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She's Gotta Ticket to Ride-A Girl's Guide to Snowboarding
By Kathleen Gasperini
While snowboarding in general has become the fastest growing winter sport in
the world, it is women and girls who make up the fastest growing segment of
the sport overall. There are many reasons: Snowboarding is one of those
sports, like rock climbing, that basically takes more balance and finesse
than pure muscle strength. It's about carving down a mountain, using all
elements of the body, mind, and soul.
If you're looking to start a new sport in the New Year, try snowboarding.
It'll awaken a whole new world for you.
Here's your ticket to ride:
1) You don't have to live in a ski resort town in the Rocky Mountains to take
up snowboarding, but you do need to find yourself a local hill or mountain.
There are more resorts out there than you might have imagined-even in places
unknown for much elevation, including West Virginia, Wisconsin, and
Minnesota. The Snowboard Guide of North America has an in-depth listing of
resorts. Call the United States Snowboard Association at (303) 668-3350.
2) Once you've located a place to ride, start NOW by doing simple exercises
and stretches in preparation for your trip to the slopes. Lunges, running,
lifting weights (for your quads and calve muscles), and sit-ups are best. Try
yoga as well. The more flexible and strong you are, the easier it will be
taking your first lesson.
3) Plan your trip. Even if it's for half a day, think it through. Will you
drive there the night before? If so, call the local ski area and arrange for
accommodations so that you can get a good night's sleep. If it's a weekend
get-away, go with a friend. Watching someone else make similar mistakes is
the best way for you to discover what you're doing wrong, too. Plus, learning
to snowboarding can be a humbling experience-best to take a buddy to share in
the humility.
4) You'll need warm tights under warm, preferably waterproof pants. Good
pants are the most important element for beginners because you'll be sitting
on the snow most of the time. Wear your warmest jacket, hardy gloves (not
yarn-knitted mittens), and a winter hat. Don't worry about having the latest
gear-you need to ride at least once to get an idea of what you'd like in
snowboard wear. Different regions of the country require different clothing.
5) On your roadtrip, bring a water bottle, energy bars, and fruit. Most
snowboarding locations take place at elevations that are higher than where
you live. The altitude, even 1,000 feet, can dehydrate you. Drink lots of
water.
6) If you can, arrange for a snowboard lesson the first morning on your
arrival. Most lessons cost $20-40 depending on how long of a class you take.
The less expensive rates are for group lessons. Group lessons are a good idea
because not only are they cheaper, but you can watch other people's mistakes
and learn from them.
7) Most snowboard instructors will go over basic equipment with you, so don't
worry about what to rent. If they don't review equipment, then go to the
rental shop when you arrive and tell them straight-up that you are taking a
snowboarding lesson for the first time. They can set you up with the proper
equipment. Because snowboarding is a relatively new sport, most rental
facilities have excellent equipment. Renting a board, boots, and bindings
will cost you on average, $15-25 for the day.
8) Take a lesson from a professional instructor-NOT your boyfriend or husband
or significant other. The quickest way to end a relationship is to take a
lesson from someone you love. A snowboard instructor who doesn't know you
will teach you the basics without any attitude or preconceived notions about
just what you can do.
9) Be open-minded. Snowboarding has a steep, but short learning curve. If
you're a former skier, forget about all you've learned and listen to the
instructor with open ears. Snowboarding is about carving down the mountain on
two edges, not four, and in a sideways position like surfing or
skateboarding. This takes some getting used to, so just go with it.
10) Once you link your first few turns, even if you're going at a turtle's
pace, I assure you, you'll be hooked. That sensation of carving and moving
your body with your board is truly an adrenaline rush, not to mention super
fun.
Congratulations! You're now a snowboarder!
For more information about women and snowboards, check out Ms. Gasperini's column on Snowboarding-online.com under Circleplus.
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