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| <3 Snowboarding |
As the East Coast summer winds down...yet another exciting winter of snowboarding fun awaits you...or does it?
It's usually about this time of the year when everyone starts to think of snow sports ie; Skiing, Snowboarding, snowmobiling, curling etc...For me it's a time to review my snowboarding checklist. What exactly am I talking about? Well simply put if your local mountain were to open let's say tomorrow 8am would you be ready? Short answer for yours truly..."OF COURSE!!"
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| Getting Started |
Getting Started
Having the right attitude to learn something new...this is going to save you big time. I can not tell you how many clients I have seen come out to learn to snowboard only to defeat themselves. Just give it a try...you never know!
You may expect at the very least to take a few "minor" falls etc. (remember you have never done this before).
Pick a day to try snowboarding when the snow conditions are more "favorable" to beginners. Softer snow = a good thing, more board control, less fear of falling.
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| Which to choose? |
Renting vs. Buying
This is the million dollar question...
Renting; Well good news is there's a savings to be had, pretty much every mountain these days offers a "beginners package" What does that translate to you in savings? These packages usually included: equipment rental, lesson, and lift ticket. The "ala-cart" price to buy each one of the above items WILL cost you more money with out question. So, if you don't have equipment to borrow then this is an excellent way to go.
Bonus; lift ticket to get you up the bunny hill, and most important...your first lesson!!!
Buying: Not everyone is aspiring to become the next big name in snowboarding this much we know for sure. However, learning on your own equipment is a good thing. From a dollars and sense stand point these days you can find plenty of "pre-enjoyed" equipment at your local early season ramp up mega sales. In most cases you can find some really great deals the snowboard as well as your boots. First things first ONLY buy the equipment if it is the correct size AND if it is geared towards a beginner rider. Last thing you want to have to deal with is equipment that does not fit your beginner snowboarding needs. Buying a new board...well just as with anything thing "new" there's a price to be paid. Generally speaking have a set budget in mind when you are ready to buy. This way you can make sound buying decisions on your equipment. For example; Boots to me are the most important part of the equation...your feet are warm and comfortable you can keep having fun outside etc.
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| Learn from a professional |
Lesson or No Lesson
As mentioned above when "renting" your snowboard...a beginner package will offer a lesson. Now this without a doubt will be the best thing you can do for yourself. Why? These are professionally trained instructors there to make sure not only that you learn to snowboard but your SAFE as well.
To often I see folks that try and cut corners by learning from a friend etc...usually does not end in a very positive experience. (Taking a beginner any where other than on beginner terrain is a big mistake unless you are a professional and can justify this decision.) No one wants to take time out of their already busy lives to come down try to learn a new sport only to end up walking down the hill... So with that said taking a lesson from a snowboarding instructor/coach is an excellent way to safely learn more about the wonderful sport of snowboarding.
Until then I hope this information helps you. Have any snowboarding related questions that you might need an answer to? Please drop me an e-mail with the subject "Snowboard Question" to: jonah@thisisneonwave.com
~Jonah D.
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