Complete Beginners Guide to Snowboarding from a Snowboard Instructor

You've observed people snowboarding on the slopes. You've watched the competitions on TV. It looks like fun and now you want to join in. If you find yourself curious about snowboarding, following some simple guidelines should help you get started stress-free. The following guidelines are some that I've frequently given out in my many seasons as a American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) certified snowboard instructor.

Snowboard clothing
Before hitting the slopes, you'll need the right clothing. Do yourself a favor and leave the blue jeans in the hotel room. On the first day you'll probably be spending quite a bit of time in the snow. That means that your clothing needs to be waterproof whether it's a warm or cold day. Since you'll be getting up and down and rolling around, try to choose loose fitting clothing too. At a minimum have a waterproof jacket, pants, and gloves. You'll also need snowboard socks and possibly some thermal underwear. If you don't own any winter wear, it is possible to rent clothing at many ski areas.

Protective gear
Most sports have their dangers and snowboarding is no exception. When first learning to snowboard there are a few pieces of gear that will minimize potential injuries and make the day more pain-free. A helmet is highly recommended to protect you from concussions. When first learning your edges, it's more common to catch the downhill heelside edge and fall backwards downhill. This can lead to a nasty downhill head slam. Knee pads are another recommended piece of gear. They'll keep you from smashing your knees into hard-packed snow. Your knees will stay warm when kneeling in the snow too. Wrist guards are also recommended as broken wrists are the most common injury among snowboarders.

Rental gear
Before investing heavily in a new sport, first make sure the sport's for you. You'll save time and money in the long run. If the local ski hill offers rental snowboard gear as part of a first time lesson package, take them up on it. The rental gear will most likely be geared towards beginners and will have a gentler flex for learning. If you choose to rent snowboard gear away from the ski area, make sure to avoid step-in rental gear. By design, it has a stiffer flex and is much harder to learn in. While borrowing snowboard gear from friends may sound like a good idea, most likely it will fit poorly and leave you out of control.

Lessons
Ditch the boyfriend and other well-intentioned friends. Unless they are trained professionals, your well-meaning friends may leave you bruised and your relationships may suffer. Certified snowboard professionals know the progressions that will get you steering your board efficiently with minimal pain. It's easier to learn and you won't have to break bad habits later on. Most ski areas have low-cost package deals on first time lessons, lift tickets, and rental gear.

Upgrade your lesson
One drawback to low-cost group lessons is that they can be packed with students. This can leave little time for the instructor to give quality individual feedback to each student. If you can, take a class with guaranteed limited class sizes. Six students or less per instructor is ideal. Burton's Learn to Ride (LTR) program can be found at many ski areas in the USA. Class sizes are limited and students are given upgraded beginner equipment.

Gender specific lessons
Group dynamics and support can play a big role in learning. If you find that you are easily intimidated by men, a women's snowboard camp may be a good option. Burton offers 2-day Women's snowboard camps at many ski areas around the USA. They offer women specific instruction for women of all ages.

Time
Just as Rome was not built in a day, give yourself several days to try it out. Take your first lesson and then give yourself some practice time to try what you have learned. Once comfortable, go take another lesson. Practice some more and give it another day. If you find yourself still intrigued after three days on the snowboard, welcome to the world of snowboarding! Glad to have you onboard!

Snowboarding is an activity enjoyed by people of all ages and gender. It offers a terrific way to enjoy a winter day. If you love skiing, you may enjoy snowboarding even more. Sign up for lessons today.

More beginner snowboard tips:
The Best Tips for Beginner Snowboarders
Tips for First Time Snowboarders
How to Tie Snowboard Boots
Complete Beginners Guide to Snowboarding