How to Get Started Snowboarding

Terje Haakonsen boycotted the Nagano Olympics because he thought the judging was unfair and that the snowboarded who did participate had "sold out" to the establishment. Nagano is responsible for the wave of interest in the new sport. Snowboarding's addition to the Olympic lineup has helped make a silk purse out of sow's ear and clean up 'boarders defiant reputation without harming their edgy flair. If you are interested in how to snowboard take a look.

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.

Then there is the equipment. Snowboards can easily cost more than a $400 to $500 for a good quality board. You also want to invest in the best padding possible. In the beginning when you are on a stiff budget, as we all are, spend more on padding and a better than good helmet. You?ll need them. Also a large discount bottle of ibuprofen or pain reliever of choice. If you cannot extrapolate what that is for then you should not even consider this as you sport du jour.

Where you live is a consideration for this sport. If you live in the Mohave then it is going to be more difficult for you to get slope time since you will have to travel for snowy parts to take advantage of snowboarding. You could think about sand boarding instead. Any extra travel time will only reduce the amount of time and money you get to spend on doing what you really want to do so seriously evaluate your local weather. This sport, like all others, requires practice and your weather should not be an impediment to getting as much practice as you can.

Decide what you want to learn about. Dedicate yourself to a snowboard method such as freestyle, freeride or freecarve. Each offers its own joy when it comes to snowboarding.

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.