Embarking on your snowboarding journey can be incredibly exciting, even if you’ve never strapped into a board before. The good news is, absolutely anyone can learn to snowboard, regardless of prior experience. This guide, drawing on insights from seasoned instructors, will help you navigate your first steps on the snow and set you up for success. Every snowboarder, from weekend enthusiasts to seasoned pros, started exactly where you are, so embrace the learning process and prepare to be amazed at your progress.
Teaching Yourself to Snowboard: A Beginner’s Guide
The digital age offers a wealth of resources for aspiring snowboarders. With countless video tutorials and online guides, you can gain a solid understanding of basic snowboarding techniques even before hitting the slopes. This abundance of information makes now the perfect time to start, regardless of age or prior experience. However, it’s crucial to approach self-teaching strategically.
Learning from Friends: Pros and Cons
Having a friend with snowboarding experience show you the ropes can seem like an ideal way to start. While it’s certainly helpful to learn from someone more knowledgeable, be aware that even skilled snowboarders might lack the expertise to teach effectively. Many may not be aware of the precise techniques they use, and could inadvertently pass on bad habits. If you have board sports experience, learning with a friend can be a good start, however, if you are totally new to board sports, this might not be the best method.
Before hitting the slopes with a friend, take the time to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals through online resources. This will provide a foundation for your learning and help you identify any bad habits your friend might be unintentionally passing on. It’s also worth considering that what works for your friend may not work for you, as everyone learns slightly differently.
Self-Coaching: A Structured Approach
Self-coaching offers the chance to learn at your own pace, utilizing the vast array of online tutorials and resources available. Many experienced instructors and organizations have created detailed video guides that break down the techniques step-by-step. While this approach requires more initiative and research, you can access all the information needed to go from beginner to intermediate.
For self-coaching to be effective, it requires a dedicated and research-oriented mindset. Create a study plan by bookmarking crucial teaching points, so you can review them while practicing on the snow. It’s also very helpful to have a buddy learn with you so you can discuss techniques, celebrate milestones, and share in both your successes and failures. Filming your practice sessions allows you to compare your technique to those in the online tutorials and gives you a valuable learning tool.
beginner snowboarder holding on to drag lift
Avoiding the “Strap In and Send It” Approach
One of the worst approaches to learning how to snowboard is simply strapping in and heading straight down the hill. This often results in a loss of control, building up speed, and an uncontrolled tumble. While standing up and going straight might seem easy, controlling your board, slowing down, and turning is where the true challenge lies. Avoid this approach, even if you’re skilled at other board sports. Instead, learn the basics on appropriate terrain and avoid unnecessary risks of injury.
The Advantage of Professional Snowboard Lessons
The most effective way to learn snowboarding, especially for beginners, is to take lessons from a certified instructor. They possess an in-depth knowledge of not just what you need to learn but how to teach it effectively. Lessons provide a structured environment where instructors can give you the exercises and drills to improve specific skills. They are also available to answer any questions you might have.
While the cost of lessons might seem high, investing in a few sessions at the beginning is invaluable to learning correct technique and prevent bad habits early on. Even if you have a background in other sports, learning the fundamentals properly through an instructor will give you a huge advantage. Being in a group environment of fellow beginners also helps with learning from one another. You can pick up tips and motivation from watching how your peers are progressing.
snowboarders attending a lesson with instructors
Can You Learn Snowboarding Without Lessons?
It is possible to learn to snowboard without taking lessons, however, it’s important to consider the potential pitfalls. You may find that learning on your own takes considerably longer and you could develop bad habits that become increasingly difficult to break. Proper techniques learnt early on, will save you time and effort, leading to you developing into a better and more confident snowboarder.
Conclusion: Your Path to Snowboarding Success
There are many avenues you can explore as you begin your snowboarding journey. The best approach is often a combination of different methods. If you choose to learn from a friend, make sure to back it up with research online, so you know what to expect. This way, you can ensure that what your friend is teaching is correct and that you have a good foundation of knowledge before heading up the mountain.
Similarly, even with professional lessons you won’t gain all your experience in a group environment. Learn the basics from an instructor and then go out and explore with your friends. This will allow you to practice the correct techniques with others, while having fun on the slopes.
If you take one piece of advice from this guide, remember to avoid “sending it” with no idea of what you are doing. There’s a massive difference between progressing safely and going straight into the danger zone. Start slowly, learn the basics and enjoy the journey.
Mike Mckernan author skateboardersHQ
About the Author: Michael McKernan’s passion for snowboarding led him to become a certified instructor and park builder. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from the snow sports world.
