what are some of the basics that i need to know for snowboarding?

Question

I'm going snowboarding tomorrow with 2 of my buddies, but we have never snowboarded b4. We know how to ski, so just tell me the basics aobut how to turn, slow down, stop, get off ski lift and things like that... thanks everyone

Answer 1

focus on keeping centered body weight on the board, beginners dont exactly know how to control the board yet so equal weight on both feet is a must until you are ready to turn or stop or carve, so to do this, place your hands on your knees while going down, this will keep ur shoulders facing the same as your knees and force you to get used to just turning your head, if you try to turn your shoulders before you are experienced in riding, the weight of your back foot will all shift to your front foot and the tail of your board will have no control and you'll end up face planting it or falling on your taint.....that is the most important, dont be afraid to shift your body hard enough to make the board do what you want it to do, remember you control the board nothing else...

Answer 2

The easiest method that I've heard of is the look and turn one. Just extend the arm that is facing the front of the board out in front of you and basically point and look where you want to go. So if you want to go left point your arm left and follow it by using your upper body and you'll begin to turn left. Now that its your first time you'll probably have trouble carving side to side so this is the best method I know of that allows you to turn. Stopping is another story lol. You generally want to stop by turning your board perpendicular to the slope in one consistent motion. Keep your knees bent the whole time so its easier to maneuver. The most important thing to learn is how to fall correctly because you will fall for sure. DO NOT fall on your hands since the force can fracture or break your wrist. Try and fall on your forearms or on your side. The best way to fall is on your butt since its the most padded region. Now its the dreaded ski lift part. Almost ALL first timers fall from the lift and the operators know when to stop it so you wont get injured. Before you get to the end of the lift point the front of your board straight ahead and turn your body like your getting ready to start riding. Put your loose leg on the stomp pad which is right before the empty bindings and just gently coast off the chair. Try to keep your hands on the lift as your coming off to provide more balance. Now strap yourself in and get ready to have an awesome time!

Answer 3

^^^^ These guys have all offered alot of good advice. If you're confused by all that info though I would say the most basic things to concentrate on your first time are:
1) Keep your knees bent, do not stand up straight.

2) Concentrate on putting more weight on your front foot that your rear foot. The natural tendency is to lean back on your board but by leaning back and putting more pressure on your rear foot you can't control your board very well (unless you're riding pow). Concentrate on about 60% pressure on your front foot and 40% on your rear.

3) Definitely what the guy above said about pointing toward where you want to turn towards. keep both your hands kind of at your hips as if you were holding two guns western style pointing forward. Now when you're going downhill, point those hands towards where you want to go and your board should follow.

That's the most basic advice I can give. You're going to fall alot, don't get disccouraged. Once you get the hand of it, you're going to love it.

Answer 4

heh this would take a while to explain....You have to use your edges to turn, and stop. So your basically leaning back and forth, but you have to learn how to not catch an edge when turning ect... Getting off the lift, only suggestion is to try and wait for the skiers to get off before you get tangled in thier ski's. It takes months to learn and be good at it. I know, I live on a ski resort and board all the time. (aspen/snowmass CO is a great place to board.)

Answer 5

the best thing i learned my first time out was that they'd trade my snowboard rental for skis at no charge. this came in helpful an hour in when i realized i hated snowboarding (i felt sort of trapped not being able to independently move my feet). my husband loves it though, i hope you have no need for this info. have fun!

Answer 6

Just do "Falling Leaves"

That is where you are on your heals the whole time because if you try to go on ur toes ur butt will hurt from falling a lot

I did this my first couple times before I learned to go on my toes