Ski or snowboard? The right choice for beginners
Ski or snowboard? The right choice for beginners
“SNOWBOARDING IS MORE DIFFICULT TO LEARN BUT EASIER TO MASTER”.
This statement is often heard in the world of snow sports, and although each person is dedicated to a different sport, it is usually true.
In skiing, you can break down a beginner's technique in modules, but to perfect it you have to be very technical. Snowboarding is all about getting on the edges (both your heels and your toes). This is the hardest part, but once you do it, you'll master the basic technique of the sport and can become pretty good at it in no time, especially if you're brave!
The first days of learning to ski or snowboard
In the first two days, skiing is easier to learn than snowboarding. This is primarily because skiing is more intuitive than snowboarding for beginners, for two main reasons:
DISTANCE:
When skiing, your legs stay apart, so at slow speeds you can extend one leg to regain balance if you start to fall. When snowboarding, however, your feet are connected to the board, which can be uncomfortable and restrictive at first and takes some getting used to. If you start to fall, you will inevitably fall and take the hit.
POSURE:
The beginner skier has an unrestricted peripheral field of vision and can see exactly where he is going and what is in front of him, including other people and objects. In contrast, the body position in snowboarding is sideways and therefore the beginner has less peripheral vision, seeing only 50% of what is in front of him while skiing down the slopes. This can take some getting used to.
SNOWBOARDING:
Once these two (mainly psychological) obstacles are overcome, snowboard beginners can progress relatively quickly in the sport. The initially awkward fixation of the feet on the snowboard becomes an advantage as skiers discover that crossing the skis can become a problem; keeping the skis apart is an art in itself.
Snowboarding beginners who are lucky enough to own a monoski don't have to worry about this. Once they understand the basics of turning - first the shoulders, then the hips, then the ankles and feet, then the snowboard - they can start skiing the real slopes. The next step is to improve balance and increase speed. As speed increases, turning becomes even easier as there is less contact between the bottom of the board and the snow, reducing resistance when turning.
For most beginner snowboarders, the basics of downhill skiing and simple turns should be mastered in a week or two. The rest of the time on the slopes, in the park (and in the backcountry), you'll be increasing your speed, perfecting your turns, and pushing yourself to the next level.
SKIING :
For skiers, however, the hard work doesn't begin until after the one- or two-day honeymoon, and it likely takes much longer than snowboarders to master these basic skills. Having two separate skis on two separate legs is initially an advantage, but over time it becomes a problem as it takes time to move both legs simultaneously and in symmetry and harmony.
Beginners begin with the snow plow (also called pizza) - which brings the ski tips together and separates the ski tails - and straight skis (also called chips) on a practice slope to introduce the beginner to skiing in a straight line at high speed get used to. The next step is the snowblade turn (see picture), where the skier moves one ski outward to make a turn in the opposite direction.
In contrast to the rapid progress of snowboarders, in most cases beginners are able to master the snowplow turn by the end of the first week. Although the progression is more difficult and technically demanding, as skiers begin to ski the blue and red slopes, they discover a sport that continually presents new challenges to technique and skill. And mastering skiing, while difficult, is very rewarding precisely because it can be achieved.
Do I have to be fitter to ski or snowboard?
You have to be physically fit to be a good skier or snowboarder. However, at the beginning, skiing is a little more strenuous on the legs and thighs, while snowboarding requires more of the core muscles as the upper body is more involved in turning and balancing. Below are some recommended exercises for both sports, but it makes sense to develop a general fitness level for both sports:
SKIING:
Cycling is an option recommended by Snowskool, especially for skiers, as it strengthens the legs and puts less strain on the knees and joints than running. General leg strengthening exercises are also useful.
SNOWBOARDING:
Core strengthening exercises that focus on the abdominal muscles and lower back improve overall fitness, balance and injury prevention and are particularly useful for snowboarders. There are some excellent examples of core strengthening exercises, from simple crunches to Pilates, but paddleboarding is also a popular sport (on a board) that provides an excellent core workout in the off-season.
It should also be noted that beginners fall more often and harder when snowboarding. Therefore, learning to snowboard can be easier on the body if you are a little younger or in good shape.
Get ready for a good addiction!
For many people, snow sports are becoming a real addiction. A skier or snowboarder looks forward to a vacation in the mountains just as eagerly as a beachcomber looks forward to a summer vacation by the sea. And whether you choose skiing or snowboarding, if you get past the beginner stage and really get into it, it's likely to become an integral part of your life. You will want to move on and become an expert.
In contrast to other addictions, this one isn't that bad - you move around in the mountains, in the great outdoors and have fun. Both skiing and snowboarding have a strong social aspect, with the après-ski scene being an important part of both sports, so you'll make lots of friends.
Snowboarding is a sport that captures people's imagination. Over the years, many people who don't live in the mountains have seen pictures and videos of snowboarding and dreamed of participating.
It's a sport that's incredibly fun. Riding through the powder on a snowboard is as beautiful as life itself. But there is still a long way to go until then. It all starts with good training, where you have to avoid beginner mistakes when learning to snowboard.
SNOWBOARDING: THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
Snowboarding remains a popular pastime, but is not as popular among the general public as skiing. This is fascinating because there are many reasons to try snowboarding.
Yes, it is difficult to learn at first. If you're not well balanced, you're more likely to fall than ski, but you have to persevere. Once you learn the basics, the learning curve becomes easier and soon you can fly sideways over the mountain. If you still have doubts or need a little more encouragement, here are some reasons why people choose snowboarding:
EXHILANTE
There are few things more exciting and adrenaline-pumping than riding down a snowy slope on a snowboard, especially when it's covered in three feet of fresh powder. It's also very gentle, with little friction, and it's amazing to feel so relaxed and energized at the same time.
COMFORTABLE SHOES
Snowboard boots are much more comfortable than most ski boots. Skiers often look at those who wear hard plastic boots and wonder why they bother: they are difficult to put on and take off, a hassle to put on and take off, and for some people whose boots don't fit well, they are a pain to drive in. Snowboard boots are stiff and you'll be glad you can take them off at the end of the day, but they're much more comfortable on your feet.
CHALLENGE
For experienced skiers, snowboarding opens up a whole new world of possibilities. It can transform familiar slopes into adventurous new playgrounds and offer a new perspective on mountain play.
"The appeal of snowboarding is the freedom it gives you," says professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones, when he puts it well. "With a snowboard on your feet, the sky is the limit. You can do anything and go anywhere.
9 MISTAKES YOU SHOULD NOT MAKE
Who wouldn't want to learn to snowboard knowing these reasons? If you're ready to give it a try, there are a few things you should keep in mind. This list is not intended to intimidate you, but rather to make your first attempts on the slopes safer and more enjoyable. Here are some of the top mistakes you shouldn't make:
1) DON’T TAKE YOUR TIME.
Whether you have a lot of experience skiing, skateboarding or snowboarding or none at all, you can't rush into snowboarding. It's a completely different sport that takes time and patience to perfect. However, if you are willing to put in the time and attention, you will be rewarded. Once you take this step, things will move in the right direction very quickly.
2) NOT BEING FIT
Snowboarding is a very physically demanding sport. From the outside it may look like you're driving down a hill. In reality, you use almost every muscle group in your body to shift, turn, stop, and balance your weight. It is important that you have a certain level of strength and endurance before hitting the slopes. As with all sports, the fitter you are, the better you will perform.
3) WORRYING ABOUT LOOKING LIKE A BEGINNER.
Nothing is more obvious than a beginner's attempt to dissemble. Everyone remembers their first steps on a snowboard, so don't worry. Focus on yourself and do your best.
4) STANDING WHILE BACKING
One of the most common mistakes is the way you attach your feet to the boards. Although many experienced snowboarders ride standing up, you shouldn't try this. Instead, sit down by flexing your feet and then stand up. This will prevent you from losing your balance and falling down the slope or injuring yourself while putting on the equipment.
5) BREAK YOUR FALL WITH YOUR HANDS.
On your first outings you will fall, there is no other option. In this case, do not try to break your fall with your hands (you could break your wrists). Instead, let your clothing and snow cushion your fall. This may seem unwise, but it is often the safest solution.
6) WEARING THE WRONG CLOTHES
It is very important to wear the right clothes, but very few beginners get it right. Start with a base layer to keep you dry, add a mid layer to keep you warm, and an outer layer to keep out wind and moisture. You should be prepared for adverse weather conditions, but you will probably be warm enough when you learn to snowboard, especially in the first few days.
7) DO NOT TAKE PROFESSIONAL LESSONS
You have three options to learn to snowboard. You can (a) try to learn on your own, (b) ask a friend to teach you, or (c) take professional lessons. The first option is doomed to failure, while the second option may get you started (but probably won't give you the skills and techniques you need). The third option is the best because you need to master proper form and technique if you want to reach a decent level.
8) GO TO THE SLOPES ALONE
As a snowboard beginner, you should never go on the slopes alone. Even if there are other people on the slopes, you need a friend, partner or teacher who will look after you and be your "buddy". Hopefully nothing happens, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
9) BEING TOO FRUSTRATED
Snowboarding is not the hardest sport in the world, but it requires endurance to survive the numerous falls in the first few days. Try not to be frustrated and understand that every child you know has had the same learning problems.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
At ALLTRACKS Academy we love everything that has to do with snow. Whether skiing or snowboarding, we're always up for a little fun on the slopes. We also believe there is no better place to learn than Whistler Blackcomb, Canada.
Although our snowboard courses are not for beginners, you don't have to be an expert to join us. If after learning to snowboard you feel like you have found your new calling, contact us. We offer a range of unique ski and snowboard courses, instructor courses, advanced courses, off-piste training and much more. We would be happy to advise you about our offerings and help you find the right course for you.
