Maggie’s Going snowboarding for spring break. Suggestions?

[5RWill]

Going to lake Tahoe for spring break and we'll be snow boarding 4 of the 5 days we're there. Been watching videos to kind of get an understanding of all the technique required. I use to skim board and skate board a little when I was younger. Anyhow how demanding is it? Do you need to be able to run miles on end to snowboard or just be decently in shape?

Also is being slew footed a disadvantage? Cause my feet angle outward to put them straight forward bends my knees inward and is very uncomfortable.

 

[BapZander]

My personal experience snowboarding is you don't have to be able to run for miles, but having experience sliding down a hill face first is beneficial...

Seriously, if you're just starting, definitely take a class the first day, then decide if you want to take a class the second day. I am (was) a good skier and decent skateboarder, but still spent the first couple days on my face or ass.

 

[Wolfrandal]

Hopefully we will have some new snow for you when you show up. Otherwise it will be concrete snow until the sun bakes on it a few hours. If thats the case, try and do half day in the afternoon. Plan on taking a lesson a couple times. They have some great package deals on rentals and lessons. Snowboarding is hard on the body when you crash. There is really no easy way to fall gracefully when you wipe out when learning. You WILL catch an edge. You don't need to be able to run marathons to learn it to have fun. It is demanding though. It uses muscles you wouldn't normally use. I would recommend going a day or two then taking a day off and repeat. To many days in a row being a newbe runs a risk of injury if you push it to much. Get rest and be hydrated when you go and keep hydrated. Don't forget sunscreen. Your forearms, butt and shoulders will be sore from pushing and getting up. You will spend a ton of time on your butt. be careful getting off the chair. Pay attention to this from your instructor. Listen carefully to what he says. One foot being out of your binding can pose a threat to your knee if you fall. Also, when learning, try not to put your hands out to stop a fall. Make fists and keep them tucked to you. Never walk down the mountain, stay strapped in to your board. The edge of your board is the only way to stop or slow down, apart from hitting a tree or lift pi long.

Sorry for all these dos and don'ts. I have been riding a long time and these tips would have helped me when I was learning. All the mountains up here have good packages for you. If you want, hit me up with the dates you will be up here and a number and if you are going to a mountain my passes are good for I'll join you and show you some helpful stuff. My pass is good for Heavenly, kirkwood, and north star. I think I can get some discounted ticks to Mnt Rose.

Anyway, hope this helps.

Randal

 

[5RWill]

My personal experience snowboarding is you don't have to be able to run for miles, but having experience sliding down a hill face first is beneficial...

Seriously, if you're just starting, definitely take a class the first day, then decide if you want to take a class the second day. I am (was) a good skier and decent skateboarder, but still spent the first couple days on my face or ass.

Buddy and I both planned on lessons the first day. I'm trying to relate it to what little skim boarding i did. Which when i first skim boarded it took a day of falling to get it down. I've heard it's similar to skateboarding but snow is a slippery medium as opposed to friction on the ground due to wheels or a boards surface on water.

Hopefully we will have some new snow for you when you show up. Otherwise it will be concrete snow until the sun bakes on it a few hours. If thats the case, try and do half day in the afternoon. Plan on taking a lesson a couple times. They have some great package deals on rentals and lessons. Snowboarding is hard on the body when you crash. There is really no easy way to fall gracefully when you wipe out when learning. You WILL catch an edge. You don't need to be able to run marathons to learn it to have fun. It is demanding though. It uses muscles you wouldn't normally use. I would recommend going a day or two then taking a day off and repeat. To many days in a row being a newbe runs a risk of injury if you push it to much. Get rest and be hydrated when you go and keep hydrated. Don't forget sunscreen. Your forearms, butt and shoulders will be sore from pushing and getting up. You will spend a ton of time on your butt. be careful getting off the chair. Pay attention to this from your instructor. Listen carefully to what he says. One foot being out of your binding can pose a threat to your knee if you fall. Also, when learning, try not to put your hands out to stop a fall. Make fists and keep them tucked to you. Never walk down the mountain, stay strapped in to your board. The edge of your board is the only way to stop or slow down, apart from hitting a tree or lift pi long.

Sorry for all these dos and don'ts. I have been riding a long time and these tips would have helped me when I was learning. All the mountains up here have good packages for you. If you want, hit me up with the dates you will be up here and a number and if you are going to a mountain my passes are good for I'll join you and show you some helpful stuff. My pass is good for Heavenly, kirkwood, and north star. I think I can get some discounted ticks to Mnt Rose.

Anyway, hope this helps.

Randal

I've been checking the weather next for Tahoe looks like it's going to be in the 50-60s? Which is a little weird but apparently the mountain is colder or so weather reports claim. I also saw an old video of a young professional snow boarding talking about making a fist rather than putting all that pressure on your wrist. I think we'll be on Heavenly IIRC. Which from looking at the pictures didn't seem to bad compared to what i was expecting. I plan on staying on the "bunny" slopes till i can move around properly as well as stop. Might have to shoot you a call when we head that way. We'll be there all next week IIRC from This coming Sunday to next Saturday. I think i'm going to really enjoy it i just wish i didn't live so far south and had somewhere to snowboard to really get good at it. Already trying to plan a trip in december with a bigger group lol. Sounds crazy but if it's remotely like skim boarding i know i'm going to love it.

 

[Wolfrandal]

Pm sending with some info. I should have some time off next week. Im only 20-30 away from the heavenly.

You guys will love it. South lake is cool and right by heavenly if you are staying up there.

Randal

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

Snow boarding is easier in most respects to skim boarding and/or skate boarding as your bindings firmly attach you to the board. Balance of course is critical in all of the boarding sports. Lots of squats help build the muscle groups that are important and don't worry about your foot angle as you can adjust the angle of your bindings to compensate. I skied for 15 years before riding and have never looked back. If you take an hour lesson you'll be able to get around the rest of the day, then like everyting else it's experience. Good luck!

 

[168BTHPM]

This hill look like fun.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.liveleak.com/ll_embed?f=559824702f07" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[battle-scarred]

I live and snowboard in the lake tahoe area, and in my opinion some of the most enjoyable riding is in the spring. If its warm enough to keep the snow soft, then it is like poor mans powder and very forgiving. However, if it has been below freezing at night, dont go too early in the morning, wait for the sun to soften the snow a bit, and stay on the southern facing slopes. Be aware that shady areas will still be frozen. Conditions will vary, be prepared for anything.

Now for some tips on learning to ride. Dont focus on your skimboard experience. I can assure that it is not similar other than sliding on a board. For one thing, you can get out of control on a snowboard and crash at 60+ mph. I have personally been speed checked at over 80 mph. When you crash ( you will crash) keep your arms tucked in, or you risk shoulder dislocation. My riding partner has had multiple shoulder surgeries thanks to this.
You will be tempted to ride on very flat bunny hills, but it is difficult to go slow on a board and not catch edges. Riding on a medium steepness slope will actually be easier for you, since it is easier to always have one edge or the other engaged. If you are having trouble on a flat slope, try something a little steeper.
When you are riding, you should have an athletic, crouched stance. Bend at the knees, not the waist. Bend at the knees, not the waist. Bend at the knees, not the waist. When you bend at the waist, your center of gravity is too far out over your toe edge. You will fall on your face, and exhaust your back muscles. Every noob rider struggles with this.
As you travel down the mountain, especially as you gain speed, you will instinctively lean back from the downhill. This takes weight off of the nose of your board, and you will not be able to turn. Keep an aggressive stance and lean into the nose of your board. Imagine trying to turn a car when your front wheels are not on the ground.

Ok, this is important. As you are learning, you will not be making quick turns and you will be using the whole run to make your turns. Be aware of other skiers and riders who are uphill of you as you turn back and forth across the run. Some of them will be going by very quickly in a straight line and not turning at all. Bunny hills are usually at the bottom of the mountain, and expert skiers and riders will be present. Be aware of blind areas and whether you are in one. If you crash in a blind spot, get out of it as quickly as possible. When you stop to rest, make sure that you are visible to uphill riders from a long ways away.

You will see riders in the trees, slashing fresh pow and having fun. DO NOT GO IN THE TREES YOURSELF. They will kill you.

I ride all of the mountains around here, and I would recommend Heavenly for you. Heavenly is where I take my wife. There are lots of medium steepness, wide open runs, with plenty of room to turn and learn. The staff is friendly, and pretty girls are everywhere. Big Dipper is a nice run with an awesome view. You can see my house in the valley from the Dipper lift. Oh, being somewhat duck foot is not a disadvantage at all. To the contrary actually.

If you have more questions, just shoot me a pm. I love riding and enjoy helping people learn the sport.

 

[slm9s]

your quads get the most work, as they are the shock absorbers as your board goes up and down over bumps. your calves will be burning at times too. Squats will help, but I'd do more leg cardio stuff like running stairs or (gasp) stairsteppers or whatever.
An orthopedic surgeon I work with told me there's a small study that showed people learning how to snowboard over the age of 40 or 45 (i forget which) have a 100% wrist fracture incidence. Be careful.
Pray for powder, as learning means falling, and falling on hardpack (ice) surprisingly isn't nearly as fun as falling into 12" of soft beautiful powder.
Once you get the hang of it though, making turns in the trees in nice powder is one of the best things in life.

 

[SledDog]

I would say the parts to focus on are;

1. get on your front foot. This was hard for me, I'm used to either balance or being on the back foot. Lean forward.
2. Be aggressive. Don't halfway decide to make a move or you'll waver and catch an edge. Go for it.
3. It may not seem like it but faster is easier.

 

[Gildoom]

I don't snowboard but ski'd at Kirkwood, when you get to the better level it is one of my favorite places to go to up there. Squaw is a waste of money, for what you get out of it, but you should go once to say you did. I do have to say Squaw one time I went on the "expert" area where they stopped you and asked if you knew what you were doing. That was amazing, the powder was nuts, but it had some pretty steep stuff later.

 

[JWV]

I went a couple of years ago. It was my 11th year snowboarding so I was not a beginner. I went to Northstar, Sugarbowl, and Squaw. I thought Squaw was the best and 50 bucks with a college ID was nice too. I got into some massive powder runs and pallisading dropping. As far as being in shape, some cardio doesn't hurt at all. I was recovering from pneumonia, bronchitis, and a common cold when I went out so my lungs were in terrible shape. The biggerst I had was foot fatigue. Jogging doesn't prepare you for that. Only lots and lots of riding. In Michigan, I couldn't get long runs so my feet never really got in good shape. Anyhoo, I personally thought Squaw was the best overall and Northstar had the best park. Check out youtube for some good instructional videos as well.

 

[gregsjt]

As you travel down the mountain, especially as you gain speed, you will instinctively lean back from the downhill. This takes weight off of the nose of your board, and you will not be able to turn. Keep an aggressive stance and lean into the nose of your board. Imagine trying to turn a car when your front wheels are not on the ground.

This ^^^^

Snowboarding is a lot different than water based board sports or skateboarding. You need to keep the majority of your weight on your front foot, which, like the gentlemen above stated, is counterintuitive when you're speeding down a steep mountain.

 

[Maggot]

Belize. Its a lot warmer and no snow. Ever.

 

[P7id10t]

There's some sage advice and glad you're taking lessons.

I skied for 37 years, been riding for the past 6, never looked back.
You'll check muscle groups but if you're in fair shape you should be fine.

That said, some added advice:
1) if your head is particular about helmets that fit, bring your own helmet.
2) strongly discourage getting high while you are a NooB rider. Believe me, riding is its own exhilarating high.
3) learn to understand your edges -- if you catch an edge, it becomes a fulcrum/hinge and you slam into the ground with whatever velocity you are riding at. Faceplants often hurt, back plants can crush the back of your skull if you don't have a helmet. Broken wrists are not uncommon due to boarders putting their arms out to break their fall....
4) I have always owned my own equipment, but if your rental is sub-standard or your board too small, it can be very unpleasant. You need to be snug in your boots because they are how you steer, even though it's how you apply your weight to the board that steers it.

Enjoy - it's one of the most awesome, exhilarating and liberating sports you can do that doesn't involve jumping out of airplanes.

 

[judgedelta]

+1 for Roatan and Anthony's Key...

 

[5RWill]

Thanks for all the advice guys i'm excited can't wait. Really having a hard time studying this week. Wonder how long it takes to get this good lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh29_SERH0Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYF71MfHakc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKABzEquWuo

 

[Phil1]

Thanks for all the advice guys i'm excited can't wait. Really having a hard time studying this week. Wonder how long it takes to get this good lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh29_SERH0Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYF71MfHakc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKABzEquWuo

Damn I was reading this thread and thought that I should post a link to those exact two movies. As a way to get you fired up about snowboarding.

Although this one I like as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPfNqHyS4Pw

Red Bull is expanding the Ultranatural event this is part of the e-mail they sent me "Red Bull Supernatural has been renamed Red Bull Super Selection". Er... no they haven't invited me!

Snowboarding deep powder in the backcountry is the best. I go cat-skiing for a week every winter, stupid fun.

Take lessons to start, wear a helmet.

 

[Francqua]

Try Mount Bachelor in Central Oregon ! Near Bend, Oregon... With 24 micro-breweries and counting !!!

 

[hawk_ce]

First stock up on motrin! You are going to be sore.. no matter what any body says you are going to be thrashed the first day!
Second get wrist gaurds. This late in the season the conditions are sketchy and you are going to fall at least one hundred times the first day and you will
try and catch yourself everytime with your hands.
Third just get a lesson and listen to your instructor.
Fourth make sure there is a make sure the bar is close so you drink you sorrows away.

 

[knockemdown]

Absolutely dude, wear a helmet & wrist guards!
Remember the phrase "heels or toes!!!". If you ain't on one, be on the other...

Don't turn too quickly, use the width of the run to maintain balance on one edge and bleed off speed by angling back upslope if you have to.
When you do turn, fully commit, keep your weight downhill and lean into the turn. Then get on your other edge and ride it back across. Rinse & repeat...
Don't get ahead of yourself, get those basics down and you'll be golden! Endure the pain, cuz its worth it in the end.
Be safe & have fun...

 

[5RWill]

Well got maybe a day in. We tried for 2 hours the first day cause we got there late. Then had the lesson the next day. And whilst getting up on my toe edge on the slope my heel edge caught and i fell down the slope and landed on my tail bone and bruised it pretty bad. That was pretty much the end of snowboarding for the week. Tried to get back up and my legs were shaky i was fighting the board and all other sorts of nonsense. Got pretty frustrating needless to say planning on giving it another whirl in december in better conditions. Slopes pretty much were ice in tahoe last week.

This kid is awesome 13 year old doing a triple cork.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVljQ9JccsY