Learn to Snowboard and Survive the Dreaded Chair Lift:
Tip #1 - The Right Equipment is Important
First things first, making sure you have the right equipment is crucial for snowboarding. Step one is to get set up with the proper equipment by someone who knows something about snowboarding. Make sure you have forward lean and high back bindings. In our not so distant past, snowboarders thought it was cool to ride without high backs, with no forward lean and with stances that were way too wide. Make sure you don't hinder your chances of enjoying your first day on the hill with bad equipment.
Tip #2 - Be Patient
Realize you are learning something new and you will be strapped onto a board standing sideways on a mountain so for most people, this will be quite awkward. Half the battle of learning how to snowboard is this feeling of awkwardness and trying to fight it. Let yourself get comfortable with the idea of facing the hill sideways and the fact that your limbs will have to work together on the same object.
Tip #3 - Bend From Your Knees Not Your Waist
Bend your knees. I can't tell you how many times I have said this to people learning how to ride, or even riders who are learning something new. This is probably the most important part of riding. If your knees are bent, you are more centered over the board, giving you more control, and by bending your knees you can absorb the terrain and power through turns. So if you can master the art of bending your knees early, your snowboard career will be off to a great start. Unfortunately, bending at the waist sometimes feels the same to a rider as bending at the knees, the only difference is that you will be out of control and look like a knuckle-dragging ape.
Tip #4 - Conquering the Dreaded Chair Lift
Next, one of the hardest parts of snowboarding is getting off the chair lift. It is also one of the first things you will have to do in order to go riding. The reason this is difficult, other than the fact you have only one foot strapped in, is the stress involved with riding down an icy ramp headed towards a pile of people struggling to their feet. It is simple, just relax, stand upright with your weight centered or a little forward and your back foot should be in front of your back binding. Go straight with both feet on the board. When you have slowed down or feel ready, practice turning in that same position. Do not lean back and do not attempt to ride and run at the same time, this will only jar your body.
Tip #5 - This is Supposed to be Fun!
Lastly and most importantly, have fun, grab a friend and remember snowboarding's philosophy is all about having fun, so if you are not having fun try something else. If you feel like you are not improving then maybe you should take a lesson with one of the instructors at the resort.
