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Snowboarding Basics
Snowboarding contrary to popular belief is very similar to skiing. As much as we snowboarders don't want to admit it, it's true. Similar body movements, the shape of the equipment, they are very close. Beginning snowboarders, whether young or old, should consider taking a series of lessons. Lessons are not only the fastest way to learn, but they also build confidence in sharing the mountain with other members of the snowboarding/ski community. Beginner snowboard lessons focus on very basic, common snowboarding skills.
The first lesson often begins with basic safety policies, stretching, and learning to fall, then progresses to snowboarding with one foot on the board (particularly skating and S-turns). Learning to snowboard with one foot strapped into the board is a particularly useful skill because it is necessary to disembark from the lift successfully. Students then learn how to turn and stop with both feet in. Other important beginner skills to learn are the falling leaf technique, side-slipping, and lift procedures. More advanced techniques that are taught in later lessons are linking turns, edge control, weight distribution, edge pressure, and eventually carving. As students progress in ability they can seek out specialized instruction in areas such as riding steeper slopes and through a wider variety of snow conditions, terrain park skills (jumps, rails, and pipes), mogul technique, off-piste riding, powder riding, and racing.
Here are some of the most common snowboarding styles:
Freeriding, also known as "all-mountain Snowboarding", is about mastering an all-round style that will give you the freedom to ride, carve, and jump on any terrain, without focusing on technical tricks or speed. In this Snowboarding Style, you will spend most of your time on the ground and you will be able to utilize all the mountain could offer - from open terrain, backcountry chutes, to fresh powder and trees. It is also suitable for beginners to start with the Freeriding style because its only focus is on enjoying the ride and exploring all there is on a mountain.
Freestyle is the most popular style in the Snowboarding industry since it is all about the thrill and tricks of the sport. This focuses on jumps, tricks, rail slides, halfpipes, and switch riding. The pros can really show off what they're made of in this particular category. Unlike the tricks in Freeriding, Freestyle techniques are mostly aerial (e.g. spins, flips, grabs etc.) but there are some tricks that can be done on the ground (e.g. bonking, grinding, ground spins, etc.). Freestyle snowboarders usually use shorter, softer Snowboards and softer Snowboard Boots to reduce the weight, making it easier for them to maneuver in the air.
FreeCarving is all about the speed and the ultimate carving turn in Snowboarding. This style normally takes place on hard pack or groomed runs. Although little or no jumping is required, this style usually carves powerful turns and graceful curves. The turns that are needed in the high-speed mountain descent will demand a lot of strength and concentration from the rider. Unlike Freeriding and Freestyle, FreeCarving is not suitable for beginners because it is focused on the race and not on exploring the mountain.
Splitboarding is a relatively new winter sports activity but it is already gaining popularity among avid skiers and snowboarders. This activity offers the best of both worlds. You can go Skiing or Snowboarding using the same piece of equipment. The main equipment used in this sport activity is the Splitboard which has the same shape and construction like the average snowboard. However, Splitboards are designed to split apart into two that become skis during "ski mode". An interface connects the two skis during "ride mode" or when you want it to use as a board. High performance splitboards that can stand snow conditions other than powder are available in the market today.
