How to Get Started Snowboarding
Author: BillCostas Total views: 7 Word Count: 562
Snowboarding is a recent addition to the world of sports and its popularity can be attributed in part to the 1998 Nagano Olympics. It had to overcome some of its bad boy anti-establishment culture reputation by having the snowboard team conform to uniform standards as well as suspend some -- less that savory endorsement contracts. Some athletes like Terje Haakonsen just snubbed the Olympics saying, and I paraphrase, the conformity as well as the judging is SUSPECT. We have heard that before. Nevertheless snowboarding is around and is continuing to grow so read this if you want to learn how to snowboard.
To get started in snowboarding I strongly suggest you consider safety first. Ask yourself are you able to take the rigorous demands that this sometimes dangerous sport will ask of you? You might already know that snowboarding tops the list in outdoor recreational injuries. Like any other sport, if not approached with the right attitude can be very dangerous. Learn all you can and get a certified snowboard instructor. Their experience is invaluable.
Make a budget for equipment that is heavy on the protective gear. A sexy new snowboard usually gets all the attention for first timers but don't fall for that. Put your money in quality knee and hip pads, wrist guards, a leash, padding and a substantial helmet. Boards can cost in excess of $400. Use your money protecting yourself from the hazards of the slopes. Also a gnormous supply of ibuprofen. I can't tell you how much this is helpful. If you can't figure it out then you are wack and you shouldn't attempt snowboarding.
Consider your weather -- that is weather in your hometown or near to you. If you live in Jamaica it might be difficult to get much snowboarding practice in. And yes, I have heard of the Jamaican Bobsled Team. But be realistic! If you don?t live somewhere that you can snowboard then maybe you can sand snowboard. Either way, you will have to devote it takes to practice and practice a lot. Travel time just cuts in on the slope time.
Freeride, freestyle and freecarve are three methods that are offered in snowboarding. Make a decision on which you want to start out with and stay with it until you are good then go onto the others.
Video taping your exploits on the slope is a good idea. Trade off with your friend; you tape him/her and he/she will tape you. It is a fantastic way to record your successes on the slopes and to evaluate your technique or lack of. Post them on myspace or youtube. They are sure to be very funny. Mum might want a copy too so that she can see the drain that her money is going down.
Read about snowboard lessons and camps in "Future Snowboarding". They may hold many in your area and give plenty of snowboarding tips. These magazines can be very helpful. Getting instruction from a variety of trainers is useful as well as learning from other like minded students.
Well get on the slopes. Give freestyle snowboarding a chance. Tear them up. Don't get hurt. It is a great sport that is here to stay.
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