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Heyyy snow bunnies and powder hounds! 🐇❄️ It’s Jade (@jadewada) here, and if you're just starting your snowboarding journey, you’re in the right place. Snowboarding is literally the coolest sport (pun intended 😉), but it can feel intimidating AF when you’re strapping in for the first time.
I’ve been riding for years now, and honestly, the most fun part about snowboarding isn’t just the powder or the speed, it’s the journey. From that first awkward slide down the hill to eventually feeling like you’ve got the mountain in the palm of your hand, it’s all about progression.
Don’t worry, though—I’ve wiped out so you don’t have to (as much). Here are the 10 key skills you need to master ASAP to go from "Why am I on my butt again?" to "OMG, I’m actually doing this!"🏂✨And trust me, mastering these will not only make you look cooler on the slopes, but they'll also help you avoid wiping out on every turn. 😉
1. Mastering Balance 🏂
Balance is everything, fam. If you can't stay on the board, you're not going anywhere. At first, it’ll feel like you’re constantly wobbling, but the more you practice, the easier it gets. Focus on keeping your weight evenly between your front and back foot, and bend those knees to stay low. Trust me, this will make all the difference when you're carving down the mountain.
Pro Tip : Off the slopes, try some balance exercises like standing on one leg or using a wobble board to improve your coordination. It’ll help you stay steady when you're riding.
2. How to Turn ⬅️➡️
Turning might seem like the most basic skill, but it’s also one of the most important. There are two types of turns you need to get comfortable with: heel-side and toe-side . I recommend starting with heel-side turns —this means you’ll lean back on your heels to change direction. Once you’ve got that down, try toe-side turns , where you lean forward on your toes.
Pro Tip : Keep your eyes on where you want to go. Your body will follow your gaze, so steer with your eyes, not just your board.
3. Stopping Safely 🛑
Okay, let’s be real—when you first start snowboarding, stopping can be one of the scariest things. But here's the deal: you gotta learn how to stop like a pro to avoid wiping out. The best way to do this is the side slide , where you angle your board sideways and dig the edges into the snow. Slow and steady wins the race.
Pro Tip : Practice stopping on a gentle slope first—getting that stop down will give you the confidence to tackle steeper hills.
4. Carving Like a Pro 🎿
Once you’ve mastered turning, it’s time to learn how to carve! Carving is all about using the edges of your board to make controlled, sharp turns. It’s what makes you look like a true snowboarder as you glide smoothly down the mountain. Start with shallow turns and gradually deepen them as you get more comfortable.
Pro Tip : The key to carving is shifting your weight from heel to toe while keeping your edges engaged with the snow. It’s all about control, not speed—at least, at first.
5. Proper Stance and Posture 🏔️
How you stand on your board plays a huge role in your comfort and control. Your stance should be shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your back straight. Don’t lock your knees—that’s a fast way to lose balance. Keep an athletic stance so you can react quickly to any changes in terrain.
Pro Tip : Play around with your stance width until you find what feels right. Every rider is different, and finding your sweet spot is key.
6. Riding Switch 🔄
Learning how to ride switch (with your non-dominant foot forward) is a game-changer. It’ll give you more control and flexibility on the mountain. Start practicing on flat terrain, and once you’re comfortable, try it out on small slopes. Trust me, being able to ride switch will make you a more well-rounded rider.
Pro Tip : Don’t rush it. Take your time getting used to the switch stance—it’ll pay off big time in the long run.
7. Reading the Snow and Terrain ❄️
Not all snow is created equal. Whether it's fresh powder, packed snow, or icy patches, knowing how to read the terrain will help you ride better and safer. Learn to adjust your technique based on the conditions—you’ll ride more confidently and avoid unexpected spills.
Pro Tip : Check the weather and snow conditions before you go. Knowing whether you're dealing with soft snow or hardpack can make all the difference in how you ride.
8. Getting Up After a Fall 🤕
Falling is part of the game. You can’t avoid it, but you can learn how to get back on your feet quickly and without panicking. The best way to recover is to roll to your knees, place your board across the slope, and push yourself up. Stay calm and take it slow—trust me, you’ll be back up before you know it.
Pro Tip : Falling is normal! The more you get back up, the less it’ll happen, and when it does, you’ll recover faster.
9. Edge Control 🏔️
Edge control is all about using the edges of your snowboard to control your speed and direction. Whether you're turning or stopping, maintaining proper edge pressure is key. Practice shifting your weight to control how much your board digs into the snow.
Pro Tip : Use your edges to control your speed on steeper terrain, instead of relying on brakes (your edges work better!).
10. Confidence and Mindset 💪
Finally, the most important skill of all—confidence. You’ve got to believe in yourself! Snowboarding can be intimidating, but if you stay calm, practice patience, and keep pushing yourself, you’ll see huge improvements. Progress takes time, but the journey is worth every fall and every triumph.
Pro Tip : Celebrate every small win—whether it's your first smooth turn or conquering a new slope. Each step forward is a victory!
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to learn snowboarding as a beginner?
A: It varies, but after 2-3 lessons, you should be able to handle easier slopes. Keep practicing, and you’ll improve faster than you think!
Q: Do I need to be fit to snowboard?
A: Not at all! You don’t need to be in perfect shape, but being active helps. It’s all about technique and building muscle memory as you go.
Q: What's the best snowboard for beginners?
A: Look for a soft, forgiving board that’s easy to control. Many shops offer demo boards so you can test out different models.
Conclusion
And there you have it—the 10 essential skills that will turn you from a snowboarding newbie to a confident rider. Remember, snowboarding is all about having fun and enjoying the process, so don’t rush it. And hey, the right gear goes a long way! Check out Snowverb’s baggy snow pants and snow jackets to keep you comfy and looking fresh as you learn and grow on the slopes.
Ready to ride like a pro? Let’s get it! 🏂🔥
Pro Tip: You’ll need the right gear to feel comfortable while learning. Check out Snowverb – they’ll keep you warm and stylish as you master these skills!
Jade Wada
Jade (@jadewada) is a snow-obsessed content creator who lives for fresh tracks, hot cocoa breaks, and convincing her followers that falling is part of the ~aesthetic~.
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