The Basics
So now you know what a snowboard is and the importance of bindings, but now what? Well this page will explain the simple basics in order for you to get out there and start riding.
Well the first place anyone starts is what foot is to determine which foot is going to be the "leading" foot. And the leading foot is the foot that is strapped onto the board while the other foot is allowed to move freely. The reason why one foot is not strapped onto the board is because it allows you to be able to push/kick yourself around flat surfaces. When someone uses their left foot as their lead foot, it is called "regular", and if someone uses their right foot as their lead foot, it is called "goofy". So how do you determine if you are normal or goofy? Well there are actually a couple methods of determining this concept.
- Ibrahim, Mohamed. "Olympic Sports Snowboarding." Clker. Rolera LLC, n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2013
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1. The best way to figure out which foot is your lead foot is by having one of your friends/family member gently push you enough force to make you move. Whichever foot you naturally use to balance yourself is considered your lead foot.
2. Another way is to go on a field or your backyard and start running and then slide. Whichever foot you naturally put out first will be your lead foot. These two methods are most common and easiest methods for determining your lead foot. If for any reason you feel uncomfortable with that foot being your lead foot, then you can just switch and make your other foot the lead foot. Transworld Snowboarding provides a good article of how to learn which foot is your lead foot. |
Now I will explain some simple steps to get you out there and start riding.
Step 1 Strapping in lead foot: The first step is to strap in your lead foot onto your board. First, you must make sure your boot and bindings fit. Make sure your boot or binding isn't too big for the other. Next, you put your lead foot in and strap in. Make sure your boot is tight and secure (a small amount of movement is not too bad, but if you can move your boot more than couple inches then it is too loose) on your bindings. The reason for this is because you do not want your boot moving inside of the binding. If this occurs, you will feel pain throughout the whole day and might even hurt your foot or ankle. The board will also be less responsive if the boot is not secure in the binding. So make sure there is not a lot of movement in the binding. At this point, you should be able to kick yourself around while using the board glide of the snow. Here is a video by Expert Village explaining how to strap in a snowboard. |
- Maggie. "Straping In." Snowboard Guide. Snowboard Guide, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2013.
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- Maggie. "Look for Chair." Snowboard Guide. Snowboard Guide, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2013.
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Step 2 Getting on the chair lift:
After you have strapped in your first foot. It is time for you to get on the chair lift. Don't worry I was nervous my first time too, but you will get used to it soon enough. Once you reach to the end of the line, you will need to prepare yourself to get on the chair. My advice is this: do not try to time the chair. Let the chair sort of sweep you off your feet. You can bend your knees a little bit to make the process a little bit smoother, but do not try to sit as the chair is trying to pick you up. I have actually fallen from a chair lift because I tried to time it. So do not try to time it. Always keep your eyes on the chair as well. Do not get distracted and start talking to your friends. If you keep your eyes on the chair, then you will know when it is coming. You will have plenty of time to talk to your friends on the lift so don't talk to them right before you get on. This article by Snowboarder Guide provides a great in depth explanation of how to get on and off a chair lift. |
Step 3 Strapping in at the top:
Just like step 1, except you are going to be strapping in your other foot. However, try to kick yourself towards the edge of the hill so it will be easier for you to go down once you are fully strapped in. Once you are fully strapped in, you are ready to begin boarding. |
- Sava, Constantin. "Snowboarder." Dreamstime. Dreamstime, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2013.
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So how do you actually snowboard? Well it is honestly not that hard to learn snowboarding, but it is hard to explain in words. My advice to you is try to get lessons. Majority of resorts offer private and groups lessons. I actually learned from both taking a lesson and from my father. I will try to explain some details that you will need to know, but the best way is to watch someone do it.
In this GIF, I am riding at the very top Canyon Express (Chair 16) of Mammoth Mountain. I am riding my Burton Clash 2008.
So what exactly am I doing in this GIF? Well I am "carving" with my snowboard. So what is carving? It is using your weight to shift the momentum in your board thus you keep your speed while staying in control. I will explain how to carve and what are some essential things you need to know.
So what exactly am I doing in this GIF? Well I am "carving" with my snowboard. So what is carving? It is using your weight to shift the momentum in your board thus you keep your speed while staying in control. I will explain how to carve and what are some essential things you need to know.
1. Balance is key. The hardest part about snowboarding is trying to keep your balance. Your very first time on board will feel weird and awkward. In order to feel more comfortable with your board, you literally just have to go down the bunny slopes (meaning the easiest run on the mountain). You will fall and you will be in pain, but that is a part of snowboarding. Each time you should feel a little more comfortable with your board. This process will take at least a few hours.
2. Use your whole body. Although it seems like snowboarding uses majority of your leg muscles, it also requires a lot of upper body in order for you to swing your body. You want to be able to use your weight in order to move the board at will. This requires both strength and balance. You cannot just roughly swing your body. You have to be in control of your body weight in order to carve. As you can see in my GIF, I am using my legs but I am also using my body and arms as well.
2. Use your whole body. Although it seems like snowboarding uses majority of your leg muscles, it also requires a lot of upper body in order for you to swing your body. You want to be able to use your weight in order to move the board at will. This requires both strength and balance. You cannot just roughly swing your body. You have to be in control of your body weight in order to carve. As you can see in my GIF, I am using my legs but I am also using my body and arms as well.
3. Knees. Your whole body needs to be used in order to board, but your knees play the most essential role. Imagine a car. A car needs several important components in order to function. It needs the engine, radiator, battery, wheels, etc. However, just as the engine is the most important part of the car, your knees are the most important part of snowboarding. Your body would be the radiator and battery while the snowboard is everything else. The snowboard is the car frame and wheels, but your knees are your engine. Use your knees. In this GIF, my knees are slightly bent while I am carving with my board. Even though it may look like my knees are not doing much, they are keeping me balanced, in control, and carving. Remember, it is all in your knees.
4. Confidence. At this point, you should be comfortable with your board, but some people still struggle because they do not have enough confidence in themselves. Believe in yourself. There is only so much your body can do. The rest is in your mind. Have confidence and believe that you can go out there and shred just like any other boarder. Believe in yourself.
5. Get out there. I have told you everything you need to know about snowboarding. Now it is up to you to get out there and enjoy the amazing sport of snowboarding.
4. Confidence. At this point, you should be comfortable with your board, but some people still struggle because they do not have enough confidence in themselves. Believe in yourself. There is only so much your body can do. The rest is in your mind. Have confidence and believe that you can go out there and shred just like any other boarder. Believe in yourself.
5. Get out there. I have told you everything you need to know about snowboarding. Now it is up to you to get out there and enjoy the amazing sport of snowboarding.
However, before you start shredding on the mountain, you should check out the Safety And Risk of Snowboarding page. I will explain some key tips you should know before you start boarding.