Why snowboarding might be for you

Expert tips on how to take up snowboarding at any age

Snowboarding can be intimidating, even to experienced skiers, but it’s actually a great sport for beginners. Tammy Esten, a British snowboard instructor and founder of Morzine-based MINT Snowboarding, reveals what worries people most when they first step on the board, what they might have done wrong if they tried once and failed, and why you should give it a go.

Take lessons

Snowboarding holidays for beginners have to be about lessons – not just having a go on your own. “The sport loses a lot of newcomers because people try to do it alone” , says Tammy. “It’s something we see time and again – people hiring a board and just giving it a go.”

Snowboarding for beginners is challenging and the potential for injury is high, but it can be fun if done correctly.

“So many people book lessons and hire a snowboard, then take it out and have a go themselves before the lesson and break a wrist – and it’s often people who can ski already. If you can ski, it doesn’t mean you can just grab a snowboard and give it a go” , says Tammy.

All ages and types of people can snowboard

Snowboarding has a bit of a ‘scene’ around it, and people often assume they need to wear baggy clothes and have long hair. While this appeals to many people, including rebellious teenagers, don’t let it put you off, says Tammy.

“It’s our job as an instructor to get rid of that image. Snowboarding is, and should be, seen as welcoming and achievable for everyone – we all have to start somewhere. And don’t worry about what to wear snowboarding: you can use the same kit as for skiing.”

Many would-be beginner snowboarders also think they’re too old to learn to snowboard. “When they first get on a snowboard, people are scared of falling over and hurting themselves — there’s an idea that it’s a young person’s sport but it doesn’t have to be” , says Tammy. “I’ve taught a 73-year-old from scratch and we teach children from the age of three. It can be a great family activity.”

Snowboarding is not always quicker to learn

Some people think snowboarding is easier to learn than skiing, but while the learning curve can initially be a lot quicker, you can’t stop taking lessons, warns Tammy.

“Snowboarding comes naturally to lots of people, while others find it as challenging as skiing. You can get to an intermediate level quite quickly compared to skiing, but progressing from there can stop entirely unless you take tuition – especially if you’re lacking in confidence”, she explains. “Often people get scared the first time they take turns that require them to point their snowboard down the hill.”

The key to learning to snowboard is keep trying and it will suddenly click into place. It generally takes three days to get confident on a board and Club Med offers five days of lessons. According to a Club Med Ski Travel Expert, a schedule for learning to snowboard could be:

Day One: Introduction to the equipment before learning how to stand on your board and gain your balance. Then you’ll learn how to control speed and steer your board.

Day Two: Learning to link your first turns on the beginner’s slope, improving the flow and gradually getting tighter.

Day Three: Move to the open slopes, putting everything you have learned so far into practice. You’ll also learn about understanding the different types of snow and terrain, and how to adjust your technique.

Day Four: Time to tackle some steeper runs, try a few easy off-piste routes and even learn how to make small jumps.

Day Five: Your instructor will give you feedback on what you have achieved so far and recommend runs and techniques to move on to. You’re then free to enjoy the slopes as a fully fledged snowboarder.

Comfy equipment

Snowboarding equipment is definitely easier and more comfortable to use than skiing kit. It is also much easier to walk in! Trousers should be larger for more freedom of movement and impact protection gear are a must for newbies such as knee pads, protection pants and wrist guards.

“Skiers’ initial reaction when they put on snowboarding boots is always that they’re really comfy” , says Tammy, with a laugh. “But don’t forget to do the boots up properly – they’re not a pair of sloppy trainers! The equipment is also more comfortable to walk around in, because you have one snowboard, instead of two skis and two poles. I started skiing at the age of two but if I ski now, I find getting to the lifts horrendously cumbersome!”

Fitness and snowboarding exercises

When you’re learning any new sport, you’re going to progress faster and easier if you have a certain level of fitness. Thinking that you don’t have to be fit to go on a snowboarding holiday for beginners is ridiculous, says Tammy.

“Snowboarding is tiring on your body, especially the first week or two when you’re a beginner. You’ll set yourself up for success if you reach a good level of basic fitness in advance – it’s such a shame when you see people get pooped after a few runs. Kids who skateboard, or anyone who surfs, will have a head start and pick it up more quickly. The familiarity with sliding sideways is a real head start, and you’ll be using similar muscles.”

Simple but effective snowboarding exercises including cycling, swimming, jump squats, single leg bends, and pull-ups.

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