It’s a common misconception that snowboarding is exclusively for the young, a sport confined to the energy of youth, linked to skating and surf culture. While it’s true that many riders are under 30, the question lingers: is there an age limit to learning this exhilarating outdoor activity? The good news is, it’s absolutely never too late to start snowboarding, regardless of your age. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or even beyond, the slopes are open to you. This guide explores how learning to snowboard varies at different ages and what you can expect as an adult beginner.
The ski industry, much like health professionals promoting lifelong fitness, emphasizes that it’s never too late to engage in activities like snowboarding, downhill skiing, or snowshoeing. So, despite any perceived fitness requirements, let’s delve into the world of snowboarding for older adults.
Older adult learning to snowboard on a gentle slope
Is There Really a Maximum Age for Snowboarding?
You might encounter questions like, “Isn’t snowboarding dangerous?” particularly from those who know you’re taking it up later in life. Let’s address this by considering a couple of crucial points.
Firstly, risk is inherent in all aspects of life, whether you’re navigating a mountain or simply stepping out of the shower. While you can’t eliminate risk entirely, you can certainly minimize it. This leads to the second point: snowboarding can indeed be dangerous if you’re not well-prepared, lack appropriate gear, or act carelessly, or if you have an illness or injury that prevents you from riding safely.
However, if none of these factors applies to you, then it might be the perfect time to explore the snowy destinations you’ve always dreamt of. Practice and repetition are key. You’ll soon find yourself carving down beautiful slopes, experiencing the pure joy of riding fresh powder. Learning a new activity as an adult can be daunting, and snowboarding is no exception.
But the rewards of snowboarding far outweigh the risks. Start gradually, consider taking lessons, and savor every moment. Let’s examine what you can expect when entering the exciting world of snowboarding at different stages of adulthood.
Learning to Snowboard in Your 30s
For many, 30 is the new 20. There are plenty of vibrant and active people in their 30s engaging in all sorts of adrenaline-pumping activities, sometimes making snowboarding look easy! Regardless of age, safety must always be a priority.
With a bit more energy and a higher tolerance for falls compared to older adults, learning to snowboard in your 30s can be quite straightforward. With the right instructor, it could be a positive experience for anyone of any age. Many people in their mid-30s are still capable of impressive tricks, from backflips to hitting handrails and catching big air on slopes.
The main difference between your 30s and your 20s when it comes to snowboarding? You might be more prone to injury and healing may take longer. While a 20-year-old might recover from a fracture in weeks, it can take significantly longer at 30. Therefore, it’s vital to take things slower when starting out, focusing on mastering the fundamentals before attempting more advanced maneuvers. Embracing a “small wins matter” approach is advisable.
This doesn’t mean you’re excluded from all the exciting tricks; simply ensure you practice in increments and gradually build your skills. There are certainly both pros and cons to getting older, but it’s not a disadvantage for learning to snowboard in your 30s. If you’re considering taking up snowboarding in your 30s, don’t hesitate! Mastering this sport at this stage is entirely achievable.
Learning to Snowboard Over 40 and 50
Learning to snowboard from scratch after the age of 40 is absolutely possible with sufficient time and dedication. However, there are some common challenges that older riders may face.
Newer riders may need to adjust to spending considerable time sitting or kneeling, whether they are putting on or taking off bindings, or just resting. Crouching and bending can be taxing on the knees, and the prospect of a wet behind may not be appealing. Additionally, snowboarders need to unclip their back binding at the top and bottom of each run, and sometimes in between. This can make skating sideways past lift lines and getting off ski lifts difficult for beginner riders.
Learning to ride requires fitness and agility, and can be physically demanding for individuals over 40. A lack of flexibility can lead to injuries, and older bodies generally take longer to recover from falls compared to younger individuals. Beginner snowboarders often fall frequently on their knees and tailbone until they get the hang of it. While falling multiple times might not be a big deal for a teenager, it’s a different story when you’re in your 40s and 50s. The most common injuries for older riders, besides knee problems, include hip, back, and neck issues, as bones naturally weaken with age.
Adult learners are more prone to fractures, and when they occur, recovery time is typically longer than for a teenager. Not only can falls hurt more as you get older, but injuries can also interfere with daily life, including work. Consider these risks carefully before hitting the slopes. Gaining the confidence to ride amongst younger, more experienced riders is another challenge for novice snowboarders in their 40s and 50s. No one wants to be the one holding the group back.
However, this shouldn’t discourage you from learning to snowboard. Many times, older riders outperform younger, experienced riders despite having only a few years of training. While they may avoid riskier maneuvers, they still enjoy the experience just as much.
Older adult learning to snowboard on a gentle slope
Reasons To Start Snowboarding, Even Later In Life
Snowboarding can be a great way for older adults to incorporate a fun, adrenaline-filled sport into their fitness routine, with its high-speed thrills and eye-catching gear. It’s never too late to invest in a new snowboard. Regular snowboarding has numerous health benefits for older people, though it’s wise to be aware of the risks of injury before beginning.
The Fundamentals of Snowboarding
Snowboarding blends aspects of winter sports such as skiing with the style and techniques of surfing. Like skiing, it involves gliding down a snow-covered hill, but rather than using separate skis, both feet are secured to a single board.
Steering on a snowboard is similar to surfing, requiring you to shift and balance your weight between the toe and heel edges of the board. It’s highly recommended to learn with an instructor. Many resorts provide adult beginner classes, and if not, you could book a private session.
Exercise in Your 40s and Beyond
A balanced combination of aerobic and strength training is vital in your 40s and onward. Not only does the risk of cardiovascular diseases increase with age, but muscle mass tends to reduce, bones become weaker, and balance can be affected. This is why it’s essential to engage in more strength-training workouts.
Trying a new activity like snowboarding can be exactly what you need to stay in shape, particularly during winter when people are more prone to staying indoors. Snowboarding can burn up to 450 calories per hour and will help keep your muscles toned by activating your core and lower body.
Enhanced Flexibility
The act of balancing and engaging the core and essential muscle groups during skiing and snowboarding promotes greater flexibility and also helps prevent muscle sprains and strains. Snowboarding, in particular, significantly enhances flexibility by requiring frequent, rapid directional changes. Ensure you stretch both before and after a day on the slopes to avoid injuries.
Mood Elevation
Being outdoors and exercising triggers the release of endorphins, leading to sensations of relaxation and joy. Sunlight exposure provides Vitamin D, which is particularly important during the shorter days of winter.
The Senior Snowboarding Community
According to John LaPlante, a snowboarding instructor and administrator of Grays on Trays, a community for senior snowboarders, snowboarding is especially well-suited for older people. Snowboarding is considered less stressful on the knees than skiing and is an ideal way for the whole family to exercise. While learning to snowboard can be challenging for older individuals who are not used to being beginners, the satisfaction of mastering a new skill later in life can be thrilling.
Snowboarding also provides opportunities to meet new and interesting people, which can foster a sense of belonging. You’d be surprised how many senior citizens continue to hit the slopes. It also builds self-confidence, improving your interpersonal skills.
Prioritizing Safety
Snowboarding carries a higher risk of injury than skiing, with approximately five injuries per 1,000 riders per day. Snowboarding injuries frequently involve the wrists due to bracing for a fall, while skiing injuries tend to occur in the lower body. It’s important to note that your doctor may advise against snowboarding if you have pre-existing bone and joint issues such as osteoporosis or arthritis. You should also consider any conditions, such as Raynaud’s syndrome, that make you more vulnerable to the cold.
To reduce the risk of injury on the slopes, make sure you wear correctly fitted gear, including a helmet and wrist guards. Stretching and hydration are vital before starting. Begin slowly and follow the instructions of a snowboarding instructor to ensure proper form and technique.
Essential Gear for Beginners
Your first snowboarding experience can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking one. Don’t let fear undermine the thrill of a new activity. Taking the time to prepare will make sure your first time snowboarding is a pleasant and positive experience that leaves you eager for more. This checklist will guarantee you’re well-equipped for your adventure.
Keep in mind that all items are of equal importance. While some of these can be rented at the resort, you should acquire most of the clothing items before your trip.
Snowboard and Bindings
If you don’t have your own, these can be rented at the resort. Various types of boards (alpine, freestyle, and freeride) are available for rent, depending on your preferences. Freestyle boards are generally recommended for beginners because they are shorter and easier to manage.
Your board will include bindings, which secure your boots to the board. Bindings come in different sizes to accommodate your boots. The resort staff will assist you if you’re renting to ensure you’re properly equipped.
Snowboard Boots
These specialty boots connect you to your board through the bindings. Although available for rent at the resort, it’s recommended that you buy your own pair. Snowboard boots are specifically designed to fit your feet, so having your own pair will provide greater comfort. They are available in standard shoe sizes, but sizing can vary across manufacturers. Boots should fit snugly without restricting movement.
Snowboard Socks
Cold feet can quickly ruin your day. Snowboard socks are designed to wick away moisture because your feet will sweat inside your boots, keeping them warm and dry. Because your boots are already insulated, thin, synthetic socks are the best option. Overly thick socks can cause your feet to sweat, which in turn can make them cold. Your socks should also be high enough to prevent discomfort from rubbing against your boots.
Snowboarding Helmet
Since the brain is the most crucial organ, wearing a helmet is a no-brainer. Keeping your head safe is especially important as a beginner who may struggle with control. If you don’t have your own helmet, the resort will offer rental options to guarantee a proper fit.
Snowboarding Jacket and Pants
A windproof and waterproof outer shell is crucial for a practical snowboard jacket, and it should also be breathable, allowing perspiration to evaporate while keeping you warm. Temperature-regulating jackets are vital because the mountain weather can change rapidly. Your pants should be both weatherproof and breathable, designed to keep water out when you come into contact with snow.
Base and Mid-Layers
Under your jacket and pants, wear base and mid-layers. Base layers are essential for staying warm, especially on very cold days. Avoid cotton, as it’s not breathable or waterproof. Synthetic fabrics like wool are better for wicking sweat and keeping your body at a comfortable temperature. On cold days, wear a mid-layer over the base. Fleeces, sweaters, sweatshirts, and other items of clothing that enhance warmth are considered mid-layers.
Snowboarding Gloves
Insulated and waterproof snowboard gloves are a must. These gloves will protect your hands from constant contact with the snow. Durability is also crucial, as your gloves will be put to the test on a regular ride.
Snowboarding Goggles
Snowboard goggles reduce glare and protect your eyes from the wind and snow while riding. Snow and debris can fly into your face, so goggles are an essential piece of equipment on the slopes.
Once you’ve checked off everything on this list, you’re ready to ride! If your first time goes well, you’ll be excited to go again soon.
Conclusion
Learning to snowboard after the age of 40 is possible as long as you’re in reasonable shape and don’t have serious health conditions. While there is no ideal age to start snowboarding, older learners have the advantage of being more aware of their limits compared to younger snowboarders. If you’ve been riding since childhood, you might want to take it easy on the jumps and rails after the age of 40. However, if you’re still in good shape, there’s no reason to reduce your riding at all. Just remember, “small wins matter”. Go out there and conquer the slopes!
