Snowboarding Tips & Tricks for Teenagers
Everyone wants to look good on the slopes, but snowboarding can take a while to master. Try our tips to fast track your boarding ability:Prepare
Do as much walking, running and climbing as you can beforehand. Building up your lower body strength will make boarding far easier and help protect you against injuries.
Relax
The biggest barrier to improving is "the fear". Check out the juniors on the slopes; chances are they`re zipping around without a care in the world. Think like a 5 year old and lose your inhibitions. Tensed up muscles make you ache far more the next day and make you more prone to injury. Relax, breathe, enjoy the scenery and if all else fails make sure you try out the sauna when you get off the slopes so you can start the next day fresh and ready!
Get technical
Getting lessons from early on is a good move. It means you develop the right technique as second nature, making it easier to progress to harder skills without having to go back and re-learn how things should be done. If you`ve got time opt for group lessons, which let you meet other like-minded boarders who can be good snow buddies for afternoons of freestyling.
Practice makes perfect
Ever wondered why the best boarders come from countries with mountains? Unfortunately there`s no easy way to mastering snowboarding. Becoming a pro takes a lot of hard work. Everyone needs to go over the same techniques again and again until it sticks. Having said that, there can`t be many better places to spend hours every day! Remember, every wipe out means you`re one step closer to making that 360 …
Use sunscreen
Want to end up looking like a piece of old leather? Thought not. Highly reflective snow and high altitude can be both dazzling and leave your skin more burnt than a week on the beach. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from the rays and ensure good visibility as you`re hitting the slopes. Wear high factor sunscreen for your face and lips and don`t forget your ears!
Get kitted out
Be safe on the slopes and remember wrist guards. These are crucial bits of equipment and protect against wrist fractures, the most common snowboarding injury. Mountain weather can change quickly and this means you`ve also got to dress right. When you`re hitting the snow, layering up is key. Start off with breathable layers and add fleeces as you need. As well as your waterproof jacket, proper boarding pants are a must. If you`re a learner, you`ll spend some time on the first few days sat on your bottom on the slopes so you`ll really appreciate them, especially if they`ve got padding!
Safety and warmth are important but don`t compromise on style. Check out brands such as Volcom for the latest adults range of boarding pants, jackets, layers and accessories to really get you looking the part on the slopes this winter.