How to Snowboard

Expert making extreme snowboard jump against blue sky.

Snowboarding is an addictive sport and can offer many hours of fun. It is not the easiest sport to learn and takes a generous amount of practice. Once you get down the basics of snowboarding, it can offer a nice wintertime diversion.

Gearing Up

Before you hit the slopes, dress in warm clothing and always wear a helmet for protection. You need a helmet to not only protect you from falls, but to also protect you from other snowboarders and skiers who lose control and run into you.

Choose a softer and shorter board when first starting out. It will be easier to handle. Pick a day and time when the slopes are not icy and crowded with people for your first snowboarding trip. It will be easier to learn if you are not battling heavy traffic.

Determine your lead foot and put that in the front binding. Put your other foot in the back binding. Fasten both bindings tightly. It is importance to make sure your bindings are shoulder width apart to give you a proper stance.

You can determine your lead foot by sliding across ice or a polished floor and observing which foot you naturally put forward.

Going Down the Slope

Snowboarding is all about mastering proper technique. If you want to tear down the slopes like a pro, you need to know how to stand, how to turn and how to move. It helps to take lessons from a certified instructor. They can help lessen the learning curve.

The first basic rule of snowboarding is to always lean forward. Leaning on your lead foot will help you control over your speed. If you put your weight on your back foot, you will lose your balance and fall over.

Keep your knees bent. Riding stiff legged makes it harder for your body to absorb shocks and bumps going downhill. Your stance is crucial to good riding. Bending your knees will help you keep your edge while riding down the slope.

Pick out a tree or other landmark in the direction where you want to turn and focus on it. This will keep your head up and body aligned on turns.

The first basic rule of snowboarding is to always lean forward