Don't worry if you've never decided to take the snowboard before! The Spanish ski resorts offer you a large number of possibilities to practice your first steps in this snow sport, but it never hurts know a series of tips before jumping into the snow.
5 tips to get started in snowboarding
1. Are you regular or goofy? If you skate or surf you probably know it well, but if you are a newbie, don't worry! It's simply a matter of knowing if you feel more comfortable wearing your right leg in front (goofy) or, on the contrary, your left leg (regular). The stronger leg will always be on the back of the board, as it will act as the rudder!
How to find out? The most common thing is for a person, whether it's your partner or the snowboard instructor, to stand behind you and give you a little push on the back. The foot you put forward will be the one that tells you if you are regular or goofy. Although there are also other techniques such as the action of climbing a ladder, running and skidding where the brake foot will be the one in front. , etc.
2. Push off as if you were on a skateboard. We want you to gain confidence with the board, so it is better that you start by keeping one foot fixed on the board and using the other to propel yourself. When you have gained some speed you can climb on the board by placing your foot next to the grip to let yourself be carried away by the inertia acquired.1. Are you regular or goofy? If you skate or surf you probably know it well, but if you are a newbie, don't worry! It's simply a matter of knowing if you feel more comfortable wearing your right leg in front (goofy) or, on the contrary, your left leg (regular). The stronger leg will always be on the back of the board, as it will act as the rudder!
How to find out? The most common thing is for a person, whether it's your partner or the snowboard instructor, to stand behind you and give you a little push on the back. The foot you put forward will be the one that tells you if you are regular or goofy. Although there are also other techniques such as the action of climbing a ladder, running and skidding where the brake foot will be the one in front. , etc.
3. Keep your legs semi-bent. With this posture, you will keep your balance better. Keep in mind that your shoulders will be the ones that guide your path, so at first it will be better to open a little arms, with the front hand being the one that indicates the direction you want to go. With practice you will learn to turn by twisting the trunk, relying on your gaze.You will also have to support this technique with the correct way of tilting the edges of the board.
4. Sit on the snow and hold your feet to the bindings, having the board almost edge-on resting on the snow. To stand up, hold the board and push forward to lay it flat. From there, start moving your ankles back and forth and you will see how little by little you pick up speed.
5. Go down zig-zag. This is one of the best ways to descend at the beginning. You will have to start making turns, always helping yourself with the hand in front of you and leaning your feet forward or backward. It will always depend on where you want to go. Don't be afraid to lean your body forward! Although always try to keep all the weight centered.
As an extra tip, remember that if you gain a lot of speed or want to start chaining turns, try to make a semicircle where, eventually, you end up going uphill. It is very important not to change the direction of the turns too quickly, as you will achieve the opposite effect: gaining much more speed.
And now that you know the key aspects of this sport, don't set limits and start practicing it!
