A Complete Guide On How To Snowboard
11 October 2023
Want to know how to snowboard? Whether you’ve been snowboarding for some time and want to refine your skills, or you are an aspiring snowboarder looking to tick learning to snowboard off your bucket list, gliding down the snowy slopes is an appealing skill to most of us. Not only is snowboarding famous for its adrenaline-pumping action but also for its rich culture and sense of adventure that everyone should experience at some point in their life.
But where to start? We’ve put together this complete guide on how to snowboard so that whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for a refresh or a novice beginner wondering ‘how long does it take to learn to snowboard’, here is everything you need to grasp the fundamentals of snowboarding and become an all-mountain border.
Looking for the right professionals to show you how it’s done? Here at The Snow Centre, we have all the classes, lessons and lift passes you need to learn how to snowboard.
Get the right gear and equipment
Before you get too ahead of yourself it is important that you get all the gear you’ll need to learn how to snowboard. If you’re a complete beginner then the chances are you don’t have everything you need right away, but here are some of the basics that you won’t be able to learn how to snowboard without.
- Snowboard
While this may sound pretty obvious it may be one of the first hurdles you come across when starting your snowboarding journey. When finding the right snowboard for you, it is important that you find a board that suits your skill level. For example, beginners may prefer to go for a softer board which is more forgiving while experienced riders may prefer more control at high speeds and therefore go for a stiffer board.
- Boots
Having a comfortable pair of boots to wear is also essential if you’re going to make the most of your snowboarding lessons and enjoy it. Remember that your boots should feel snug but not too tight and always try them on with the socks you plan to wear to get a more accurate idea of the fit.
- Protective gear
While we know that snowboarding is a fun and exhilarating sport, there are also some risks that you should be mindful of at all times. Therefore, you must wear a helmet at all times to protect yourself. Beginners may also benefit from wearing knee pads and padded shorts. .
New to snowboarding and don’t have all the gear you need to get started? Well don’t worry, you don’t have to buy it all in advance as you can rent any equipment you need at The Snow Centre for your lessons.
Understand the basics
To get you started it is crucial that you understand the basics of snowboarding before you can fully learn how to snowboard. The first part of this is getting your stance right. Your stance will depend on whether you are left or right foot forward as your dominant foot usually goes at the back. If you aren’t sure then you should think about which foot you would naturally put forward when trying to find your balance.
Your stance should feel stable and comfortable and allow you to squat easily. Your legs and feet should be slightly further apart than your shoulders.
Expect to fall
For many beginners, one of the most daunting things about learning how to snowboard is the fear of falling. So it is crucial that early on in the process, you grasp that falling is inevitable and is actually an important part of the learning process. But it is also possible to fall safely so that you can prevent injuries.
For example, if you are falling backwards then you should try to land on your bum and then roll onto your back. Try to avoid putting your hands directly behind you, if possible. If you are falling forwards then aim to fall on your forearms instead of letting your wrists take your weight.
How long does it take to learn to snowboard?
Wondering how long it takes to learn to snowboard? Well, that depends on a number of factors, including your age, physical ability and fitness and the frequency and access to slopes. Just like when learning any new skill, the more time you have to dedicate to learning, the quicker you will start to see improvements.
Generally with regular access to the slopes and expert tutorials, you can develop your skills and learn how to snowboard in as little as a month or two.
Learn with The Snow Centre
Looking for expert tuition to help you learn how to snowboard? We have everything you need here at The Snow Centre. Based in Hemel Hempstead, The Snow Centre offers the closest thing you’ll get to real snow near London and is a great place to start your snowboarding journey. Our safe haven for beginners offers lessons for all age groups and skill levels, from adult snowboard lessons to junior snowboard lessons. Or you can even learn as a family in a group session.
And don’t worry about feeling overwhelmed with advanced snowboarders and skiers around you as we also have beginner areas so that you can learn and progress at your own pace.
For more information on adult ski lessons, lift passes and groups/parties you can contact us. You can also book online here.
