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Active: 8254 users

I want to learn how to snowboard

Blogs > AtlaS
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AtlaS
Profile Blog Joined February 2009
United States1001 Posts
December 03 2009 20:24 GMT
#1
So I'm 20 years old and I live in Michigan. We get a lot of snow here so it's safe to say that a lot of people (including most of my friends)snowboard/ski. I decided that I'm going to finally try it out this winter. I don't need any advice on what kind of gear I should get cause my friend already said he'll loan me whatever I'll need. I'm just wondering if there are any snowboarders on TL that could give me some tips and some advice so that I don't look like a total jackass out there on my first day. My friends couldn't really give me any concrete advice, other than the fact that I'm going to be falling a lot. I know that I'll be falling a lot, but any tips are still appreciated.

I don't have mono anymore. Woooo!
leejas
Profile Blog Joined August 2007
United States440 Posts
December 03 2009 20:29 GMT
#2
This is open to flaming, but I know I would've been thankful for kneepads/wristpads under my clothing when I started.

Get ready to eat snow. Wear a helmet; saved me from a bad concussion a few times over.
sixghost
Profile Blog Joined November 2007
United States2096 Posts
December 03 2009 20:33 GMT
#3
Just don't be afraid to go take beginner lessons and to ride the bunny hills. You look like more of a jackass falling all the way down the blues than you do riding the bunny hills.
mG.sixghost @ iCCup || One ling, two ling, three ling, four... Camp four gas, then ultra-whore . -Saracen
DBunny
Profile Joined October 2007
Canada192 Posts
December 03 2009 20:35 GMT
#4
There's really not much you can do to prepare, the fact that your ass will hate you the next day is inevitable. The only real advice I can give is to find at least one friend who is trying to learn because if you go with friends who are all competent you will get left behind. There are instructionals on youtube that can give you a general idea of what to do but the best way to learn is by doing ^^. Actually I can give another piece of advice, don't worry about looking like a tool - everyone has been there and the more you worry about bailing the greater the chances of it happening.
OneOther
Profile Blog Joined August 2004
United States10774 Posts
December 03 2009 20:43 GMT
#5
yeah definitely be prepared to fall a lot. although it's hard to give tips because falling on your ass and learning it yourself is the best way, i would recommend learning both toe and heel carving before moving on. i see some people at higher slopes with terrible techniques; some of them go down on one side (either heel or toe) and slow down by turning sideways instead of carving. rather than focusing on going down as fast as possible, do your best to get things down correctly. it gets harder and harder to fix later on.

some other tips are:
when you fall forward, try to fall on your arms instead of wrists.
loosen up and relax your body, it will get so much easier. (i know this is hard as a novice)
be patient. going down the hill is not the objective, learning the techniques is.
paper
Profile Blog Joined September 2004
13197 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-03 20:56:58
December 03 2009 20:54 GMT
#6
PROTIP: Go as fast as possible because that's when you're going to learn how to balance, not when you're going 0.5 mph on a flat surface. Yes, you're going to fall when you're going fast, but you're probably going to fall more while going slowly anyway. Just make sure no ones around when you're doing this though lol.
Hates Fun🤔
Etherone
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
United States1898 Posts
December 03 2009 20:57 GMT
#7
On December 04 2009 05:54 paper wrote:
PROTIP: Go as fast as possible because that's when you're going to learn how to balance, not when you're going 0.5 mph on a flat surface. Yes, you're going to fall when you're going fast, but you're probably going to fall more while going slowly anyway. Just make sure no ones around when you're doing this though lol.

super pro tip: if you do the above wear a helmet, and some pads.
paper
Profile Blog Joined September 2004
13197 Posts
December 03 2009 21:00 GMT
#8
Don't overlook wrist guards! A ton of beginners try to catch their fall with their hands, which are very prone to injury.
Hates Fun🤔
OneOther
Profile Blog Joined August 2004
United States10774 Posts
December 03 2009 21:01 GMT
#9
On December 04 2009 05:54 paper wrote:
PROTIP: Go as fast as possible because that's when you're going to learn how to balance, not when you're going 0.5 mph on a flat surface. Yes, you're going to fall when you're going fast, but you're probably going to fall more while going slowly anyway. Just make sure no ones around when you're doing this though lol.

hahaha
i am not so sure if this is a good idea because beginner slopes are always crowded
might kill someone
3clipse
Profile Blog Joined September 2008
Canada2555 Posts
December 03 2009 21:18 GMT
#10
This is closely tied to the "falling a lot" thing, but don't expect to enjoy your first day. I know I didn't. Don't get discouraged though, the learning curve only is only that steep at the very start. Day 2 I could actually get down the hill upright and started to have some fun.
BookTwo
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
1985 Posts
December 03 2009 21:21 GMT
#11
On December 04 2009 05:54 paper wrote:
PROTIP: Go as fast as possible because that's when you're going to learn how to balance, not when you're going 0.5 mph on a flat surface. Yes, you're going to fall when you're going fast, but you're probably going to fall more while going slowly anyway. Just make sure no ones around when you're doing this though lol.


Australian snowboarder reportin'

I went to NZ in August on a boarding trip, best time of my life. I've been snowboarding for about 2ish years now, but take into account that Canada gets more snow in a day than we do in a whole season

Paper is pretty much right. The first time I went snowboarding, I didn't know how to brake. I'm not kidding. It was icy, I wasn't wearing a helmet and the next day, I was black and blue all over. The thing was, I learnt more in that day than I ever have. And believe me, it was icyy. I felt like I was riding on corrugated iron.

If you know someone who knows how to snowboard (or even if they just know how to toe-side, heel-side) go out with them so they can give you tips. My brother had more experience that me, having gone to Canada and snowboarded there a few years back. He helped me a great deal.

You can't be afraid to fall or get hurt. If you are, then don't bother. You'll go slowly and never learn how to balance properly. It is actually easier to balance when travelling at a decent speed than going very slowly. Of course, this doesn't mean you jump on a black diamond and go nuts, that's just stupid (trust me, I know). Find a good beginner run and learn how to brake. Everyone is more comfortable with one type of braking, whether it be heel or toe. Find out what you prefer and stick to it. Leaf down the slope for about half the day, so that you can stop yourself if you feel like your are in a dangerous situation (e.g. heading toward a training school class, a baby in a pram in front of you ect). After you are comfortable with that, then you should force yourself to try brake the other way. After you've done this (it should have taken a day or two, unless you started at 2-3 and picked it up quickly) then you start linking turns. Be more aggresive and forceful, and you'll be carving before you know it.

I can't wait till winter.
nAi.PrOtOsS
Profile Blog Joined August 2007
Canada784 Posts
December 03 2009 21:29 GMT
#12
First day your gonna be on your ass the entire time, probably gonna fall down every 5m or so. Just be careful of really carved up snow, it really sucks when your boarding and you catch an edge! (when your bad)
meeple
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
Canada10211 Posts
December 03 2009 21:35 GMT
#13
On December 04 2009 06:00 paper wrote:
Don't overlook wrist guards! A ton of beginners try to catch their fall with their hands, which are very prone to injury.


Definitely... I've known people to get overzealous and break a wrist because they lost control. Don't worry about starting slowly, its the best way to avoid a trip to the hospital
LeperKahn
Profile Blog Joined April 2008
Romania1852 Posts
December 03 2009 22:10 GMT
#14
On December 04 2009 05:54 paper wrote:
PROTIP: Go as fast as possible because that's when you're going to learn how to balance, not when you're going 0.5 mph on a flat surface. Yes, you're going to fall when you're going fast, but you're probably going to fall more while going slowly anyway. Just make sure no ones around when you're doing this though lol.


This might seem like a joke, but it is true. Balancing on a snowboard going quickly is much, MUCH easier than one just crawling along. Also, when you're learning you're "Fast" speed is likely 5-9 mph tops.
CJ Entusman #14 • http://soundcloud.com/discodinosaur • https://discosaur.bandcamp.com/
QuanticHawk
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
United States32158 Posts
December 03 2009 22:15 GMT
#15
Bring a flask for when you inevitably give up! That's what I do. I can't carve (or do much of anything) for my life and all my friends are pros.
PROFESSIONAL GAMER - SEND ME OFFERS TO JOIN YOUR TEAM - USA USA USA
SchOOl_VicTIm
Profile Blog Joined September 2004
Greece2394 Posts
December 03 2009 22:22 GMT
#16
Watch videos of how to fall correctly!! I ached all over my upper body for the next week or so and strained my wrists because I had no idea how to do it and no one around to show me. I only found out after I got home and started searching for youtube clips. Watch a few of them before going out and try to keep in mind a few basic things you learn from there. I'm considering trying to learn snowbarding this year too, so good luck and keep us updated
phosphorylation
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States2935 Posts
December 03 2009 22:31 GMT
#17
Try skiing. It's what the all cool kids do nowadays.
Buy prints of my photographs at Redbubble -> http://www.redbubble.com/people/shoenberg3
iSiN
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
United States1075 Posts
December 03 2009 22:34 GMT
#18
Hey I'm a snowboarding michigander too where do you live maybe you could come hit some slopes with me and I could help you out. I'm an excellent teacher.
Grouty @HoN/PCKJ <--<333 || Jaedong Fan Cafe GFX
Shattered
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
United States267 Posts
December 03 2009 22:35 GMT
#19
On December 04 2009 05:33 sixghost wrote:
Just don't be afraid to go take beginner lessons and to ride the bunny hills. You look like more of a jackass falling all the way down the blues than you do riding the bunny hills.



this

i went snowboarding twice and just do this until you get the hang of it then gradually move your way up like starcraft all it takes is a little practice
CJ entus fighting
lvatural
Profile Blog Joined November 2005
United States347 Posts
December 03 2009 22:41 GMT
#20
1. Wear a helmet. If not, you'll eventually buy one after the you hit your head on a patch of ice.

2. Take lessons...you won't learn anything from watching videos online.

3. Why not ski? I've skied for 7 years and boarded for 4. Unless you're big into the terrain park, skiing might be better suited for the long run. Going down a mogul run (properly) on a board is pretty tough stuff.

Btw, if you learn to board do not just "sled" down the entire mountainside..that's not boarding; plus you mess up the terrain and look like a total newbie.


--
TOloseGT
Profile Blog Joined April 2007
United States1145 Posts
December 03 2009 22:47 GMT
#21
I know some people say lessons are overrated and to not waste the money, but lessons are really the best place to go. You have to have the basics down pat before you start on the more complicated stuff or else you'll hit a wall further down that will be really hard to fix, as you're so used to doing it another, less efficient, way.

However, there is no "correct" style that all snowboarders follow, everyone's technique is a little different. I say, practice on the bunny slope for the first half of the day, then join an afternoon class. At least then you have a sense of your balance.

Watch videos, monkey sees, monkey do. You'll get there soon enough.

I never took classes, but since I've been skateboarding since I was a kid, learning snowboarding was all about the carving and not about the balance.
aeroH
Profile Blog Joined February 2009
United States1034 Posts
December 03 2009 23:08 GMT
#22
the first time i went, i learned the hard way to bring tight gloves. an hour or two into it, my wrists were red not mainly from falling, but from all the ice that got into my gloves =/
at the end of the second time i went, i learned how to heel turn pretty nicely. toe turn's are still a pain in the ass, lol i've only went three times.

i always get scared when i go too fast, thinking i'll crash into the trees on the next turn. if it's your first time, take beginner lessons. don't be scared to go on bunny hills. there are always a lot of people there.. so watch out lol. i was one of those people who got up, fell after 3 seconds and repeat.

the goal for the next time i go is getting off the lift without falling
Monstah-_-
Profile Blog Joined September 2009
249 Posts
December 03 2009 23:29 GMT
#23
On December 04 2009 05:33 sixghost wrote:
Just don't be afraid to go take beginner lessons and to ride the bunny hills. You look like more of a jackass falling all the way down the blues than you do riding the bunny hills.


So high that when you said bunny hills I thought you men't a real bunny. then i thought of his ears as "hills"
you live in the woods and drink vodka
LiminalMadness
Profile Joined November 2009
Germany88 Posts
December 03 2009 23:35 GMT
#24
Take lessons! ( by someone who has a teaching license ( dont know about us but in switzerland you need a license. Here there are often group lessons available from the local skiclub which arent too expensive ), not your random buddy who also snowboards.

the beginning will be pretty annoying, as the other guys here said, you'll be on your ass half of the time and probably do a shitload of walking :p.

And dont think about looking stupid while you are learning the basics on a beginner hill. And stay there till your teacher says that you are ready. ( Here it is really critical to have a teacher. If you are with an addvanced friend he probably doesnt wanna stay in the beginners area forever and hurrys you to go onto a real hill. )
People who cant ride at a decent speed, fall every other turn and lie around on the slope, block the lift are a real pain in the ass for every other person around. And don't be the uncool kid who slides down the hill vertically on the backside of your board, no fun for you and no fun for your friends, better take your time to learn how things work on flat areas. And u ruin the slope.

And once you got your basic moves down, dont be one of those snowboarding idiots who has to sit on every edge blocking it

SirGlinG
Profile Blog Joined January 2008
Sweden933 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-04 00:09:14
December 04 2009 00:06 GMT
#25
So I'm 20 years old and I live in Uppsala. We get a lot of snow here so it's safe to say that a lot of people (including most of my friends)snowboard/ski. I decided that I'm going to finally try it out this winter. I do need advice on what kind of gear I should get cause my friend already said he wouldn't loan me whatever I'll need. I'm just wondering if there are any snowboarders on TL that could give me some tips and some advice so that I don't look like a total jackass out there on my first day. My friends couldn't really give me any concrete advice, other than the fact that I'm going to be falling a lot. I know that I'll be falling a lot, but any tips are still appreciated.

U'r basicly me except your'e not, I just accidently painted myself on the face. If u just did that though, that'd be sick
Not my chair. Not my problem. That's what I say
Mastermind
Profile Blog Joined April 2008
Canada7096 Posts
December 04 2009 00:06 GMT
#26
Take lessons. Seriously. It will save you a lot of trouble. Once you can carve half decent then just learn on your own. If you have someone explain to you and then show you how to carve you will learn so much faster. You really only need a a few hours of instruction at most if the person knows what they are talking about. By the end of your first day you should be good enough to do easy runs on your own. If you try to learn by boarding with your friends it will take much longer and you will develop bad habits.
BookTwo
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
1985 Posts
December 04 2009 00:28 GMT
#27
You don't need lessons, not unless you are really patient, and have the money to spare. I haven't taken any, and can just about carve. I can link turns very quickly, I just wouldn't call it carving yet.
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