For the absolute Beginner
So you've decided to try snowboarding. You've got the gear, you've mounted the board... now what? Here are some tips to get you started. Some of these can be done before you ever buy a lift ticket, as long as you have some snow nearby.
1. Preparation - Dress in comfortable, loose-fitting snow clothing. Don't forget gloves, goggles and a hat.
2. Safety - Wrists are very vulnerable, especially for beginners. Consider wearing a pair of wrist guards and a helmet.
3. Skating - With your leading (front) foot in the binding, practice "skating" by pushing yourself along with your back foot. Your back foot can push from either side of the board, so try it first in the front and then in the back to see if one is more comfortable for you. Skating is an essential skill to have for maneuvering through lift lines and getting on the chair lift.
4. "Getting off the Chair" - Go about 5-10 feet up from the bottom of a hill and glide down to the flat with only your front foot in the binding, to simulate getting off the chair lift. As you start sliding, put your back foot on the board just in front of the back binding. Practice coming to a stop by turning to both the left and the right.
5. The "Falling Leaf" - Starting at the top of a hill, glide back and forth across it, staying on your heelside edge. Then try it on your toeside edge.
6. Turning - To make a turn, ease into the fall line (pointing directly down the hill) and pick up a little bit of speed. With your weight on your front foot, pivot the back foot to turn.
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