{"id":4263,"date":"2017-07-29T02:22:26","date_gmt":"2017-07-29T02:22:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/natureimmerse.com\/?p=4263"},"modified":"2019-02-15T21:03:13","modified_gmt":"2019-02-15T21:03:13","slug":"beginner-guide-no-fall-snowboarding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/natureimmerse.com\/beginner-guide-no-fall-snowboarding\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginner Guide for No-Fall Snowboarding"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Snowboarding has evolved as an extreme sport over the years. The tricks are getting crazier, the jumps are getting bigger, and the speed is increasing. How is it that this extreme sport is year after year getting more extreme?<\/p>\n

By reforming the learning process of snowboarding itself! Everyone is learning the fundamentals quicker and easier, allowing them to progress faster. Professionals once started out as beginners, and they had to start somewhere. They laid a solid foundation that enabled them to skyrocket their skills. That\u2019s what this guide is all about!<\/p>\n

By laying a solid foundation for snowboarding, you can learn much faster. The techniques taught in this guide are the latest, most up to date techniques taught to beginners. With you in mind, we\u2019ve put together a step by step guide that will walk you through each essential part of the fundamentals of snowboarding. With our latest walkthroughs, you\u2019ll feel like snowboarding is embedded in your DNA!<\/p>\n

In this guide, we will show you how to kick start your snowboarding career and shred the mountains. You\u2019ll be able to learn tricks faster while staying safer on the mountain. We\u2019ll also teach you proper mountain etiquette and tips such as how to put your gear on correctly, how to approach the ski lift, and how to be courteous to other riders. Learning these fundamentals will help everyone to have fun.<\/p>\n

How can a guide teach me how to Snowboard?<\/h3>\n

In this guide, we break every process down step by step. That means by the end you\u2019ll have a system that you can follow to eliminate the guesswork. Like any other task, having a system will allow you to analyze what you are doing to see what you need to improve. But, just like snowboarding, this guide will be fun to read. We\u2019ll keep you on your toes while you learn how to crush it.<\/p>\n

By the end of this guide, you\u2019ll be a master in the basic techniques of beginner snowboarding. You\u2019ll approach the mountains with confidence. Enough talking about what this guide can do; let\u2019s start learning how to shred!<\/p>\n

Step I: Gear<\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s Get Started: The Essentials<\/h3>\n

Before you get out on the mountain, you\u2019re going to need a few of the essentials. These items will ensure you have the most fun while staying safe.<\/p>\n

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Clothing<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t just run out to the mountain in your cotton sweatshirt and jeans…you\u2019ll freeze to death! You want to make sure you\u2019re warm and dry so that you can get the best experience possible. The less you have to worry about how cold you are, the more time you\u2019ll have to focus on getting better!<\/p>\n

When looking for clothes, the obvious choice is snowboarding gear. However, there are many different kinds of material, thickness, and styles being used. It is important to know which one will suit you best.<\/p>\n

Polyester<\/h3>\n

While polyester is the base for most garments, it isn\u2019t always the most resistant to water when it comes to regular apparel. It is, however, much better than cotton. The denser the polyester, the more resistant it is to water.<\/p>\n

Some snowboard gear will be coated with a water repellant solution, which will prevent any rain or snow from seeping into your gear. It is important to know that there are ratings to how water resistant material is, and you should be able to find that information on the product label. Opt for at least 10000mm rating to ensure a safe, dry experience.<\/p>\n

Nylon<\/h3>\n

Nylon gear is exceptionally strong and a favorite among snowboarders. That is due to its\u2019 water resistant abilities, along with the characteristics that make it robust and elastic. Nylon is very easy to wash. Just like polyester, nylon should also be coated with water repellant to ensure full protection.<\/p>\n

Depending on where you are, and what conditions you are facing will determine what gear you will need. A good water repellant outer shell is the first priority when it comes to staying warm on the mountain. Opt for a heavier jacket if it is going to be colder, and a lighter jacket if it will be warmer. As the season winds down to an end, some snow days can be quite hot. Do your research to find out what temperature you will be facing, and purchase gear that fits those needs.<\/p>\n

The Mid Layer<\/h3>\n

Now that we have covered the outer shell, let\u2019s move on to the mid layer. As was said before, it is important to know how cold it will be before selecting which type of gear to go out with. Generally, a mid layer will be needed for temperatures around or below freezing. The important thing to note here is you will need to trap heat while also ventilating. This will prevent your body from getting too hot and sweaty, creating a nasty mess out in the snow.<\/p>\n

Although many companies try to mimic down feathers with synthetic material, there has been nothing like it. If you are looking to protect yourself with a well-designed equipment, down feathers are the way to go. They will trap your body heat while ventilating so that you sweat less than you would with a synthetic.<\/p>\n

The Base Layer<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve worked backward on this list just in case you\u2019ve decided to skip ahead to the store and purchase stuff before reading the whole section. The base layer is pretty flexible, as long as you have a water repellant outer shell and a mid-layer keeping the heat in.<\/p>\n

Base layers should be a breathable fabric that traps sweat and moves it away from your body. This is why having a down feather middle layer is important because it will take that sweat and ventilate it out while keeping you dry and warm.<\/p>\n

When selecting a base layer, wool is highly recommended. The properties of wool will keep you warm even wet. They are starting to create wool fabrics that aren\u2019t itchy, so don\u2019t worry about that too much! Merino wool will provide you with the protection you need without the itch.<\/p>\n

If you are allergic to wool, a close second is a synthetic material made with polyester. It doesn\u2019t have the same heating properties when it\u2019s wet, though, so be wary of that. The important thing about the base layer is to make sure it fits well. A tight fitting base layer will ensure your sweat will be wicked away from you, keeping you extremely warm.<\/p>\n

Under Garments, Gloves, and Accessories<\/h3>\n

Underwear. Any underwear made of synthetic material will help you stay dry and prevent chafing. Merino wool is also an excellent choice for underwear material because of its wicking and warming properties. Lastly, a treated silk pair of undies can also provide some wicking while feeling super comfortable. A general rule of thumb is the warmer the day out, the looser your underwear should be.<\/p>\n

Socks are also an important factor when choosing your snowboarding gear. Wool is also an excellent material because of the wicking and warming properties it has. You\u2019ll want a thicker sock to ensure your boots will be comfortable while you spend the day out on the mountain.<\/p>\n

Gloves are important, as you\u2019ll certainly want to have them on the mountain. It is a good idea to purchase gloves that fit you well while keeping your hands warm. Functional gloves are much easier to put your boots and straps on, and they prevent you from having to take them off and freeze your hands! That is why it is recommended to use gloves instead of mittens.<\/p>\n

When riding, a helmet should always be considered. If you have ever been in the snow, you\u2019ll know that it isn\u2019t always soft! Protect your head from injury and maintain a safe riding experience.<\/p>\n

Googles. If you are going to be riding in fresh powder, or if it will be raining or snowing during your session, you should opt for goggles to go along with your helmet. This will protect your eyes and allow you to see better in the harsh conditions. If it is a lighter day out, sunglasses are recommended. The sun can really get to you when it reflects off the snow!<\/p>\n

You\u2019re now properly equipped for the cold conditions of the mountain. Now it\u2019s on to the fun stuff; selecting your board.<\/p>\n

The Proper Snowboard<\/h2>\n

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When you\u2019re first starting out, you\u2019ll want to get a board that suits you. There are so many boards out there that it is almost impossible to choose. But, there are similarities you should look for when selecting a beginners\u2019 snowboard.<\/p>\n

If you are a true beginner, it is best to talk to a local snowboard shop and see what they recommend. It may also be wise to rent a board a couple of times just to see how you feel on it. Most shops will allow you to rent both beginner and intermediate boards of many different types. Try a few out to truly make sure you know what type of board works best for you. We\u2019ll guide you through some of the steps when picking a board in the next few sections.<\/p>\n

The Specs of a Snowboard<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ll provide you with some basic terminology for selecting a snowboard, and then provide you with the specs we think will suit beginners well. Let\u2019s start with camber and rocker.<\/p>\n

Camber and Rocker are different ways a board is shaped.<\/p>\n

Camber provides a stable ride while allowing you to power down groomed sections of the mountain. They will have rounded shapes under the foot bindings. You\u2019ll be able to catch speed easier with a cambered board.Rocker is better used in fresh powder or when riding rails in the park. These boards are shaped like the mouth in a smiley face. They offer a much softer ride, and for this reason, it is recommended that beginners start here.<\/p>\n

There are boards out there that are created with mixed camber. There are tons of different options, and each manufacturer creates mixed Camber differently. If you\u2019ve tried out both sides of the spectrum and can\u2019t decide, a mixed Camber board might be for you. Check out the specs of each individual board to see what it truly delivers.<\/p>\n

When it comes to the length of the board, a general rule is that when you stand the board up next to you, the tip you be somewhere in between your chin and your nose. If you are looking for a faster ride, you should opt for a longer board. If you think you\u2019ll be hitting the parks more, a shorter board is easier to maneuver to all the jumps.<\/p>\n

All-Mountain Snowboards<\/h3>\n

This is your typical, mountain trekking board. It is a jack-of-all-trades style board. For this reason, many riders opt for this style board. It can suit your needs while you\u2019re riding down the mountain, or even do fairly well in the park. If you are looking for a beginner board, this style is the one to choose.<\/p>\n

Freestyle Snowboards<\/h3>\n

These boards are for those who fell in love with the parks and never want to leave. You want to stay on all the jumps, rails, and pipes, and do it with style. These boards aren\u2019t meant to go as fast as all mountain snowboards, but they can handle well. If you are looking for a slower ride or an intense park session, the freestyle board is the way to go.<\/p>\n

Again, selecting a board comes with many different options. There are tons more specs not mentioned here that you can get picky with. The general idea is to choose a board with the proper camber and rocker for your riding style (mountain or park), and choose a length that will suit you. When selecting a board, it is best to consult someone who works at a shop to get a board tailored specifically for you.<\/p>\n

To Recap the Gear Section<\/h2>\n

We learned many different styles of clothing and snowboards in these preceding sections. Some things to take away, or the short version to recap what you just read, are as follows:<\/p>\n