in newbies to lean back, and we can’t stress it enough: Lean forward. Once more. Lean forward.

Don’t worry, you’re not doing anything wrong by leaning back, in fact it means your body is functioning correctly and using its instincts to avoid you getting hurt. The bottom line is, we weren’t born with a snowboard strapped to our soles, so this basic snowboarding technique that will get you upright in no times.

Talking of hurt. This is tricky. In fact, it’s impossible. You will get hurt. You will get bruised. You will ache. You will be pounded, flattened, mangled, crushed, buffed and bashed. Just accept this, and use all of your energy to master your snowboarding technique, thus solving the problem of getting hurt. It’s a pure lesson in pleasure/pain.

Take these basic snowboarding tips with you to the nearest slope, strap on the short board and gently ease yourself into one of the world’s most thrilling snow sports.

Most people are up and riding within a few days of dedicated learning — while some manage in a shorter time. The main ethos of snowboarding is to enjoy the moment. The freedom of the crisp slopes, cruising on your board through spellbinding landscape while your buddy’s look on, and race to give you that well-deserved pat on the back (or dunk in the powder).