Winter is quickly approaching, and you’re ready to get out on the hill and prove yourself to the snow Gods once more… Or maybe it’s your first time stepping into the world of winter sports. Whether you’re a skier ready to make the transition, or a brand new snowboarder, beginning this journey is sure to be the thrill of a lifetime. Strap in, glove up and let’s send it into the world of snowboarding with these 5 tips for beginner snowboarders guaranteed to help you become a confident and capable rider this season. Be sure to check out our other post on 13 tips for beginner skiers too. It’s never a bad idea to weigh your options, and why not try both?
Note: This blog is supported by readers like you, at no extra cost qualified purchases may earn a commission
Snowboarding Tips for Beginners To Help Feel Confident on the Slopes
Snowboarding Tip #1: Take a Lesson
Listen, we all have to start somewhere, and there’s no shame in starting at square one. Taking a lesson is smart, not taking a lesson is a great way to invite injury. Sure, we all like to think we’re born prodigies, but the big hill ain’t the place to try and show off right away. Let’s be honest here, you’re going to look like a dog on skates and not a pro athlete on day one. You’ll also learn the essential skill of how to stop on a snowboard without bailing. So, be sure to grab a lesson this season from a qualified professional. Trust me, you’ll thank me later when you’re not ending the first day in pain like so many other newbies.
Tip #2: Pick Up Some Snowboard Protective Gear
Taking a lesson is sure to help you get a leg up on your other beginner friends. However, this isn’t a guarantee you won’t fall. It doesn’t all have to be bruises and icy pain though. Picking up just two items will help you feel more protected while riding, which will ultimately increase your confidence, and crush fear.
There’s two essential pieces of safety gear I highly recommend to beginners and seasoned riders alike. A helmet and butt pads are literal life savers. Okay, the butt pad maybe not so much but it will save your tailbone and sweet little cheeks from ice and hard-packed snow. The butt pads pictured are my recommendation because they are low-profile, not killing my style. They also come at a fair price point. Another option are the Burton Impact shorts which are even thinner, yet still offer advanced protection where you need it.
A snowboard helmet with Mips technology is a must. Over the years, I’ve watched as more and more of my friends ride with helmets. It’s not just a smart choice, it’s the only choice. There are endless hazards when it comes to riding, and not all of them come with a warning. Helmet up and stay safe out there, and ride smart. With so many options out there, it would be hard to argue there’s not one that wouldn’t match your style. My personal favorite is the Smith Code picture. The lowest profile snowboarding helmet on the market so you won’t look like a bobble head.
*Pro-tip make sure to get a helmet that is compatible with your goggles to eliminate the chance of fog. Smith snowboard goggles and helmets are a match made in heaven.
Snowboarding Tip #3: Ride With People Better Than You
Nothing is more isolating than riding alone as a beginner. Sure, a few laps here and there can help decrease the pressure to be perfect.
I found that when I was riding with a group that was not only better than me but also encouraging, snowboarding really began to click.
I surrounded myself with people who challenged me, and stuck with me when I fell or got stuck. I’ve made lifelong friends from snowboarding. A ski resort is a great way to meet like-minded individuals like yourself. The best part? They all started once upon a time too. Not only will this help you learn to ride like a pro faster, it will open the door for true connections around the thing you all love the most – shredding the gnar.
Tip #4: Make Sure To Have The Right Snowboard and Boots
Learning to snowboard with the wrong type or size of snowboard and boots is like trying to sprint a marathon in heels. A sure recipe for disaster. Be sure to check out our other articles on snowboard boots and how to choose the right ones and the different snowboard types to get a better understanding of what setup will work best for you.
As a quick rule of thumb, your boots should fit snugly around your foot and ankle without any crushing or pinching feelings. Your snowboard should be sized properly to your weight/height and have a medium/soft flex rating. If you’re renting gear, no worries young grasshopper, a professional will be sure to set you up correctly.
Snowboarding Tip #5: Learn to Fall on a Snowboard
No, I’m not joking, yes I know this sounds counterintuitive. Even the most seasoned riders have spills here and there. I mean, think about all those professional snowboarders doing huge drops and spins in the air. Not all of those land in a pillowy powder cushion. How do people get back up time and time again after hard falls?
The answer is learning to fall gracefully and in control. As hard as it might seem at first, embrace the falls, and let them happen. When people fight the fall, they tend to stick their arms out in front of them or behind them, ending in an awful wrist injury. To avoid this, tuck your chin and elbows and try to “roll” with your fall. Tuck and roll baby, tuck and roll. Check out this video to see what I mean. Bonus points for style obviously, but remember the goal here is to get back up and keep going.
*Pro-tip: Use the falls momentum to “spring” back into action.
Snowboarding Tips In a Nutshell
Whether it’s your first time snowboarding, or you’re a skier making a leap of faith, I hope these tips helped encourage you to give it your best shot. Embrace the fear, the falls, and all that in between. Soon enough, you’ll be the confident and capable rider you dreamed about. Join the world of snowboarding and never look back.
So, next time you get on the hill remember:
1. Take a lesson
2. Get Snowboard Protective Gear
3. Ride With People Better Than You
4. Have the Right Set Up
5. Learn To Fall
