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Getting started: Learning
to snowboard
Skills: If you are
an experienced skier and think you can easily get to grips
with snowboarding you may be in for a surprise because there
are very few "skiing" skills that will be transferable.
However if you have had experience at skateboarding or surfing
you may find snowboarding simple to pick-up.
In the beginning:
Snowboarding is easier and more straightforward than skiing.
Having said that the first few days of learning to snowboard
are damn difficult. You'll spend loads of time falling,
sitting on your bum, and from a psychological perspective
its torturous because you'll need to start right from the
very beginning - so it'll be back to the baby slopes for
you - augh!
Position: The fixed
stance in snowboarding will take some getting used to and
you'll need a good sense of balance if you want to progress
rapidly. Having your feet fixed to the board instantly dictates
your style (unlike in skiing where it can take years to
learn to keep your skis together, knees bent, pole planting
etc.) but does mean when you are not moving you'll probably
be sitting on your bum. You'll also need to get to grips
with the awkward shuffle action required in order to approach
the chair lift. This is where your front foot remains in
the binding (pointing your foot inwards at almost 90 degrees)
and you hop along with the other - not ideal.
Persevere: Basically
if you want to take-up snowboarding you'll just need to
persevere over the first day or two or until you can feel
confident with your ability to stop, control your speed
and turn. Once you have learned those basics techniques
you rapidly progress from the beginner to the intermediate
stage.
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