Hey yall, I'm a beginner when it comes to snowboarding and last month was 4th time going. My stance of choice is either one Natural or Goofy, but if I had to choose I would pick Natural. My last trip was up in North* about a month ago. I thought by now I would be somewhat better imo. The only thing I'm improved on is slowing down and stopping. My main issue is when I gain speed I tend to panic and bail.

My goal is just to stop and turn on point. I don't plan on doing those halfpipes and and jump off ramps. I just want to shred the snow going down hill and have a good time. TIA.

 

I suggest trading up. Four edges beats two every time.

 

^^^Wha? I don't understand, I'm guessing you're trying to say, just keep trying.

 

stage 0 - days 1 and 2 = lots of falling and pain

stage 0.5 - learn how to falling leaf

stage 1 - You figure out how to turn, but can't connect enough turns to be considered "carving". you still remember stage 0 and how much it hurts to fall, so you're scared to gain speed cuz you think going faster = harder falls

stage 1.5 - you can finally connect enough turns and don't have to falling leaf going down hill. Making this jump takes alot of people the longest, since they can't get over how painful the first couple days were. You really have to learn how to commit to your turns and forget about the consequences. Learn how to say f**k it, I want to carve, and just do it already.

stage 2 - you can carve yay! To get here, you have to accept that speed is necessary, and don't force the board. Just let it slide downhill, and you're just going along for the ride giving it advice where to go next.

Best tip- keep going, don't give up. If you can go 6-8 times this season, and commit to trying things, you should be able to get the hang of basic carving by the end of the year. good luck, have fun!

 

i think he is saying ski instead of board i wouldn't know since i lack any type of balance so when i got to the snow i just drink all day in the lodge.

 

Thanks LGT Mark

Yeah tell me about it I fell hard twice when I was up in North* I had to get my right abdomen checked out get xrays. It came out negative and doc told me it was a contusion. They prescribed my vicodin. I'll take your advice and go with it. I'm committed to learn and it will take time.

 

my tip.. go ***** out. go with people who are good and dont wuss out you will be forced to learn quick. find out the fundamentals and after that is all on your own how much you want to to commit and progress.

my first day i was up in squaw. my friends said okay this is how you stop and went to the top of the mountain and left me on an intermediate run. i was so frustrated. and i think the hardest part was learning to get up correctly. then i started getting the hang of it and i wanted to ride with my friends so i just took the lifts up to the top with them. it was a lot of falling but if you get back up right away its not so bad haha.

by the end of the day i was actually able to hang on advanced runs for the most part. but the next day boy was i sore.

don't be scared to go fast. and also try to relax. a nice loose body/stance will allow you to flow better and feel out the ride. if you're stiff and uncomfortable youre def gonna fall soon.

and have fun!

 

He got it. Anyway, staying "aggressive" will help you maintain control. It's kind of like losing traction. The instinct is to kind of freak out or try something sudden. Keeping your weight balanced over the board allows for better control.

Knowing how to fall is kind of a big deal. Don't tense up, stay relaxed to reduce chance of injury.

 

Got it, lol sorry I didn't quite understand at first, but I get it now. I see everyone is saying stay relaxed, that's my main issue. I have to be relax and be less tense.

 

Relaxing is mostly going to make it hurt less when you eat ****. Tense muscles brake things.

 

Take a lesson. Seriously. They will be able to help you start linking your turns, and give you the confidence to not freak out and get back in control every time you start going too fast.
If you go to Sugar Bowl the lesson is included in the ticket price, and I think the rental may be as well... But check their website for details.
Also, in the mean time make sure you are keeping your weight forward/ over your front foot, and bend your knees and ankles, it helps a TON with turning. Also, when you fall make sure your hands are closed (in fists) to prevent wrist injuries.
Good luck and have fun!

 

Make sure to stay on your toes and heels, as soon as you go flat foot on the board thats when you start to catch edges. other than that just keep going and it will get easier, and like someone already said just go with people who are better than you and watch how they ride.

 

Get a helmet, it makes you feel invincable, kinda like liquid courage...

And avoid any attempts of a Sonny Bono impersanation if possible.

 

LGT Mark hit it right on the head. Keep trying and don't think about the pain of falling.

My best advice for beginnners is to keep most of your weight on your front foot. So if you ride regular, try to keep most of your weight on your left foot. Once you feel comfortable with this, you can start to work on shifting your weight with your hips to your back leg to turn.

 

First you need to figure out if you are goofy or regular. The way to do this is stand and start leaning forward. The foot that you step with first to break your fall is your lead foot.

Left foot = regular
Right foot = goofy

Once you have figured this out, then put on your gear on at home, on carpet and starting figuring out the best stance. This makes a huge difference, once you get better you will understand that your stance will do different things.

Once you get a comfortable stance, then (still on the carpet) start practicing and picturing your turns, how to put your weight and hold your edges, etc. What this does is that your "thinking" is already done and on the slopes you are applying and tweeking the thoughts. There are a lot of good advice so far in this thread about which foot to put your weight, etc.

If you have not taken a lesson, do so. Your friends teaching you is not the same as an instructor.

After the lessons, don't stay on the bunny slops. You actually need some speed to quickly learn how to ride. Also the bunny slops are full of the newbs which means crowded newbs that you have to avoid (not good when you are learning).

Good luck and have fun!