So. Against my better judgment, we are going snowboarding tomorrow night – the night before I take a 6:00 am flight to a week of work-related fun. I know, I will regret it, but I am determined to continue to live my life despite a more challenging job.
Here’s the lowdown on my first snowboarding experience: I wasn’t bad, but that’s because I didn’t take too many chances. I studied beforehand so I knew what was coming in the lesson (and yes, I had notes, shut up) and I did great. On my first skid down the little hill leading to the chair lift, I did great, successfully traversing across it in both directions. I didn’t ever really fall, though I did tip over once or twice, and all was well.
But then I had 2.5 beers in the bar. (We shared a pitcher in celebration of my husband’s 28th birthday.)
My responsiveness, as you can imagine, was slowed, as was my courage. I didn’t get much better after that, and after two out-of-the-blue spills, I retreated to the training area to practice basics. And you know how it goes when you’re learning something new: sucking takes way more energy than being good. I got tired pretty quickly from putting on and taking off my board, or (blegh) stepping back up the hill. Stepping sucks. I’m ready to ride.
I am, therefore, asking for tips or tricks or even just “get your ass back up and keep trying, you big chicken who didn’t even make it on the chair lift” comments. Help? And I’m asking publicly even though a few of you have emailed me privately because perhaps others are interested in learning and can use the same tips. {Ahem, and because I can find your tips more easily on my blog than in my out of control email inbox.}
Oh, and because I always find attire the most stressful part of any new endeavor, here’s my update: I love, love, love my pants. My jacket is so-so –- functionally okay, but I still think the army green color makes me look homeless or wannabe or something. Someday I’ll prep it up with a paisley hat or something. Mittens are fine for snowboarding, but I’m buying decent glove liners. And holy, hell, who knew you could sweat that much in sub-20 degree temps? Not me, that’s for sure.
Also, anyone know how to keep glasses from fogging up? I eventually gave up, stuck them in my pocket, and winged it without the benefit of detailed vision. Not the best option, ya know?
3 comments:
Don't be so hard on yourself! It takes time. Getting a shorter board will help - it'll be easier to control.
Again - I'll say you need some speed. You can't turn a snowboard on the bunny slope (flat ground). Get on the lift. I know getting off is scary - after 7 years this is still my least favorite part of the day! But you can do it :)
Also. Don't worry about linking turns right now. Focus on getting comfortable with one edge.. and then the other. Then you can work on putting them together. So pick toe or heel... whichever seems the most comfortable right now. If you pick heel for example.... point the board down the hill a bit to get some speed... then make the arc onto your heel egde.... then try to straighten out a bit... then make the arc on your heel. Just repeart this pattern and get comfortable. Every once in a while force yourself to do the same thing on the other edge. You could spend a whole day doing this. You'll get better and gain your confidence!
THEN.... is when you try to combine the two. arc on your heel... then slowly point the board down the heel and get on your toe edge. Maybe start with you weaker trun and try to link to your stronger one. Cause you'll be more confident that way. Learning to snowboard is def something that starts in steps and you keep building.
Oh yeah - I remember the first time I ever tried it I would point my downhill arm (I ride goofy so that's my right arm) in the direction I wanted to go. That would help my body align correctly and the board to go in the direction I wanted. I felt 'goofy' as hell - but it worked.
Wish I lived closer so I could come ride with you!
Stay in a squat position with your knees bent as much as you can. It will help lower your center of gravity, so if you do fall you will fall in a way that you wont hurt yourself as much. That and keep your weight on your front foot. It's a little counterintuitive (especially when starting out), but it will help you gain speed. Have fun!
Hang in there! The first few days of snowboarding are the hardest. If you can survive them you'll make it.
The two biggest things have already been said so I'll just reinterate. Keep your weight forward and speed is your friend! I know it's scary and so it seems like a good idea to lean back and go slow but that really just makes it SO much harder! Think about turning a corner on a motorcycle (where you also only have one "edge"). Having a little momentum is necessary if you don't want to be tipping over constantly.
I know you can tough it out but don't be afraid to take breaks when you're tired. Exhausted muscles and brains = more falls = increasing frustration and pain. And finally, don't forget to have fun!
Good luck!
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