How to Snowboard
Before you start snowboarding, you need to decide
whether your "regular" or "goofy" (definitions of this
snowboard lingo can be found in the glossary.) I find
that the best way to decide this is to run on a tile
floor, jump in midair, turning 90 degrees in whichever
way is more comfortable. When you land, if your left
foot is forward, you're "regular". If your right foot
is forward, you're "goofy".
Next, it is best to pick out a snowboard. While it may be
easier to rent a snowboard, I find it best to just go out
and buy one. When renting, you have to get accustomed to your
rental board. With your own snowboard, there is no need to
spend valuable time familiarizing yourself with the board.
Now you can actually start snowboarding. The main rule to
snowboarding is: "No Crying". No matter how discouraged you
feel, you must not cry.
How to Sideslip:
To sideslip you stand with both feet in front of you. You
slowly lean back on your board, and you should start moving
at a slow speed down the mountain. To sideslip with your back
away from the mountain, turn around, so you're looking up
the mountain. Slowly lean on the front, of the board, and
you should start moving at a slow speed down the mountain.
How to Stop:
One of the most important things you will learn how to do
in snowboarding is stopping. When learning, the quickest and
easiest way to stop is to simply fall. However, I find it
easier to swing your board 90 degrees, so both your feet are
in front of you. This will take a lot of practice, and few
do it during their first day.
How to Turn:
Another important thing you will learn during snowboarding
is turning. Turning is probably the hardest part to snowboarding.
To turn you lean on the edge of your board, almost like your
surfing or skateboarding. This will take a very long time
to master so keep on trying, and don't get discouraged.
And that is pretty much the basics of snowboarding.
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