snowboarding article

Tips For Learning How To Snowboard

2007-12-08T15:12:00.000+07:00

Learning to snowboard is difficult just like any new thing that you may try. It will take time to learn, but by doing simple things and learning simple techniques, you will be snowboarding soon!

Learning how to snowboard can be difficult and certainly can be painful if you don't learn how to fall correctly. Before ever setting foot on a snowboard, you need to be aware that you are going to fall, and learn how to do it properly.

Taking beginning lessons is a good idea, because it will teach you the basic concept of falling. It may sound simple, but it will also teach you that the snowboard slides down the hill, and teach you to keep your balance on it. Once this is achieved, you can begin learning how to control the snowboard, and how to turn it. Shifting weight from the toe-side to the heal-side edges of the board is what is going to allow you to steer the snowboard. http:/ /www.mountainsnowboarding.com/learntosnowboard/

One thing you might want to do before you ever go out to the hill is practice on the carpet first. If you set up your board and do some "carpet riding" in order to get used to standing on the board, it may help you be more comfortable out on the hill when you get started. Setting yourself up on the carpet will help you get used to your stance and practice with bending your knees before you are going down the hill.

It is easier on the carpet to change your stance to see if you are more comfortable riding goofy or regular (right foot forward = goofy, left foot forward = regular). It also gives you a chance to see which muscles you will be using and practice with pivoting and shifting your weight before the board is going to slide too much on you. Practicing on the carpet first will allow you to be comfortable with the board before you start your lessons up on the hill.

It's difficult to learn because one concept you need to be comfortable with is leaning down the hill. By nature, when we are being pulled down the hill, we want to lean back, but in snowboarding that isn't how it works. When snowboarding, you need to control the board with your front foot, putting your weight going down the hill.

Keys to learning the basics are remembering to keep you knees bent, and to look where you are going. Keeping your knees bent is going to help you relax and keep your balance going down the hill. Looking where you are going is the same as with a lot of things. If you look down, you are going to fall. Looking at your feet is not going to help your balance, but if you look to where you want to go, your feet can follow your eyes.

Getting out on the hill for the first time can be very scary, but also can be a lot of fun. Remember to wear the right clothing for the weather, so that you are warm and comfortable. If you are cold and wet, your snowboarding experience isn't going to be fun. Dressing in layers is recommended. Experienced riders can be fine out on the slopes in snowboarding pants and a sweatshirt, but for a beginning rider who may spend a lot of their time in the snow, layers are a good idea.

Also, remember to warm up your muscles and stretch before going out onto the hill. The experience can be ruined by pulling a muscle while going down the hill. Snowboarding is a physical activity, so it should be treated as one. Warming up and stretching before going out, but also not overdoing it on the first day. Snowboarding takes time, and trying to learn when you are exhausted will only make you more frustrated.

After the first day, it may seem as though you are never going to learn, but don't give up. Falling can be frustrating, but it happens to everyone. Given time and practice, you'll be fine. Once you have the basics, you'll be able to go wherever. Don't give up! It may take time to learn, but it's worth it in the end. Snowboarding is a fun recreational sport that can be done by everyone. It can be a family event, or and event with friends.

Remember, time and practice is what it takes for you to become a good snowboarder. You are not going to be an expert right away. Snowboarding is more difficult to learn than skiing because balance is easier with speed. A person who is uncomfortable with snowboarding is typically uncomfortable with speed. However, once you overcome this fear, and learn the basics, snowboarding is easy to master. You will feel comfortable because you have learned to control the snowboard, and can feel free to explore the mountain or back country as you please.

By Danielle Rose
About the author:

Danielle Rose is a featured writer for MountainSnowboarding.com. For more help on learning to snowboard, and how to choose a snowboard, visit our site.

The history of snowboarding

2007-12-08T15:11:00.000+07:00

How a piece of wood changed world history.

Many times someone doing something a little different and having his or her ideas catch on has changed history. The pasteurizing of milk to prevent spoiling and contamination is a perfect example. Snowboarding was also the result of someone doing something a little different. In a few short years we have taken a crazy idea and turned it into a household word and created a culture and language around it. Snowboarding has become an Olympic event and has even forced us to ask ourselves questions about our society when we use the phrase “Smoke a fatty for Rebagliati”.

The history of snowboarding officially begins in 1929 with a man named M.J. Burchett. For some unknown reason, perhaps a dare from friends or the result of drinking, Mr. Burchett changed history when he cut a plank of plywood and secured it to his feet using a clothesline and horse reins. This humble beginning changed history forever.

Not much changed for snowboarders until 1965 when Sherman Poppen invented a toy for his daughter and eventually marketed it. His “Snurfer” consisted of 2-ski bound together with a rope at the nose of the skis to hold on to. This idea caught on fast and Mr. Poppen sold half a million of his Snurfers by 1966. Mr. Poppen helped create demand for his product by holding contests for Snurfers. Jake Burton took part in many of these competitions until he broke his collarbone in a car accident.

Snowboards as we know them came into existence in 1969 when riding down snowy hills on a cafeteria plate in college inspired Dimitrije Milovich. Mr. Milovich decided to make snowboards that where based upon the design of a surfboard but worked the same way skis did. In 1972 Mr. Milovich started a company called Winterstick and really fired up the idea of snowboarding until 1980 when he left the industry. To this day Milovich is seen as a very important pioneer in the industry.

In 1977 Burton came back to his first love, the Snurfer. After completing university, Burton moved to Vermont and needing to make some money, started to produce Snurfers again. Burton’s snowboards where made of laminated wood and he shocked the world when he won a Snurfer competition on his own board. One major reason for Burton being able to win the competition was the skiing styled binding that he added to his boards thus allowing him to control them much better.

During this time Burton had on major competitor, Tom Sims. Sims borrowed from skateboarding technology to create his own version of the snowboard. Sims snowboards came from an idea he had in shop class when to glued carpet to the top of a piece of wood and aluminum sheeting to the bottom of the board.

In order to showcase their innovations, Burton and Sims held the first ever snowboarding competition in Vermont in 1982. This competition was more of a survival contest as the runs where icy kamikaze runs. This event helped to launch the magazine Absolutely Radical that became the International Snowboarding Magazine.

Snowboarding technology continued to improve, as did the fame of its competitions. The competitions became so popular that the International Snowboarding Federation was formed to help judge competitions. In 1998 snowboarding made its grand entrance into the world of the Olympics at Nagano, Japan.

This too was a controversial time. The IOC dismissed the ISF and instead had the Federation Internationale de Ski over see the events. While this policy is still in effect to this day, tensions are easing between the two factions and things are running much smoother.

Of course no history of snowboarding would be complete with out mentioning Rebagliati in the 1998 Olympics. Rebagliati, a Canadian from Whistler BC, won the gold medal that year but later tested positive for trace amounts of marijuana and was stripped of his gold medal. Rebagliati appealed the ruling and won since marijuana is a controlled substance, not a banned substance and is not a performance-enhancing drug. This event helped to decriminalize marijuana in Canada and caused many people to rethink their position on marijuana. "Smoke a fatty for Rebagliati" was a common phrase to show support for Rebagliati and show support for the reforming of the Canadian laws.

Snowboarding has come a long way in 70 odd years. Snowboarding started as a crazy idea that only fools would try and has become an accepted Olympic event due to its popularity. Arguably, snowboarding is the fastest growing sport and industry. Few other innovations have caught on this fast or have become an Olympic sport so soon.

By Jakob Jelling
About the Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snowboardinghelp.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of snowboarding!

Snowboarding Tricks A-D

2007-12-08T15:09:00.000+07:00

360 - The board is rotated 360 degrees (1 complete turn) in the air and lands facing forward. 540 - The board is rotated 540 degrees (1.5 complete turns) in the air and lands riding fakie. 720 Spin - The board is rotated 720 degrees (2 complete turns) in the air and lands facing forward. Air-to-Fakie - Any halfpipe trick where there is not at least a 180 degree turn.

Andrecht - As soon as the snowboard leaves the lip of the super pipe the rider plants the backhand on the lip and grabs the snowboard with the front hand.

Bonk - A trick where the rider hits a no-snow object with the snowboard. Burger Flip - A trick by Todd Richards where the rider approaches the backside wall riding fakie then rotates 180 degrees then reenters the halfpipe while doing a McTwist. Caballerial (Cab) - The rider begins this trick riding fakie, spins 360 degrees and lands riding forward. (Named after Steve Caballero) Canadian Bacon Air - While in the air the rider grabs the toe edge between the bindings with the rear leg boned. Chicken Salad Air - While in the air the rider grabs the heel edge between the bindings with the rear hand while the front leg is boned. The wrist must also be rotated inward. Crail Air - While in the air the rider grabs the toe edge of the front foot with the rear hand. The rear leg must also be boned. Crippler Air - A trick where the rider approaches a wall becomes airborne, makes a 90 degree rotation, flips, finishes the rotation and lands facing forward. Double Grab - This is a trick where the rider simply makes to separate grabs while in the air. Double Handed Grab - While in the air the rider performs this trick with a two-handed grab.

By Dane Lyons
About the author:

Sponsored by:

Steamboat Springs Review - SteamboatSpringsReview.com

Park City Review - ParkCity-Review.com

Snowboarding Tips - For Beginners And Advanced Alike

2007-12-08T15:08:00.000+07:00

Snowboarding is a great way to get the benefits of exercise and enjoy the great outdoors in the winter months. Whether you are an experienced or a first time snowboarder it is important to consider several factors when planning your next trip. Using proper equipment, safety practices and general common sense will ensure a trouble-free outing. Below are some snowboarding tips to make sure you get the most out of your day:

* Check the weather before starting out. Make sure that the conditions are favourable for the day or plan to be back down to the bottom of the slopes prior to the expected beginning of bad weather.

* Wear the proper clothing. As there is a lot of movement needed to snowboard, it is important to wear loose fitting clothes. Dressing in layers with an outer layer of water resistant lightweight fabric will help keep you dry and warm the whole day.

* Make sure the board you are using is the correct size and that it is in good condition. The edges of the board should be sharp especially on hard or packed snow conditions. If the edges are not sharp, you will not have control over the board leading to safety issues for both yourself and other snowboarders.

* Know your limits. Don't try to snowboard in areas that are too difficult for your level of experiences. Likewise, don't snowboard faster than you feel comfortable going.

* Learn how to fall. Make sure your fingers are curled under and your arms are bent when falling. Try to land with your weight on your fore arms, not on your fingers, wrists or hands to prevent breaks.

* Make sure that you are well rested and have no physical injuries prior to snowboarding. When you notice that your legs are starting to tire stop and rest. Over exerting your muscles will only lead to injury.

* Wear safety equipment such as helmets, elbow and kneepads, and protective gear for those falls that may lead to tailbone injury.

* Make sure all gear is in good condition and fits correctly.

These snowboarding tips are designed to help you plan for your snowboarding outing. Safety and protection is key for enjoying your day and for getting the most out of your snowboarding experience.

By Mike Singh
About the author:
On http://www.winter-sportz.com/ you will find ski or snowboard clothing and canada ski vacations.

Snowboarding The Great White

2007-12-08T15:07:00.000+07:00

Snowboarding has great similarities to surfing and skiing: It's like surfing in that it is a board sport, and like skiing because it is performed in the snow. Snowboarders - or riders, as they are called - strap boards to their feet and slide down snow-covered slopes. It is an increasingly popular winter sport across the world, wherever there is snow. In 1998, it became an eligible medal sport in the Winter Olympic Games. Other major events include the U.S. Open Snowboarding Championship and the Winter X-Games in Canada and the United States.

No one knows exactly when snowboarding was invented, but it is widely accepted that it was created around the 1950s by a mix of surfers, skateboarders, and skiers - who were able to transfer their skills to the cold mountains. Snowboarders during that time used hand-made boards. Because snowboarding was new and crude at that time, many skiers largely frowned upon the sport. In fact, many ski resorts would not allow snowboarding.

However, the sport began to gain more popularity in the 1970s and '80s, and snowboarding equipment became more sophisticated and advanced. By 1997, almost all of the ski resorts in the United States allowed snowboarding. Today, the sport is attracting an ever-growing fan base (more than 3.4 million people), so much so that the number of skiers has actually declined. Some people attribute this to the comparative ease of snowboarding.

Today, standard snowboarding equipment includes snowboards, boots, bindings, and warm clothing. The sport has three main sub-styles: freestyle, freeride, and freecarve, with each style distinguishable by the equipment used and the desired terrain.

Freestyle riding is currently the most popular style among snowboarders. It is characterized by a lot of jumps, tricks, rail slides, and switch riding. Freestyle equipment includes soft boots and relatively short mobile boards, which are ideal for the frequent jumps in this style of riding.

Freeride, the most general style of snowboarding, is performed on most mountain terrains including open terrain and backcountry chutes. As with freestyle snowboarding, freeriders wear soft boots; however, the actual snowboard is a little longer and directional than the one used in freestyle snowboarding.

Freecarve - also known as alpine snowboarding - focuses on carving and racing. Freecarving is performed on hard-pack or groomed runs. In this style, there is little or no jumping. Equipment includes hard boots and plate binding system; and the boards are stiff, narrow, and long.

Within each of these sub-styles are more variations, including sandboarding, heli boarding, kite snowboarding, and mountain boarding.

for more information on snowboarding and skiing you can visit the site at http://www.winter-skiing.com

By Ashley Barnard
About the author:
Ashley Barnard is a great outdoor explorer and apart from climbing mountains around the world he also enjoys snowboarding and skiing for a brief insoght into snowboarding and where it came from you can visit his site at http://www.winter-skiing.com

Snowboarding - Selecting The Right Snowboard

2007-12-08T15:05:00.000+07:00

There are several aspects to consider when selecting your snowboard. Beginners have fewer options than more advanced snowboarders. Novices should start snowboarding using a shorter rather than longer board. This will provide easier control until they become more experienced and competent. Determining what style of snowboarding you enjoy will also make a difference when selecting your snowboard.

Length

The snowboard should come to between your chest and your nose when stood up on its end. The newer the boarder, the shorter the board should be. For tricks like spins a grabs selecting a snowboard that is shorter will be more beneficial than a longer board. Adult boards are usually 130 to 160 cm and children's boards are typically 110 to 140 cm. More advanced boarders can opt for longer boards that increase speed and stability on rougher terrain.

Generally, the more you weight the longer the board should be. This aspect should be kept in mind when selecting your snowboard. People weighing 100 pounds should stay with the shorter boards, and those weighing over 200 lbs should select a longer board.

Width

It is crucial to make sure that your toes or heels do not hang over the edges of the snowboard. If they do they will increase drag and make controlling the board very difficult. If your feet are larger than a size 11 or over you will have to go with a wider board. These are available at most retailers or can be special ordered.

Core

The core of the snowboard can be made of several different materials ranging from wood to composite materials. There may be a difference in price based on the composition of the core. Wood is generally considered the best core for beginning snowboarders as it is more durable.

It is advisable to get some reviews on different boards before deciding which one to buy. Asking friends and other snowboarders their opinions before buying is a good option. Contact local retailers and ask questions. Some ski and snowboard areas rent equipment by the day. Renting a variety of boards is one way of trying them out prior to selecting the right one for you.

By Mike Singh
About the author:

Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.winter-sportz.com/ On his website, he provides additional articles about the s ki vacations in colorado and snowboard protective gear.

Snowboarding Reaches Critical Mass at Slopes

2007-12-08T15:04:00.000+07:00

Snowboarding Reaches Critical Mass at Slopes.

More and more kids will be navigating the mountainside on snowboards, not skis, according to the third annual TransWorld Snowboarding Business/National Ski Areas Association survey, released in October. The poll of 232 resorts revealed that nearly one-quarter (22.4 percent) of their visitors in the 1997-98 winter season were snowboarders. Within five years, that figure is expected to increase to more than one-third (34.8 percent). And the group most responsible for growth in the snowboarding market are teens: overall, 59 percent of the snowboarding newcomers were teens who said they had "never-ever" been skiing and snowboarding, compared to only 4 percent of people over 20 who "never-ever" tried either sport. Another 26 percent of teens "crossed over from skiing," compared to 12 percent of people over 20.

With more snowboarders on the slopes, resorts are courting these new customers in a more aggressive, targeted way. Nearly all resort executives responding to the survey said their venues now offer rentals, lessons, repairs, and events related to snowboarding. More are starting to open snowboard shops and snowboard-specific trails.

Resort owners have also realized snowboarding's importance to the bottom line. More than three out of four resorts said snowboarding was important to their overall profitability. "Resort owners would be in a world of hurt if not for the dramatic growth in popularity of snowboarding," says Sean O'Brien, managing editor of TransWorld Snowboarding Business, which cosponsored the survey.

Women are taking to the boards in a big way. The study reveals that female snowboarders are expected to comprise 38.4 percent of all resort snowboarders in five years, compared with 29.5 percent in 1997-98. The largest resorts in the Rockies and the Pacific West are expecting the greatest rise in visits by women boarders.

By Silent One
About the author:

http://www.a1-snowboarding-4u.info/

Snowboarding pants

2007-12-08T15:00:00.000+07:00

Baggie pants can be more than just fashionable.

Do you remember the days of having to put a snowsuit on in order to go out sledding or skiing? No matter what you did the snowsuit would always climb, let snow in, get wet and usually was uncomfortable because your pants where bunched up inside. Fortunately for those of us who can remember that, those days are long gone.

Modern snowboarding pants, and even regular snow pants, have vastly improved over what we might remember. Snowboarding pants are now worn like regular pants, thinner, lighter, tougher and warmer than ever before. Of course this is only possible thanks to demand and technological advances.

When thinking about snowboarding pants it helps to understand how they work. Generally snowboarding pants use a three-layer system. Some may only have two layers and are either inteended for very mild climates or to be worn over some type of underpants.

The first layer is the base layer and it is in direct contact with your skin. When riding outside you will heat up very quickly and then cool down while on the lift before repeating the process. The purpose of the base layer is to ensure that this can be done without you getting cold. The main reason you get too cold is because your sweat gets caught in the base layer against your skin and begins to freeze. A modern base material will prevent this by wicking the moisture away while providing some temperature balancing benefits.

The next layer is the insulation layer. The purpose of the insulation layer is to retain your body heat and the best way to do so is by trapping a layer of air around your body. This air will greatly decrease the heat exchange between your body and the outside world.

Generally the insulation layer mostly consists of polyesters. The most popular materials are fleece, bunting and pile. Fleece is the most common material and is a dense fabric that has been raked on one side to make the ends of the fibers stand up and trap the air. Bunting is a fleece that has been raked on both sides creating a tight solid weave with wooly air retaining surfaces on both sides. Pile is a single-sided fleece that has undergone more raking and has been processed further to create a much thicker open fabric.

The final layer is the outer shell, which is the only layer with direct contact to the outside world. The purpose of this layer is to protect against wind, rain and snow while letting moisture escape and protect the wearer from cuts, scrapes and chaffing. This layer is made from a material, such as Gore-Tex, which has holes that allow water vapor from your body to escape but are too small to allow a large drop of water in.

Now that you know how the products works you can begin shopping. After determining the number of layers you require you must look for other features. If you like to ride at night or in the dusk you may want reflective strips. For security you may wish to have inside zippered pockets. Large pockets are great for packing around food and water and a see through pocket is great for you lift pass.

If you keep in mind your snowboarding style, needs and what products are available you are sure to get the correct snowboarding pants. Having the correct gear goes a long ways towards maximizing your comfort and enjoyment while snowboarding. Have fun and stay warm.

By Jakob Jelling
About the Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snowboardinghelp.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of snowboarding!

Snowboarding jackets

2007-12-08T14:59:00.000+07:00

Winter jackets have changed a lot over the years as technology has improved. The best solution used to be those big, puffy, down filled jackets. While they where warm they really didn't stand up all that well to wear and tears, moisture or active movements. Once again technology has come to our aid with the invention of new materials.

The new materials available have resulted in jackets that are warmer even when wet, lighter, more compact, tear resistant and fashionable. The most important area of improvement is the functionality of these new products. The main areas of improvement are in waterproofing, wind proofing and breathe ability.

Waterproofing is perhaps the most obvious idea and potentially the most important as well and is linked to your jackets ability to breath. Your body heat will be drained off very quickly if your clothing is wet make you cold much faster. Waterproofing has moved way beyond a simple chemical coating. Now it is at the point where there is a standard for waterproofing that is measured by how many centimeters of water can rest on top of the material before leaking through. The best fabrics can support tens of meters of water before leaking!

Waterproofing is more than just the type of fabric used since the final product is only as strong as its weakest link. What good is a waterproof jacket of water can pour through the zipper? A good quality waterproof jacket will have many extra features built into it that may not be visible. For example a jacket should have all of its seams sealed with a waterproof tape, the zipper should be covered, the inner layer must not absorb water and the entire jacket should be made of waterproof materials not matter what the section is.

The next area to consider is wind proofing. Wind proofing is almost becoming a thing of that past. Of course the wind will greatly effect how fast you loose body heat but is a non-issue if your jacket is highly waterproof. A jacket that can with stand a column of water tens of meters high is wind proof. The only time wind proofing is an issue is if your jacket is either entirely fleece or not fully waterproof.

The final thing to consider, and arguably the most important, is the breathe ability of your jacket. As we work and ride we create heat that translates into sweat. Of course a build up of sweat is a bad thing since it will allow cold to be conducted through to us so it must be dealt with. In order to deal with moisture we must use layers of clothing. The purpose of the first layer is to pull the moisture away from our skin but it must go somewhere. A breathable cloth will allow the moisture that is pulled away from our skin to escape outside our jacket without letting water seep in.

One option that you may find when shopping for a snowboarding jacket is something called a shell. A shell is a relatively special purpose adaptation of the snowboarding jacket in that it is intended for those who live in mild climates or who are not bothered by cold very much. A shell is a stripped down version of a full jacket in that it still provides wind and water protection but does not provide much, if any, climate protection. A shell is intended to be worn in relatively warm climates where the rider may only need a little water proofing and will add their own insulating layers as needed.

After deciding the amount of protection that you require you must then think about options available and if you want them. Things commonly available include removable hoods, over sized pockets for snacks and drinks, lift pass pocket, cooling vents, waist pull cords and reflective materials. Then of course you need to consider the style of the jacket if you haven't already decided.

Putting all of these elements together will ensure that you have a good jacket for all of your snowboarding needs. While you may not need to know all of the details, being well informed will help you make a better decision that will enable you to enjoy snowboarding even more.

By Jakob Jelling
About the Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snowboardinghelp.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of snowboarding!

Snowboarding Isn’t Just For Kids Anymore

2007-12-08T14:57:00.000+07:00

Pain and injury avoidance techniques for snowboarding are invaluable but not well known. If you know how, you can avoid the two biggest mistakes that first time snowboarders make. A positive experience your first few times out will make you more likely to stick out the hard times until you learn enough to really have fun!
“There’s no reason that adults shouldn’t snowboard and have as much fun as kids” says self-proclaimed Snowboard Evangelist Lauren Traub Teton who admits to being “in her 40s”. “I have been riding a snowboard for four years, and am having the most fun of my life!”
She feels that the only thing stopping “oldsters” (in their mid-30s and up) from embracing snowboarding in a big way are the inevitable hard falls experienced during the short steep learning curve. She says “there are easy ways to avoid the pain. They are just not well known.”
The reason “snowboard pain avoidance” is not more widely discussed has to do with the history of snowboarding. To some snowboarders, pain and injury are cool. This is obvious if you the read the hundreds of war stories on snowboard websites.
This viewpoint has its roots in the fact that snowboarding is stylistically a descendant of skateboarding and embraces some of the same traditions. For example, doing a grab, where the rider reaches down and grabs the board while airborne, is more of a necessity in skating than in snowboarding, because the skateboard is not attached to the feet. But grabs have morphed into a popular trick and a way to show style in snowboarding too.
The other tradition that has carried over from skating is the tradition of pain. In skateboarding, injury from accidental impact with the hard ground is a common occurrence and gives a skater bragging rights (as well as bruises and breaks.). A lot of skaters are also snowboarders, and so the tradition of absorbing pain as part of “paying dues” remains.
Another factor keeping some adults away from snowboarding may be the reputation for wildness on the slopes that snowboarders have. That probably comes from the fact that when the equipment was first invented, it was technologically primitive, with little ability to steer or stop. That’s how snowboarding got its image as an extreme sport and snowboarders got their reputation as outlaws of the snow. Now snowboards have evolved technologically into precision devices that can turn and stop easily, when operated under control.
With older snowboarders hitting the slopes, the culture of injury and pain has outlived it’s origins. Adults don’t equate injuries with status. People who start riding as adults want to stay upright and uninjured. Some skiers switch over because it seems like more fun and less stress on the knees. Again, the goal is to stay whole!
I learned by trial, error and luck how to avoid injury. In fact, a fine young gentleman working at the guest services desk on Whistler Mountain (B.C.) offered to let me borrow his Rollerblade wrist guards and knee pads, one day when I was learning, and I was hooked on safety and comfort from that moment.
Don’t make the two biggest mistakes new snowboarders often make when you do decide to take up this wonderful sport. To be safe, comfortable, and happy, you MUST
1. Take a lesson given by a professional your first time out.
and
2. You MUST wear padding, on your knees, butt, and wrists.
Come now, why try to reinvent the wheel? If you want to learn to snowboard, then a snowboard lesson with a trained instructor will teach you IMPORTANT basic snowboarding skills that you will use every day for the rest of your riding life.
So learn them right, right from the start. Forget about teaching yourself how to get on and off a lift safely on a board. This is what teachers are for.
And the padding is a must because falling is an inevitable part of the learning process. You WILL fall at first. But if you are padded properly, you will not have to hurt yourself. And don’t chuck the padding once you have mastered the basics. You will need it when you progress to jumping and tricks!

By Lauren Traub Teton
For Lauren Traub Teton, snowboarding is the only sport she has ever been successful at. She loves to ride the halfpipe, race, and jump (a little!). She writes the popular free “Snowboard Szine” newsletter. Sign up for it on her site http://www.SnowboardSecrets.com

SnowboardSecrets@aol.com

Snowboarding Gear - What Do I Need

2007-12-08T14:56:00.000+07:00

The right snowboarding gear is essential to having a great day on the slopes. Below are a few pointers for picking what's right for you:

Head Gear

* Choose a helmet that fits your head snugly. Some helmets have more insulation than others, so make sure if there is little insulation you can fit a thin cap underneath for warmth. * Make sure the helmet is comfortable and you can easily move your head when wearing the helmet.

Warm Clothing

* The best way to stay warm and dry is to dress in layers. Cotton or natural fabrics against the skin allow for moisture to be kept away from the skin providing warmth. A nylon or other water resistant outer layer will prevent outside moisture for getting in against the skin. Clothing should be loose to allow movement.

Protective Wear

* Snowboarding gear would not be complete without some extra padding for those sure to happen falls. Elbow pad and kneepads can help reduce the shock of impact to the joints. Padded lightweight pants are available to help protect the tailbone and hips from backward falls.

Bindings

* Bindings may step-in or strapped. Beginner snowboarders generally favour the step-in bindings, as they are easier to manage. They may not be practical for more advanced users as they tend to allow the foot to be released to easily. * Strapped bindings may have two or three straps to hold the foot to the board. They tighten using a ratchet method to hold the foot snug.

Boots

* Boots, like all snowboard gear, need to fit correctly. Make sure you try on several styles to find the one that is most comfortable. Your heels should fit tightly in the boot but there should be no rubbing or discomfort when the boots are laced up. Walk around and bend in the boots to test their fit before choosing a pair.

Board

* The board should be the correct length and width based on your body size. It should come to the bottom of your chin and be wide enough to fit your feet.

By Mike Singh
About the author:

Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.winter-sportz.com/ On his website, he provides additional articles about ski or snowboard clothing and other snowboarding gear.

Snowboarding boots

2007-12-08T14:55:00.000+07:00

The key to comfort on the hill.

The boots that you wear when snowboarding will make a huge difference with your ability to control your snowboard and your comfort on the hill. You will quickly find that cold, sore or wet feet will destroy a day of snowboarding faster than anything else will.

When it comes time for shopping for your snowboarding boots it is important to get the correct style of boot for the type of snowboarding you intend to do. There are three types of snowboarding boots commonly available, the soft boot, the hard boot and the hybrid boot.

While each boot is different on the outside, the insides tend to be the same. All snowboarding boots have a liner called the inner bladder. This inner bladder cushions and supports your feet, draws away water keeping your feet dry and keeps your feet warm. Generally the inner bladder will have its own laces so you will be able to secure the inner bladder to your foot in a way that is comfortable to you.

The soft boot is a specially designed boot that is very different from skiing boots. Soft boots are the most comfortable style of boot and can be used with Highback Bindings and Flow-in Bindings. The soft boot allows for a large amount of movement in just about any direction. For this reason soft boots are a must for pulling tricks since they are great for doing whatever you want. Also, soft boots are fairly comfortable for walking and even driving your car when you're not on the board.

Hard boots are quite a bit different as they are designed for precise control and are only used for a specific style of snowboarding. Hard boots support your foot, ankle and lower leg firmly, making them a must for racing and high-speed carving on hard snow. The hard outer shell is made out of hard plastic and is usually closed using buckles or ratchet bails. The benefit of having hard plastic as an outer shell is that it gives riders more precision and power in edging movements. In order to provide some flexibility, hinges are often built into the ankles.

Hybrid boots are a combination of both types of boots. Hybrid boots combine the flexible, soft upper part of soft boots with the sturdy hard soles of hard boots. They are used in combination with step-in bindings. People who are looking for a mix between the comfort and flexibility of soft boots and the control of hard boots will often opt for hybrid boots.

When shopping for boots it is important to bring along the footwear and leggings that you wear when snowboarding. If you do not wear these items when trying on your boots you may end up with a pair of boots that are too small when you wear heavy socks or pinches your legs due to your leggings.

Another important thing to do is to walk, run and jump in the boots you are thinking of purchasing. If you find any discomfort while doing this in the store you can be sure that they will also be uncomfortable when on the hill. If you keep all of this in mind you are sure to get the correct pair of boots and will be able to enjoy many days of snowboarding without complaint from your feet.

By Jakob Jelling
About the Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snowboardinghelp.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of snowboarding!

Snowboarding at night

2007-12-08T14:53:00.000+07:00

Nighttime snowboarding is another aspect of snowboarding that is unlike any other that you may have tried so far. Many people find snowboarding at night to be very relaxing, exciting and offer a new perspective on hills that they are constantly riding.

On of the most important aspects of nighttime snowboarding is being very familiar with the run you are about to ride. Ideally you should know your path so well that you can visualize each corner, the time it takes to get from one turn to the next and what obstacles are where on the trail when you close your eyes. This familiarity will help to offset your lack of vision.

Regardless of how well you know the run you are about to attempt, you will be in for a surprise the first time you try it at night. In the dark everything looks different and feels different. You may not have realized how much you're relied on visual cues for when and where to turn slow down or speed up. You will not longer be able to see the stump that marks the start of the moguls or other trail details and shadows will make things seem to appear or disappear.

When it comes to night riding you have three options to improve your sight. You can use your eyes and no light, ride a mildly lighted trail or use a headlamp to light your way. You will have to try each option to determine which method is best suited for you.

Regardless of which method you wish to use, you must work to improve your night vision. The first step is to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark. Your eyes will under go a chemical change to allow you to see better in the dark and this process takes time, usually about 30 minutes. During this time it is best to sit and wait for it to happen. While waiting, and afterwards, be very careful not to look at any man made light source. Doing so will kill your night vision and you will have to wait another 30 minutes to get it back. If you find you must look at a light, close and cover one eye so that it doesn't loose its night vision ability.

Something that most people do not realize is that their daytime activities also effect their nighttime vision. Studies conducted on pilots show that exposure to bright sunlight, especially for 10 days or more, can reduce your nighttime vision, range and clarity by 50 percent. You may wish to wear gray full spectrum sunglasses on the day or the days leading up to the night that you wish to snowboard in order to maximize your night vision.

The other option available is to use a headlamp of some kind. The first choice most people think of is a bright white light. While this does allow you to see the colors of your surroundings, it isn't the best choice for nighttime viewing. The second option that most people think of is a red bulb. This too isn't a good idea as red is the first spectrum of light to become invisible at night. The range of a red light at night is very limited and thus you will not be able to see the details that you need to see.

Perhaps the best choice for a light is a yellow-green LED light. Often you can insert a suitable LED into the socket of the regular bulb on your headlamp. Yellow-green makes a very good choice for nighttime riding as it will illuminate your surroundings and allow you to see the most detail possible.

However a blue-green LED also has its advantages. While a yellow-green light helps activate the cones in your retina to see details, a blue-green light is fairly dim and works with the rods in your retina. The rods are the parts of your eyes responsible for allowing you to see at night. If you are in a fully dark area then blue-green is a better choice since it does not hinder your night vision ability.

Nighttime snowboarding is a very fun and interesting experience that should not be missed. You will find that you will discover all kinds of things about your favorite runs and yourself while doing so. Make a point of trying it the next time you find yourself becoming bored with your favorite hill.

By Jakob Jelling
About the Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snowboardinghelp.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of snowboarding!

Snowboarders The Youngest Pros Of All

2007-12-08T14:48:00.000+07:00

The world of professional snowboarders is one where youth is often more of an asset than a disadvantage. In many sports, years of experience are necessary before it is possible to compete against the top tier of athletes; but the youthful spring of teen snowboarders often gives them enough of a leg up that they can reach the pinnacle of their field before they are even old enough to drive a car. Boarders sometimes turn pro as early as thirteen or fourteen years of age.

Snowboarding is surrounded by a very youthful culture, and the fact that so many of the sport’s stars are so young contributes to its appeal among kids and preteens. Skiing, which is similar to boarding in many ways, can feel very remote to young people because its stars are mostly somewhat older and very experienced.

There is a lot of debate surrounding the question of whether skiing or snowboarding is easier to learn, but the fact that so many famous boarders are so young seems to suggest that excelling as a boarder does not require quite as many years on the slopes as it usually takes to become a top skier. A dedicated and talented snowboarder can master the sport fairly quickly, and it is not unusual for a boarder to progress from novice to expert in as little as four or five years. Because many boarding role models are still in high school, and some are even still in middle school, excellence in snowboarding feels like a very attainable goal to today’s kids.

Of course, just because snowboarding is popular with young people doesn’t mean that it is off limits for older people who are interesting in boarding. Many habitual skiers choose to make some time on the snowboard a regular part of their sports regime. Taking up snowboarding is a great way to capitalize on and further develop the balance skills and agility that you have gained by pursuing skiing or any other sport. Boarding can be a lot of fun, and there are many intricate tricks and twists that are unlike the maneuvers that athletes perform in any other sport.

Some older sports enthusiasts are intimidated by the fact that pro boarders are so much younger than them, but there is no reason to let the fact that the leaders in the field may be less than half your age stop you from trying your hand at the art of snowboarding. For anyone who enjoys pursuing winter sports as a hobby, it is worth spending at least a few days on a snowboard learning the basics. The skills that you develop on a board can translate into many other arenas, and learning to board can make you a better skier, a better runner, or even a better football player.

If you are looking for a way to have a blast while adding some new elements to your training schedule, snowboarding might prove to be just the thing you are looking for.

By Gray Rollins

About The Author

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for MountainSnowboarding. To learn more about snowboarding, visit http://www.mountainsnowboarding.com/BF/ and http://www.mountainsnowboarding.com/boarding/.

Snowboard Safety Injury Prevention and Treatment

2007-12-08T14:39:00.000+07:00

Snowboarding is one of the most popular snow sports and like any other physical activity, it is susceptible to injury. However if the right precautions are taken and the correct protective gear is worn, the body can be protected from any severe injury. Here are a few snowboarding safety tips dealing with common injuries, how to treat those injuries and what can be done to prevent them.

Common Snowboarding Injuries

Snowboarding injuries occur mostly in the upper extremities of the body and the ankle, the most common being sprains followed by fractures and contusions. Upper body injuries are common as snowboarders usually fall forwards or backwards. With a forward fall, snowboarders will protect themselves by stretching their arms outwards to stop themselves from falling. This leads to sprained wrists, wrist fractures, elbow, shoulder and head injuries. If a snowboarder falls backwards mild head as well as coccygeal injuries can occur such as bruising to the tailbone. When they fall snowboarders are advised to try and keep their arms tucked in and to roll with the fall therefore distributing the impact of the fall over a larger portion of their body. It is better to rather have body bruises than a fractured wrist!

Lower body injuries are rare and occur mostly in the ankle and knee area. This is due to the feet being strapped into the board and both feet pointing in the same direction, which localizes knee movement and prevents twisting. However, as the level of snowboarding expertise increases so does the risk of knee injury due to the frequency of aerial maneuvers and the use of hard boots. Aerial maneuvers also present more abdominal, chest, spine and head injuries. Ankle injuries are very common such as sprained and fractured ankles, also known as snowboarder’s ankle. Contusions are common on the head, face, chest, abdomen and pelvis, lacerations on the head and face and dislocations in the upper extremities. Severe head and spinal injuries have occurred when snowboarders have lost control of their board at high speed.

It is important to note that a fracture of the lateral process of the talus (LPT) can masquerade as an ankle sprain and is frequently undetected on plain x - rays.
Misdiagnosis of this fracture may lead to severe degeneration of the joint, disability and pain.

How to Tell if Your Injury is Serious

There are various symptoms that suggest what type of injury you have and what should be done to heal it. Swelling is a definite sign of an injury and shouldn’t be ignored.

It usually occurs around a joint and causes pain and reduced range of motion. Tenderness will be found if you press the injured body part with your finger. Weakness in the injured area can occur as well as numbing and tingling, which are often related to nerve compression and should never be ignored as they may be signaling a serious injury.

How to Treat Any Sprain

If you have sprained your wrist, ankle or knee RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Exercise) is the safest and easiest way for anyone to heal an injury. It is important to follow these steps, as swelling can cause pain and loss of motion which will limit the use of the muscle, resulting in the weakening, shortening and delayed healing of the injured limb. After following RICE it is advisable to visit a physician for a proper diagnosis of the injury.

Rest

You should rest the sprained limb for 24 – 48 hours post injury.

Ice

Ice should be used to reduce swelling and pain, and should not be applied for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

If you do not have ice on hand, you can use anything frozen such as a bag of frozen peas.

Never apply heat to an injury as this will increase swelling!

Compression

There are various options for compression:

Elasticated tubular bandage (Tubigrip) which can be strapped either single or doubled over. This should not be worn too tight as it may lead to thrombosis.
Crepe bandage

Elastoplast strapping

Elevation

Elevate the sprained limb horizontally to decrease swelling and discomfort.

Exercise

As soon as symptoms allow gently exercise the injured limb.

Prevention and Protection

Snowboarding injuries can be prevented by following a number of safety precautions.

A fitness programme is essential to train the body for the maneuverability needed for snowboarding. Taking a few snowboarding lessons and having a good instructor helps to minimize the number of injuries that occur, teaches you how to snowboard effectively and what gear must be worn for your safety. The most important of injury prevention is wearing the right protective equipment. There are different types of gear that are specifically designed to protect certain areas of the body.

Helmets

Helmets are very important in preventing head injury as it is common for snowboarders to fall and injure their heads. There are different types of helmets from lightweight to heavyweight, with venting or no venting, with or without ear flaps, as well as different styles. It is important to choose a helmet that fits you snuggly, is comfortable and not too heavy.

Boots

There are three kinds of snowboarding boots that differ in the support they give to the ankle and foot. Soft boots are used by most snowboarders and offer sufficient stability and flexibility. Hard boots are usually worn by racers and provide ample ankle support.

Hybrid boots have the support of hard boots with the comfort and maneuverability of soft boots. It is important to choose the right footwear for the particular snowboarding activity that you will undertake, i.e. beginner, racer, etc. as each of these boots place the body under different injury risks. Soft boots present twice the risk of ankle injury compared to hard boots due to their moderate ankle support, however hard boots present twice the risk of knee injury than soft boots because they offer less movement. Hiking boots must never be used as they can lead to serious injury. It is important to note that boots and bindings must be bought together as the choice of boots depends on what type of bindings you want to use such as step in bindings or strap bindings.

Wrist and Elbow guards

Wrist guards help support the wrist and are available in different styles for over and inside the glove as well as integrated into the glove. Wrist guards used for inline skating and skateboarding can also be used for snowboarding. Elbow guards help to protect the elbows from bruising and fractures.

Knee and tailbone pads

Knee pads help to protect the knees from bruising, and should be worn if you have weak knee caps. Tailbone pads help to protect the tailbone and should be worn with beginners, as they frequently fall backwards.

Padded jackets and pants

Padded jackets and pants help to prevent other parts of the body from bruising.

Goggles

Goggles help to keep the snow and wind out of your eyes. They also protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun which are also reflected by the snow.

If you are wearing a helmet and goggles make sure that the goggles fit comfortably with the
helmet.

Follow these snowboard safety tips and you will have the ultimate pain free snowboarding experience!

By Jeremy Hier
About The Author
Jeremy Hier
Find out more about snowboard safety, plus read about snowboard equipment that will keep you safe and having fun by going to http://www.snowboard-guide.com.

Optical illusions when snowboarding

2007-12-08T14:38:00.000+07:00

While Shifties are a snowboarding trick they are also an optical illusion. When doing a Shifty you are creating the illusion of doing a 180-degree turn in the air and reversing it before you land. Of course since it is an optical illusion you do not really turn 180-degrees.

Twisting your body in opposite directions once you are in the air creates this optical illusion. While this can take a little bit to get used to it isn't as hard as it sounds. As with all aerial tricks the key to this is timing.

The first step is to become airborne. This can be done by via an Ollie, a ramp or whatever else you happen across that will get you off the ground. Ideally you should launch up in to the air more than you want to move forward. Going up more than forward will improve the look of your trick and provide you with more time to set it up and recover from it.

Once you have left the ground you can begin to twist the upper and lower portions of your body in opposite directions. The technique for twisting your lower body is much the same as doing a 180. Push your forward foot to the side that you wish it to spin while keeping your rear foot basically planted so as to act as a virtual pivot point. An important thing to bear in mind is to not twist your hips.

Twisting your upper body may be a little easier. The easiest way to twist is to simply point your head the way you want your body to turn and the rest of you will naturally follow. Once again be careful not to twist your hips, as they are the anchor points for your body. If you do twist your hips you may find that you turn too far and thus have trouble giving the impression of having turned 180-degrees or landing your trick smoothly.

If you time everything correctly you will complete the maneuver just as your reach the peak hieght of your air. At this point it is time to start returning to your normal position and preparing for the landing. The hardest thing to realign is your feet. Make sure you focus on twisting them back to normal even before you start to untwist your upper body. As you approach the ground make sure that you are looking where you want to go, that your snowboard is straight and your knees are slightly bent to absorb the impact.

As you can see a Shifty is an interesting optical illusion that you can easily learn to do. While challenging yourself is a great way to improve your skills quickly, begin learning this one by turning only 45-degrees the first few times. This will help you avoid an uncomfortable landing that can put an end do your day of snowboarding.

By Jakob Jelling
About the Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snowboardinghelp.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of snowboarding!

North Carolina Skiing and Snowboarding Know What to Expect

2007-12-08T14:36:00.000+07:00

As winter gets into full gear, people from all around the south are tuning up their skis and pulling out their snowboards in anticipation of a weekend ritual of winter fun on the slopes of North Carolina. This year promises to be a good one, as temperatures remain consistently cold, and Mother Nature is being generous with the real stuff!

Some of the highest peaks in the Blue ridge Mountains are located in the northwest corner of North Carolina, standing guard over the quaint little resort town of Banner Elk in Avery county. Just east of the continental divide is Grandfather Mountain, the highest peak in the Blue Ridge, and to the north west of Banner Elk looms Beech Mountain, which boasts of being the highest ski area in eastern North America. Sure Mount Mitchell is higher, but it's in the Black Mountains, a sub range of the Blue Ridge, and there's no skiing there.

Although the elevation is high, and our slopes are vast and challenging, skiing in North Carolina does have its ups and downs. This is still the south, and annual snowfall comes nowhere near to that of New England, where lake effect snows keep the ski slopes blanketed pretty much all through the winter. Our best scenario for natural snow is when moisture from an Atlantic storm system collides with the polar jet stream dipping far into the south east Appalachians - a phenomenon that happens far too seldom to run a profitable ski resort throughout the season.

Undaunted by Mother Nature, the fine folks of this northwestern chunk of North Carolina saw these huge mountain slopes and their lack of natural snow, and decided to do something about it! Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, and even Hawksnest ski resort in Seven Devils became early pioneers in snowmaking technologies. Today, man made snow supplements ski resorts even in regions of the heaviest natural snowfalls. In North Carolina, the roar of the snow guns can be heard throughout the valley any time the temperature dips around freezing. Thanks to modern day snow making capabilities, our North Carolina ski resorts are able to remain open pretty much all through the winter - as long as it freezes of course!

The best conditions for skiers and snowboarders exist when there is a healthy combination of natural snow and the man made stuff. When this happens, skiing and snowboarding on our vast mountain trails is an experience that rivals any of the east coast ski resorts. For the times when Mother Nature isn't so cooperative, there are some conditions that arise that every south eastern skier and snowboarder should be aware of.

As the season progresses, daytime temperatures rise above freezing and the sun shines stronger on the slopes. In these conditions snow (man made or not) will have a tendency to melt, providing for a wet, slushy skiing experience - in itself something to get used to. Symptoms of this condition include a sudden slowing down and an inability to make a successful cut, or turn. A well waxed ski may allow you to glide more easily through these "slush puddles", but as far as turning goes, it's best not to even try.

Conversely, as nighttime temperatures fall below freezing, and the snow blowing starts, the snow that turned to slush during the day turns to ice a night. Ice patches can be highly dangerous, causing one to speed up uncontrollably, feeling kind of like your feet slipping out from under you on a frozen pond. A well tuned pair of skis with sharp edges digging into the ice is your best bet for slowing down. Patches of ice can sometimes be hidden under a cover of fresh blown snow, which can really be an unexpected surprise. Any large patches of ice are usually well marked, and snow cats can help break up the ice, grooming the surface to make for a safer, more enjoyable skiing experience. Repetitive days and nights of these conditions can cause large patches of ice, and will eventually lead to the closing of trails (and the entire slope) as the season progresses.

To be sure, these conditions exist at all ski resorts, and are a natural progression of the season. It just seems to be more exaggerated in the south! Rest assured that the North Carolina Ski Patrol vigilantly checks all trails, marking bare spots and patches of ice, and will not hesitate to close trails where hazardous conditions persist. State of the art snow grooming equipment and the ability to generate a fresh cover of snow gives the North Carolina ski resorts just the edge they need to provide for a more uniform surface condition, allowing for a fun, longer and safer ski season.

By Michael Talbert
About the author:
Michael Talbert, a former resident of Banner Elk, has spent many of days and nights on the slopes of North Carolina, and is living to tell about it! Visit his website, Banners Elk Outdoor Living

Never too old to shred - snowboarding

2007-12-08T14:34:00.000+07:00

Never too old to shred - snowboarding

More and more adult boarders are appearing on the slopes of Western ski resorts, joining the legions of brash young skate-and-surf types who have popularized snowboarding since its arrival on the alpine scene a decade ago. Most adult snowboarders are learning to "shred" through ski schools, where they discover that it's not as difficult as it looks. In fact, most professional ski instructors say that snowboarding is easier to learn than skiing. If you've ever been curious about snowboarding, it's worth signing up for a lesson or two, no matter what your age or experience on snow. Armed with an open mind and some patience, you'll soon get a feel for snowboarding's rhythmic moves, which are downright liberating. No hard boots, no poles, no crossed tips: just you, the board, and a giant frozen wave.

Once you're proficient enough to roam the slopes, you'll discover the free-flowing sensation of the snowboard in powder and ungroomed snow. Snowboards also excel in warm conditions that can be difficult or even hazardous for skiers.

LEARNING THE BASICS

Most Western ski areas now allow and encourage snowboarding (Alpine Meadows in California and Park City in Utah are two notable exceptions). In addition to classes for children and mixed ages, many areas offer ones for adults or women only. Novice packages are often reasonably priced (expect to pay about $50) and usually include board and boot rental, a 1 1/2- to 2 1/2-hour lesson, and a lift ticket.

In a typical group lesson (usually four to eight people--many fewer than a typical ski class), you start on a gently sloping beginner area where, after stretching exercises and a safety talk, you strap your front foot (left or right, depending on your natural inclination) into the binding. Your instructor will have you shuffle around, skateboard-style, just to get used to the board underfoot.

Next, you practice side-slipping to get a sense of holding an edge. After that, you're ready to assume the proper forward-leaning, bent-knees, outstretched-arms stance and ride the board in a slow, straight line for a short distance. Once you feel comfortable with standing on the board while it's moving, you strap in the rear foot and practice turning by leaning hard on the heel- and toe-side edges. Finally, you learn to link turns, using sinking and rising body movements to help pivot the nose of your board across the fall line. By the end of the session, you may be ready to ride a chairlift to the top of the bunny hill for some serious shredding.

By Silent One
About the author:
http://www.a1-snowboarding-4u.info/

Lindsey Jacobellis The End Of Snowboarding Innocence

2007-12-08T14:32:00.000+07:00

Lindsey Jacobellis flew into the frigid Italian atmosphere as a celebrated and admired snowboarding superstar but, after an adrenalin-fueled grab at her board in mid-flight, she returned to earth in a meteoric flameout destined to make her a lock for membership in the sports Bonehead Hall of Fame. But her gaffe also represents a watershed moment for a sport once typified by such actions.

Snowboarding is a serious sport populated by serious athletes. Participants in competitions throughout the world work and train and sacrifice to race and win and be recognized as the best in their sport. But the ascension of snowboarding from a wild, rebellious and carefree winter activity to a corporately-sponsored, mainstream, Olympic-level competition has resulted in attitudes and expectations that are radically divergent from the once-radical personality that dominated the sport.

Lindsey Jacobellis began snowboarding in rural Roxbury, CT when she was 10-years old. Coached by her older brother, Ben, Lindsey was forced to compete against boys since there was no girls' division for the sport. This co-ed racing helped her develop a highly competitive spirit. Leading up to the Olympics she trained with the American men since she is the only U.S. woman competing in snowboard cross. She is, quite simply, the best women's snowboard cross racer in the world. But, as a result of her fall in the Italian Alps, she will not be an Olympic champion in 2006.

What Lindsey Jacobellis will be, to many, is a showboating hot dog. She will be derided for being cocky, over-confidant and foolish. One television reporter stated that Lindsey had left a "blemish on the sport of snowboarding." Another said that the "nation's hope for a gold medal" in this event rested "solely on her shoulders." Her agent is probably on suicide watch after seeing his dreams of gold medal endorsement deals get swept away in an avalanche of shattered dreams.

And how does Lindsey feel about all of this? "I went for the jump because I was having fun," she said. "Snowboarding is fun, and I wanted to share that with the crowd. ... I was caught up in the moment and forgot that I had to race."

Poor Lindsey. Doesn't she realize that competing at this level is not supposed to be fun? That getting "caught up in the moment" was a reckless, selfish and careless demonstration of naïve exuberance? How could Lindsey have been so irresponsible that she would have allowed the thrill of flying down a frosty hill, free, fast and in first-place by a snowboarding mile, to be manifested in a flamboyant maneuver for which snowboarders used to be hailed?

"Used to be..." That is the operative phrase at the moment. Snowboarding has come of age. Millions are watching world-class athletes compete for gold, silver and bronze. Fame and fortune await the winners. Only memories of a temporary place on the world stage await the rest. But Lindsey Jacobellis will forever straddle the chasm between Olympic winners and Olympic losers. She now carries the weight of Olympic silver around her neck and the stigma of Olympic failure on her competitive resume.

By her self-inflicted disaster, Lindsey Jacobellis has elevated snowboarding to a premier winter sport. No longer will the freewheeling, high-flying, "hey dude, watch this," X Game-style mentality apply to competitive snowboarding. It's about winning and money and national honor and endorsements. Getting ramped up and having fun are no longer permissible attitudes for the sport.

Dude, this is serious!

By Terry McDermott
About the author:
J. Terrence (Terry) McDermott does not ski nor can he snowboard. He does, however, manage a website that offers tons of ski and snowboard equipment at SnowboardsandSkis.com . If he did snowboard, he hopes that he would share the same healthy perspective that Lindsey Jacobellis has so far demonstrated.

Learn to Snowboard How to Stick to Rails Like Glue

2007-12-08T14:29:00.001+07:00

How To Stick to Snowboard Rails Like Glue! 3 Secrets that will Radically Improve Your Jibbing Skills!

This article is for any rider who is looking to improve their snowboarding skills on and off rails. You will easily learn to snowboard better because you will discover 3 secrets that will give you more confidence on rails than you've ever had before! Even if your hitting one for the first time. Feel free to use these techniques to instantly explode you confidence on rails J

Secret 1: Start small and work your way up. After you have conquered a small rail then move to a medium size rail. Some people try to go too big too soon. Snowboarding is all about progression you must learn one step at a time. This will literally save your ass in the end.

Secret 2: Pay attention to your arms and legs and know what there going to do the entire way down the rail. Most beginners don't think about their arms when they do their tricks but your arms are your balance! So make sure you spread them out and use them to their fullest potential.

Secret 3: This is by far the most important secret of them all. If you do this before every trick 5 times in a row you'll NEVER not do it again. Try it and see. This secret is so powerful that almost all professional athletes, teams, and organizations use this technique. The best part is this technique will be more effective in our sport of snowboarding than in any other sport because it's all up to YOU to do the move on the board. Only YOU can learn the trick. So are you ready for this incredible secret? Okay all you need to do to instantly increase your chances of landing a trick is to visualize the entire trick from start to finish before you attempt it! Think about this . . . . . If you have never landed a certain trick or done a trick the way you wanted to. You don't have any idea what it FEELS LIKE to do that trick. So when you visualize what you need to do in your mind it obviously increases the chances of you landing the trick J

To learn more about how to drastically improve your snowboarding skills visit www.snowboardacademy.com and receive a free ebook the " Trick Tip Archive" where you'll instantly discover how to perform all the best tricks in snowboarding today!

Plus as a bonus if you sign up and become a member I'll instantly send you a free mini course on "How to Stick to Snowboard Rails Like Glue" You'll learn the secrets every good rider uses to stomp rails every time!

What are you waiting for become an official Snowboard Academy team member now! www.snowboardacademy.com or send us an email with your questions and comments to the snowboardacademy@hotmail.com

By Matthew Belair
About the author:
Matt is a certified snowboard instructor he has been snowboarding for 7 years.

How To Choose The Snowboard That's Right For You

2007-12-08T14:27:00.001+07:00

Picking out a snowboard can be difficult because there are so many brands and types to choose from. Three major types of boards are freestyle, alpine, and freeride. When picking out a snowboard, you need to determine what style of riding you are going to be doing, and get a board specific to that type of riding. If you are going to be spending your time in the half-pipe a freestyle board is best for you. Freeride is best if you are going to be making runs down the hill, and alpine will be best if you are up for some high-speed racing.

Another important aspect of picking out a board is making sure that you get boots and bindings that go with the board. Each set up is going to have its own characteristics specific to the type of riding that a person will be doing.

Beginners should start with a freestyle (http://www.mou ntainsnowboarding.com/freestyle) or freeride board, freestyle bindings and soft boots. This set up is going to give you some forgiveness when learning. Shorter boards are also better for beginners because this allows them to maneuver and steer the board easier. The board should come up between your shoulders and nose. The height of the board isn't the only thing to consider though.

Flex is another aspect to look at. Heavier riders for their height will want to get a board that is a bit stiffer, and lighter riders will want to get a board that offers more flex.

Also, don't forget about the width of the board. If you have smaller feet this won't be as much of an issue for you. However, a person with larger feet needs to make sure their toes (in their boots) don't hang of their board. If they do, your toes can catch in the snow making it more probable for you to fall. If you have bigger feet, you will need to get a wider board.

When starting out, it is a good idea to first rent equipment, because snowboarding is expensive. Buying the equipment before actually deciding if you enjoy snowboarding can be a waste of money. Going to your local store and talking to the sales people to see if they rent can be the best way to test set ups to see which one is the best for you while you are still learning.

Once you have decided that snowboarding is right for you, and are ready to go and buy your own gear, the best time for you to go is going to be at the end of season. The best deals will come out at the end of the season when stores are trying to get rid of their merchandise to have room for the upcoming season of whatever it may be.

By Danielle Rose
About the author:
Danielle Rose is a featured writer at MountainSnowboarding. To read more of her articles and for help finding the right snowboar d gear, and other snowboarding info, visit our site.

How To Choose a Quality Used Snowboard

2007-12-08T14:21:00.000+07:00

If you're looking at getting into snowboarding, going for the second hand option is not a bad way to go. Often you'll get lucky and find a board that hasn't been used much at all. If you know nothing about snowboarding gear and have no friends who are boarders then a quick search on Google will turn up plenty of forums where you can get specific answers.

You will be pleased to hear that with just a little bit of knowledge you will find it easy to select the right board for you. Try to decide what type of boarding you will be doing. Do you want to be out all day enjoying some all-mountain boarding or are you into speed? Will you mostly be practicing in your local snow park?

When you are choosing a used snowboard check the sidewall and sandwich layers to make sure the laminate is not splitting apart. Make sure the inserts are in good condition and that the board has a full set. If you can, go for a board with a cap construction because this type don't have a sidewall, the board is stronger and it flexes better.

Another consideration is the effective edge. This is the area of the board which actually touches the snow. For sharper, tighter maneuvers the effective edge should be shorter. The longer the effective edge the more stability the board will have at faster speeds.

Make a point of inspecting the top sheet. Be wary of more obvious cracks or "crazing" which you may find more evident in and around the binding areas. Often these indicators will warn you of problems down the line. You will find that most smaller scratches are not worth worrying about unless the aesthetics are really important to you. This is down to your own judgment really.

Check the flex. Place the board on a level surface and flex the board to see if it still has a springy feel to it. If it feels dead and soft give it a miss. Also be vigilant for core shots - these occur when the P-Tex material is badly damaged, gouged or chipped. The damage penetrates to the core of the board, hence the name.

The bindings should not deteriorate as quickly as other parts of the board. You can gauge their condition with a quick manual inspection. You will be able to easily tell if the bindings are past their "use by" date.

You may be surprised to know that these days snowboards are designed with different specifications for men and women. You should be aware of this when choosing your second hand snowboard. Women tend to be a slighter build overall and on average are shorter than men, so most women will be looking for a smaller, lighter board. The taller female will want a slightly wider board but not too much longer.

You can quite easily pick up used snowboarding gear online at places like eBay and other more specialist snowboarding suppliers. However, your best bet if you can is to actually go to a shop and touch the product. Plenty of snowboarding retailers will have used equipment either on show or out the back. Just ask the proprietors, they are usually more than happy to help.

By Fabio Marcell
About The Author
Fabio Marcell writes for many niches and is an experienced researcher. He has written articles covering a wide range of subjects and enjoys plying his trade especially on the Internet. He is currently sponsoring http://snowboarding.linkz-and.info and can be reached on fabio@linkz-and.info.

How A Piece Of Wood Changed World History

2007-12-08T14:19:00.000+07:00

Many times someone doing something a little different and having his or her ideas catch on has changed history. The pasteurizing of milk to prevent spoiling and contamination is a perfect example. Snowboarding was also the result of someone doing something a little different. In a few short years we have taken a crazy idea and turned it into a household word and created a culture and language around it. Snowboarding has become an Olympic event and has even forced us to ask ourselves questions about our society when we use the phrase “Smoke a fatty for Rebagliati”.
The history of snowboarding officially begins in 1929 with a man named M.J. Burchett. For some unknown reason, perhaps a dare from friends or the result of drinking, Mr. Burchett changed history when he cut a plank of plywood and secured it to his feet using a clothesline and horse reins. This humble beginning changed history forever.
Not much changed for snowboarders until 1965 when Sherman Poppen invented a toy for his daughter and eventually marketed it. His “Snurfer” consisted of 2-ski bound together with a rope at the nose of the skis to hold on to. This idea caught on fast and Mr. Poppen sold half a million of his Snurfers by 1966. Mr. Poppen helped create demand for his product by holding contests for Snurfers. Jake Burton took part in many of these competitions until he broke his collarbone in a car accident.
Snowboards as we know them came into existence in 1969 when riding down snowy hills on a cafeteria plate in college inspired Dimitrije Milovich. Mr. Milovich decided to make snowboards that where based upon the design of a surfboard but worked the same way skis did. In 1972 Mr. Milovich started a company called Winterstick and really fired up the idea of snowboarding until 1980 when he left the industry. To this day Milovich is seen as a very important pioneer in the industry.
In 1977 Burton came back to his first love, the Snurfer. After completing university, Burton moved to Vermont and needing to make some money, started to produce Snurfers again. Burton’s snowboards where made of laminated wood and he shocked the world when he won a Snurfer competition on his own board. One major reason for Burton being able to win the competition was the skiing styled binding that he added to his boards thus allowing him to control them much better.
During this time Burton had on major competitor, Tom Sims. Sims borrowed from skateboarding technology to create his own version of the snowboard. Sims snowboards came from an idea he had in shop class when to glued carpet to the top of a piece of wood and aluminum sheeting to the bottom of the board.
In order to showcase their innovations, Burton and Sims held the first ever snowboarding competition in Vermont in 1982. This competition was more of a survival contest as the runs where icy kamikaze runs. This event helped to launch the magazine Absolutely Radical that became the International Snowboarding Magazine.
Snowboarding technology continued to improve, as did the fame of its competitions. The competitions became so popular that the International Snowboarding Federation was formed to help judge competitions. In 1998 snowboarding made its grand entrance into the world of the Olympics at Nagano, Japan.
This too was a controversial time. The IOC dismissed the ISF and instead had the Federation Internationale de Ski over see the events. While this policy is still in effect to this day, tensions are easing between the two factions and things are running much smoother.
Of course no history of snowboarding would be complete with out mentioning Rebagliati in the 1998 Olympics. Rebagliati, a Canadian from Whistler BC, won the gold medal that year but later tested positive for trace amounts of marijuana and was stripped of his gold medal. Rebagliati appealed the ruling and won since marijuana is a controlled substance, not a banned substance and is not a performance-enhancing drug. This event helped to decriminalize marijuana in Canada and caused many people to rethink their position on marijuana. "Smoke a fatty for Rebagliati" was a common phrase to show support for Rebagliati and show support for the reforming of the Canadian laws.
Snowboarding has come a long way in 70 odd years. Snowboarding started as a crazy idea that only fools would try and has become an accepted Olympic event due to its popularity. Arguably, snowboarding is the fastest growing sport and industry. Few other innovations have caught on this fast or have become an Olympic sport so soon.

By Jakob Jelling
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snowboardinghelp.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of snowboarding!

Fabulous Fun... Snowboarding for Women or men

2007-12-08T14:17:00.000+07:00

Fabulous Fun... Snowboarding for Women (or men!)

Why don’t more women over the age of 30 take up snowboarding? It is Fabulous Fun! Perhaps you haven’t tried it because you have heard that you will fall down a lot when learning. True. But it is possible to learn without pain. Pain and injury avoidance techniques for snowboarding are invaluable but not well known. If you know how, you can avoid the two biggest mistakes that first time snowboarders make. A positive experience your first few times out will make you more likely to stick out the hard times until you learn enough to really have fun!

“There’s no reason that adults shouldn’t snowboard and have as much fun as kids” says self-proclaimed Snowboard Evangelist Lauren Traub Teton who admits to being “in her 40s”. “I have been riding a snowboard for four years, and am having the most fun of my life!”

She feels that the only thing stopping “oldsters” (in their mid-30s and up) from embracing snowboarding in a big way are the inevitable hard falls experienced during the short steep learning curve. She says “there are easy ways to avoid the pain. They are just not well known.”

The reason “snowboard pain avoidance” is not more widely discussed has to do with the history of snowboarding. To some snowboarders, pain and injury are cool. This is obvious if you the read the hundreds of war stories on snowboard websites.

This viewpoint has its roots in the fact that snowboarding is stylistically a descendant of skateboarding and embraces some of the same traditions. For example, doing a grab, where the rider reaches down and grabs the board while airborne, is more of a necessity in skating than in snowboarding, because the skateboard is not attached to the feet. But grabs have morphed into a popular trick and a way to show style in snowboarding too.

The other tradition that has carried over from skating is the tradition of pain. In skateboarding, injury from accidental impact with the hard ground is a common occurrence and gives a skater bragging rights (as well as bruises and breaks.). A lot of skaters are also snowboarders, and so the tradition of absorbing pain as part of “paying dues” remains.

Another factor keeping some adults away from snowboarding may be the reputation for wildness on the slopes that snowboarders have. That probably comes from the fact that when the equipment was first invented, it was technologically primitive, with little ability to steer or stop. That’s how snowboarding got its image as an extreme sport and snowboarders got their reputation as outlaws of the snow. Now snowboards have evolved technologically into precision devices that can turn and stop easily, when operated under control.

With older snowboarders hitting the slopes, the culture of injury and pain has outlived it’s origins. Adults don’t equate injuries with status. People who start riding as adults want to stay upright and uninjured. Some skiers switch over because it seems like more fun and less stress on the knees. Again, the goal is to stay whole!

I learned by trial, error and luck how to avoid injury. In fact, a fine young gentleman working at the guest services desk on Whistler Mountain (B.C.) offered to let me borrow his Rollerblade wrist guards and knee pads, one day when I was learning, and I was hooked on safety and comfort from that moment.

Don’t make the two biggest mistakes new snowboarders often make when you do decide to take up this wonderful sport. To be safe, comfortable, and happy, you MUST

1. Take a lesson given by a professional your first time out.
and
2. You MUST wear padding, on your knees, butt, and wrists.

Come now, why try to reinvent the wheel? If you want to learn to snowboard, then a snowboard lesson with a trained instructor will teach you IMPORTANT basic snowboarding skills that you will use every day for the rest of your riding life.

So learn them right, right from the start. Forget about teaching yourself how to get on and off a lift safely on a board. This is what teachers are for.

And the padding is a must because falling is an inevitable part of the learning process. You WILL fall at first. But if you are padded properly, you will not have to hurt yourself. And don’t chuck the padding once you have mastered the basics. You will need it when you progress to jumping and tricks!

By Lauren Traub Teton
About the Author
For Lauren Traub Teton, snowboarding is the only sport she has ever been successful at. She loves to ride the halfpipe, race, and jump (a little!). She writes the popular free “Snowboard Szine” newsletter. Sign up at http://www.SnowboardSecrets.com site and receive “16 Secrets for Successful Snowboarding.” Register your boards against theft at http://www.SnowboardRegistry.com.

Crosstraining To Be A Better SnowBoarder

2007-12-08T14:15:00.000+07:00

In all sports you will be able to obtain optimal performance levels by including cross-training in your regimen. Snowboarding is no exception to this and we would like to give you some suggestions that will help you to cross-train and become a better snowboarder.

The first cross-training sport for a snowboarder is skateboarding. It is the easiest and most obvious transition for a snowboarder to make. Snowboarding actually kind of owes its very existence to the sport of skateboarding and they offer many similarities and movements. The great thing about skateboarding is that you don't need snow or mountains to be able to train.

Skateboards come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. The ones I recommend are those ridden by surfers who cross-train with skateboards.

They are the "longboard" or "carveboard" style of skateboard and come with oversize wheels as well. You can even get an off-road version that will allow you to carve down large hills giving you a very similar experience to snowboarding.

The next options are wakeboarding and surfing. Both of these sports will keep you in great shape for snowboarding but for most snowboarders wakeboarding will probably be the easier of the two to realize just because of geographical issues. In most cases snowboarders will have much easier access to a lake or large pond on which to do wakeboarding than they will to surfing, unless they live on the west coast and have the beaches within a couple of hours drive. Wakeboarding has some similar movements to snowboarding but it also brings the upper body into the equation as well, something many snowboarders are sorely lacking. The major issue you will have to deal with is having access to a boat.

The next sport we want to look at is surfing. Surfing is a great sport with many similar muscles being used as used is snowboarding. Like wakeboarding though, surfing also requires the development of upper body strength due to the paddling involved in getting out to the waves.

If you really get into the sport and get into the big wave riding that has been popularized of late by guys like Laird Hamilton you will definitely get the same adrenaline rush that you get snowboarding down a mountain. Actually, it is more like snowboarding with an avalanche behind you!

Another sport you can get into that is fairly easy for snowboarders due to their location is mountain biking. It doesn't offer the similarities in movement but it will keep you in shape physically and aerobically for the snowboarding season.

By Gregg Hall
About the author:
Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives with his 16 year old surfer/skater son in Navarre Florida. Check out http://www.skateandsnowshop.com for you skate and snowboard gear.

Building a half pipe for snowboarding

2007-12-08T14:14:00.000+07:00

Perhaps one of the most exhilarating things to snowboard on is a half pipe. A half pipe is a combination of gracefully arcs and glorious straight stretches that allow you to perform skateboarding tricks with your snowboard. The only other thing that can compare to a half pipe is a snowboarding bowl.

A half pipe is a ramp that is constructed partially with terrain and partially engineering snow placement. For this reason it may not be feasible for most people to build their own half pipe at home. Of course, where there is a will there is a way and for that reason we will look at the basics of how to build your own half pipe.

The first aspect to consider is the location of your half pipe. You wish to find a location where the terrain will reduce the amount of work that you must do. If you are trying to build a half pipe that is 6 feet high on flat ground you will need at least one full dump truck load of snow for each side of the ramp. If you happen to have 6 feet of snow or more you may be tempted to try to dig out your own ramp. Unfortunately the volume of snow you need to remove is even greater than that needed to build the contours.

The ideal solution is to find a spot where a small hill or bank can form one side or more of your ramp. Being able to use an existing detail of the terrain will greatly reduce the amount of work that you need to do. When looking for terrain features to work with keep in mind the basic details of any half pipe. A half pipe should be about 6 feet high, 8 feet across, have a flat surface about 8 feet long and a landing pad at the top of each ramp about 4 feet wide.

One of the most important details of a half pipe is the transition or curvature of the ramp. Getting the right curve is critical to the ride ability of your ramp. If the curve is too tight then your snowboard may not be able to flex enough to land securely and you will tend to fall or be off balance each time you land. If the curve is too gently then you will find the ramp to be slow and you will have a very hard time getting air. Following the edge of an imaginary circle that has a radius of 8 or 9 feet creates the ideal curve of a ramp. This is a fairly standard radius for any ramp regardless of how high the ramp is.

Another important consideration is the final construction of the ride surface and the maintenance of that surface. There is quite an art to constructing the best surface and many companies offer courses and tools for this purpose. The surface of your ramp is a combination of hard packed snow and ice. You want to have a solid surface that will not shift or break up when being ridden on but not solid ice either.

One way to help create a good surface is to layer snow with water and allow it to freeze. Your actual construction process will vary depending upon the type of snow you are working with and the temperatures. Begin by compacting a layer of about 12" of snow and then, if needed, misting water on top of the compact snow. As you mist the water on the compacted snow add another foot of snow so that it will adhere to the layer that you just created. The thickness that you will require will vary but 2 layers is usually a good start.

Building a snowboarding ramp can be a huge undertaking but is possible to do. With a little hard work, some training and the correct tools, you too will be able to build a reasonable half pipe.

By Jakob Jelling
About the Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snowboardinghelp.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of snowboarding!

Backcountry Snowboarding Gear necessities

2007-12-08T14:11:00.000+07:00

The out-of-bounds, Backcountry experience presents the most amazing challenges and adventures you'll ever have in this sport. But Before You Go remember safety is #1. You'll need the whole kit of safety equipment and be aware on how they are to be used.

These Following items are essential for that out of the ordinary experience you are sure to have in the backcountry.

1. Transceiver (Beacon) This is your most important item for your backcountry safety. It enables yourself or others that you are with to be found in case of a detrimental avalanche.

2. Shovel This will come in handy for designing snow board jumps as well as making a snow bench for times of relaxing and taking in the beauty of creation around you while you eat lunch. For Safety a shovel is best for digging to find those caught in an avalanche.

3. Probe This will help locate people trapped under the snow.

4. Slope Meter These help detect the snow pack stability and angle of the slope.

5. Map/Plan/Compass A map with planned route should be taken with you and a copy left with people who know were you are going and know when you plan to return. As routes are not always follow able in uncharted territory the compass is very valuable.

6. Poles Poles are helpful when you must climb or just to help you maintain balance.

7. Snow Shoes If you are taking a step into new territory, or creating a new trail. These keep you on top of The Snow.

8. Sunscreen As Sun Reflects strongly off the snow, wearing sunscreen is a must if you want to avoid the burn or raccoon eyes made by goggles!

9. Small Repair Kit On the occasion of a break in equipment it is good to be able to fix these while on the mountain.

10.Water/Food It is vital to stay Hydrated and have the proper nourishment to help stand up to the efforts you are putting in to the adventure.

11. Travel Buddy It is so important to venture out with another experienced buddy who as well knows how to safely get through the backcountry.

12. Proper Apparel Staying warm and dry is a must. Clothing companies that specialize in clothing for the backcountry are good to check out. Stay safe and Avoid frostbite and Hypothermia!

13.Skins These are helpful for traveling up hill when using skis or a split board.

14. Snowboard Last but not least.... You've got to have this to ride on the way down (faster than walking and more exciting!)

By Tamara Williams
About the author:
Tamara Williams is a successful author and writer for Snowboards Gear site dedicated to helping snowboarders get the most out of their equipment and time

Attention All Skiers Try Snowboarding

2007-12-08T14:06:00.000+07:00

Do you love winter? Or, more importantly, do you love spending time in the cold winter weather? If so, and you are looking for a great new activity to try this winter, consider snowboarding.

For many people, the idea of snowboarding sounds dangerous, like it was only for crazy teenage boys. The idea of skiing down a large hill or mountain sounds scary enough and the idea of doing it with a snowboard sounds too hard to be tried. If these are your thoughts, you should think again. Whether you have been skiing for years or if you have never made it down a winter mountain, snowboarding can be a great way to spend winter days.

If you have been a skier and are thinking of branching out into the world of snowboarding, congratulations. The best advice I can give you is to be patient. Because snowboarding is similar to skiing and yet very different, some people who ski well will find that snowboarding comes naturally and quickly while others will find the learning process grueling and frustrating. Stick with it because eventually the tricks of snowboarding can come to almost anyone.

If you have never been a skier, have no fear. Having a skiing background is not always necessary or even beneficial in learning snowboarding skills. You, a non-ski expert, may actually pick up the techniques of snowboarding much easier than your skier friends. After some time you may find that snowboarding fits you like a glove.

Allow me to offer a couple of words of advice to anyone, ski expert or not, that desires to enter the world of snowboarding. First, do not expect to jump on a board and pick up the skill all on your own. Most people will benefit greatly from taking snowboarding lessons at least to learn the basics of the sport. So do not hesitate to sign yourself up for a lesson or two before you head out to the slopes.

A second and perhaps more important piece of advice is simple: rent. Resist that temptation to run out and buy the latest board and snowboarding gear just to look like a seasoned pro on the slopes. On your first few times out you should rent equipment and take the time to learn what kinds of boards best meet your needs. By renting you can avoid making a costly mistake that will leave you frustrated later.

So, whether you have been skiing for years or not, when winter comes around again make the choice to learn a new skill. Who knows, snowboarding could fast become your favorite source of winter fun.

By Martin Stoleman
About The Author:
Martin Stoleman loves to write about all of his favorite sports and activities. He has recently fallen in love with snowboarding himself. Check out http://www.snowboardingplace.info for more details about this great sport.

An introduction to half pipes

2007-12-08T13:58:00.000+07:00

Let's face it, when snowboarding, anything that isn't flat creates an almost over powering urge to try to ride and half pipes are no exception to this. After gazing upon the glory of a half pipe it is almost impossible to resist the urge to challenge it, to see what you can do in it or to see if you too are as good as the guy who is doing a Slob Air. It is this desire that keeps us snowboarding and drives us to try new things such as a half pipe.

Half pipes can be very daunting features of a snowboarding park. A half pipe will be 4 - 12 feet high, may have 3 sides in a "U" like shape and be full of people doing crazy stunts in the air at high speeds. The big question is how do you learn to use a half pipe?

While the prospects of dropping in to a half pipe can be very daunting, the reality is that you can ease in to riding the half pipe. In fact, the preparation for riding a half pipe begins well before you ever enter it. While it is highly recommended that you are proficient at snowboarding on general terrain before trying a half pipe you can start off in a half pipe.

There are two basic skills that you need to know fairly well, hop turns, or Bunny hops, and how to snowboard confidently on varying terrain. Your confidence in snowboarding really is the key to moving on. You must be able to recover your balance on bumpy terrain when riding quickly. This ability will allow you to proactively react to the rapidly changing conditions of a half pipe. To be fair, the conditions of the half pipe do not change rather your position in the pipe changes. Remember that your speeds in a half pipe are faster than normal and thus you must be able to react to riding on a transition rather than the flat very quickly. The other basic skill is the Bunny hop. The Bunny hop allows you to launch a little higher and away from the lip of the ramp thus keeping you from catching it when you re-enter the ramp.

The next big hurtle is dropping in. When you are first learning to ride a half pipe it is best to start on the side of the smallest ramp rather than from the top of the ramp. This will give you a chance to get used to the ramp and learn how to pump it for speed and balance. As your confidence increases begin dropping in from higher and higher points until you are ready to start from the top of the pipe.

Half pipes can be daunting features of the terrain but learning to ride them doesn't have to be tough. By working with the basic skills that you already have you will be able to rider a half pipe well. The more you ride the half pipe and challenge yourself the faster your skills in it will progress. When looking at the half pipe for the first time, do not back down. Instead resolve to be the best damn snowboarder there and push yourself, as hard as you can and soon you will be the best snowboarder there.

By Jakob Jelling
About the Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snowboardinghelp.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of snowboarding!

Alpine snowboarding

2007-12-08T13:55:00.000+07:00

Alpine snowboarding is for those of you who are a little more extreme about speed than most. Alpine snowboarding encompasses more than just speed. Other areas often included are racing and extreme carving.

Alpine snowboards are uniquely designed for their purpose. An alpine snowboard has a longer, narrower and stiffer construction than any other snowboards. This design allows for higher speeds, very sharp turning, and aggressive edge holding power on hard snow and excellent high-speed stability.

Alpine snowboarding is generally done on hard packed snow or groomed runs. Hard packed snow usually isn't good for snowboarding but is exceptional for high speeds, the heart of alpine snowboarding. With other styles of snowboards maneuverability is impossible on this type of terrain. Thanks to the aggressiveness of the edge of the alpine snowboard, fast, snappy control is the least of your problems.

Since the riding is so different from other types of snowboarding it only stands to reason that the gear would also be slightly different from normal. The gear for alpine snowboarding resembles skiing equipment more than it does snowboarding equipment.

In order to protect the rider and maximize control at high speeds an alpine snowboarder will use the following things. First is a helmet and eye protection. Thanks to the laws of physics we know that a hard surface becomes even harder at higher speeds. This means that a helmet and eye protection are an absolute must if you wish to stay safe when ripping down a hill at blazingly fast speeds as the impact from any mishap can be more than normal.

The next thing to consider is your boots. You must use a hard-shelled boot that resembles a skiing boot. Since the speeds on an alpine snowboard are so much higher the forces required to maintain a tight turn are also higher. In order to make shape-cornering possible you must use a hard-shelled boot to leverage your power with the snowboard.

After thinking of your boots you must also think of the stance that you wish to use when riding your alpine snowboard. There is basically only one choice but there are subtle variations for each rider. Traditionally the front foot should be set at about +70' and the rear foot at about +35'. With the advance of technology and the improvements of the snowboards the degree of the feet has become less important. More commonly the stance is determined by the width of the board as long as there is a difference of at least 5'.

Any interesting thing to note is that alpine snowboarding has seemed to have died off and been reborn again. Alpine board manufactures took the design of the alpine board to a point that it was amazingly perfect at high speeds but no longer usable for the average person. One main way of improving the snowboard efficiency was to reduce its width to as little as 16 cm in the center of the snowboard. This did allow for even greater speeds but caused the snowboard to become unstable at low speed and forced the rider to remain in a position that was uncomfortable to ride in for any length of time.

These innovations seemed to kill the industry as did skiing manufactures that started to implement the aggressive edge technology into their products. Most people began to shy away from alpine snowboarding and instead seek out freestyle snowboarding. However this has changed recently with the rebirth of alpine snowboarding. Once again people are becoming interested in the challenge and excitement that comes from ripping down a hill at high speeds and pulling turns that exert more g-forces on the body than most cars do. Manufacturers have learned their lessons and seem to be much more reasonable and consumer oriented in their snowboard designs than before.

If you are a snowboarder who enjoys speed and tight cornering then alpine snowboarding is the thing for you. Alpine snowboards are designed to be ridden hard and fast on machine groomed or packed runs. Their design allows you to move in ways no other snowboarder and possibly skier can ever hope to. Also, alpine snowboarding is easier to learn than alpine skiing. If you are looking for fast paced action filled fun like nothing else than you are destined for alpine snowboarding. Have fun, keep your speeds up and enjoy the g-forces of the mind blowing cornering.

By Jakob Jelling
About the Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snowboardinghelp.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of snowboarding!

A look at the intriguing History of Snowboarding

2007-12-08T13:44:00.000+07:00

It has taken almost forty years for snowboarding to be recognized as a major sport that is followed and participated in by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Humanity’s love affair with snow has been documented throughout the ages, starting with cave dwellers who were smart enough to figure out that snow had its advantages, such as serving as insulation to hold in the warmth in their homes and preserving the day’s kill.

To say who actually invented the sport of snowboarding would be impossible because people have always loved to slide down a snow-covered hill. Soaring through the snow on some kind of seat or board is nothing new. The ways to enjoy the snow are numerous, and people have devised ways to turn garbage can lids and cardboard into “snow boards” to enjoy an afternoon frolic outdoors. The various ways to glide through snow have become more sophisticated and have evolved into using polished boards or skis in much the same manner as a surfboarder would ride a wave.

There have been many attempts at developing a modern snowboard. In 1965, the “Snurfer” (a word play on ‘snow’ and ‘surfer’) was developed as a child’s toy. Two skis were bound together and a rope was placed at the front end to afford control and stability. Over 500,000 “Snurfers” were sold in 1966 but they were never seen as more than a child's plaything even though organized competitions began to take place. The year 1969 brought a slightly more sophisticated snowboard based on the principles of skiing combined with surfboard styling.

The “Flying Yellow Banana” was developed in 1977. This was nothing more than a plastic shell covered with a top surface like that of a skateboard, but at the time it was considered a major advance in the little known sport of snowboarding. The first national snowboard race was held in the area outside Woodstock and was known as “The Suicide Six.” The race consisted of a steep downhill run called The Face in which the main goal was probably mere survival.

Snowboarding continued to increase in popularity over the next several years. In 1985 the first magazine dedicated specifically to snowboarding hit the news stands with huge success and furthered the popularity of this exciting sport. Hoards of fans began to organize regional events and pretty soon snowboarding events were held in all parts of the world. In the year 1994 snowboarding was finally declared an Olympic event, much to the delight of fans. The not-so-new sport of snowboarding was finally recognized and meant a huge victory for serious snowboarders across the globe.

A collection of snowboarding tricks and stunts was released on video in 1996. Filmed in Alaska, the breathtaking beauty and captivating snowboarding techniques featured in the video exposed snowboarding to a new generation, and by 1998 snowboarding constituted almost 50% of all winter activity. Today, nearly all ski resorts accept snowboarders. There are still a few holding on to the past but this is unlikely to continue as the number of snowboarders continually increases.

From the first crudely built snowboards to the advanced and specialized models available today, snowboarders have carried a “bad boy” image. This rebel reputation is still common today in spite of the fact that snowboarding appeals to men, women, and children of all nationalities and social groups. At most major ski resorts you can find snowboarding gear, information, and lessons. Olympic and world wide snowboarding events are among the most popular of winter sports and the competition to be the best is fierce.

Retailers nation wide and around the world carry many types of snowboards, and the choice in specially made snowboarding gear is immense. Snowboarders have participated in the X Games and even charity events such as Boarding for Breast Cancer. From its early meager beginnings snowboarding has progressed into a fully recognized sport, and large numbers of people are turning to snowboarding for adventure, fun, and professional recognition.

By Keith Kingston
Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher. Visit his snowboards and ski vacation website at http://www.all-4-snow.com There is information also on snowmobiles, snowplows, snow sleds and skiing.