Learning to snowboard, how hard?
Discussion
Per others on the thread, I did the beginners course at Hemel in my late 20s, had a great instructor and took a few hours to get to a level sufficient for the main slope. I picked up it fairly quickly and so did most the others on the course.
The first day of my holiday I had a bit of a confusing morning trying to remember what I'd learnt so paid for a 2:1 lesson with my girlfriend in the afternoon. This was money well spent and enough to iron out some issues to get me away for the rest of the holiday and subsequent years!
Would recommend getting your own boots as hire boots stink, are worn out and may be a crap fit which will increase fatigue and reduce your enjoyment. Have fun!
The first day of my holiday I had a bit of a confusing morning trying to remember what I'd learnt so paid for a 2:1 lesson with my girlfriend in the afternoon. This was money well spent and enough to iron out some issues to get me away for the rest of the holiday and subsequent years!
Would recommend getting your own boots as hire boots stink, are worn out and may be a crap fit which will increase fatigue and reduce your enjoyment. Have fun!
Fluffsri said:
I learnt to board in 2002 with the idea to go on a holiday, badly dislocated shoulder falling off an MTB before I booked a holiday so never went. I did find boarding easier to learn than skiing, I was a confident skier at the time.
Im off to St Anton in Jan 19 with 18 others, I have first lesson on Thursday night and have bought knee pads, padded shorts, wrist guards and a helmet. Ive been dying to go since 02 and am finally managing to scratch the itch. Will see how the lessons go.
Went there two years back, had a great time, it's a very well appointed resort with great infrastructure. Drop into the Moosewirt on the way back home, I've never been one for apres-ski, but an alpine barn full of rowdy germans dancing on the tables to cheesey euro-pop converted me Im off to St Anton in Jan 19 with 18 others, I have first lesson on Thursday night and have bought knee pads, padded shorts, wrist guards and a helmet. Ive been dying to go since 02 and am finally managing to scratch the itch. Will see how the lessons go.
Taking my first winter season off in 10 years, shoulder surgery recovery, and married life draining the bank acct 
Trying to organise Park City utah in winter 2020 though. Went to Breckenridge/Keystone for 2 weeks last season, and the US resorts are another level in terms of parks...highly recommend getting over there.
Should be back park shaping at Hemel in the new year, feel free to drop me a PM if anyone rides there.
Trying to organise Park City utah in winter 2020 though. Went to Breckenridge/Keystone for 2 weeks last season, and the US resorts are another level in terms of parks...highly recommend getting over there.
Should be back park shaping at Hemel in the new year, feel free to drop me a PM if anyone rides there.
CrutyRammers said:
Fluffsri said:
I learnt to board in 2002 with the idea to go on a holiday, badly dislocated shoulder falling off an MTB before I booked a holiday so never went. I did find boarding easier to learn than skiing, I was a confident skier at the time.
Im off to St Anton in Jan 19 with 18 others, I have first lesson on Thursday night and have bought knee pads, padded shorts, wrist guards and a helmet. Ive been dying to go since 02 and am finally managing to scratch the itch. Will see how the lessons go.
Went there two years back, had a great time, it's a very well appointed resort with great infrastructure. Drop into the Moosewirt on the way back home, I've never been one for apres-ski, but an alpine barn full of rowdy germans dancing on the tables to cheesey euro-pop converted me Im off to St Anton in Jan 19 with 18 others, I have first lesson on Thursday night and have bought knee pads, padded shorts, wrist guards and a helmet. Ive been dying to go since 02 and am finally managing to scratch the itch. Will see how the lessons go.
CrutyRammers said:
Went there two years back, had a great time, it's a very well appointed resort with great infrastructure. Drop into the Moosewirt on the way back home, I've never been one for apres-ski, but an alpine barn full of rowdy germans dancing on the tables to cheesey euro-pop converted me
Krazy Kangaroo for me.Why boarding out of interest? Noticed a real drop off in popularity of boarding.
I have done a day, I was already a decent skier, I’d like to do more but with such limited time in the mountains I am loathed to give up good ski days to go back to basics.
Definitely get lessons, and the gear; falling hurts.
I have done a day, I was already a decent skier, I’d like to do more but with such limited time in the mountains I am loathed to give up good ski days to go back to basics.
Definitely get lessons, and the gear; falling hurts.
malks222 said:
Cannot believe its taken so many replies before I've seen anyone suggest buying impact pants!!!! they are an absolute life (well arse) saver! I now ski, but when I was boarding I actually felt like something was missing when I wasnt wearing mine. they save my ass/ tail bone far too many times. definitely should be one of the first things you buy!
This is very good advice. I've been boarding for 20 years and wouldn't dream of heading out without my Dianese impact shorts. Due to some great early conditions I'll be in Obergurgl this Friday 👍
Pretty much everything has been said already, plenty of good advice.
I started about 20 years ago I guess, went to France booked some lessons, instructor couldn't speak much of any English and spent 3 days on my backside basically! Wrists, knees and posterior all took a beating. I ended up taking a day off to recover and take plenty of painkillers, the next day got a different instructor who actually took some time to spend 1-2-1 and it clicked.
As per the others, get some protective gear, I don't wear anything other than a helmet now for protection but the odd stack I'll clench my fists to protect my wrists.
I've jumped out of helicopters in proper back country and done some daft things since, I love it just need to be careful.
I'd say 3-7 days you'll be up to speed, those 1 day courses are probably a good taster but don't expect to be linking turns etc.
I started about 20 years ago I guess, went to France booked some lessons, instructor couldn't speak much of any English and spent 3 days on my backside basically! Wrists, knees and posterior all took a beating. I ended up taking a day off to recover and take plenty of painkillers, the next day got a different instructor who actually took some time to spend 1-2-1 and it clicked.
As per the others, get some protective gear, I don't wear anything other than a helmet now for protection but the odd stack I'll clench my fists to protect my wrists.
I've jumped out of helicopters in proper back country and done some daft things since, I love it just need to be careful.
I'd say 3-7 days you'll be up to speed, those 1 day courses are probably a good taster but don't expect to be linking turns etc.
Well after all the comments in here, I went into the 8 hour lesson with low expectations, and am quite pleased with how much I improved during the day.
They taught us to go backwards to start with which seemed really odd, but soon managed to get the hang of it.
Then they had us going forwards, and I was struggling to go more than 5 feet without going on my ass, but after a few hours I was able to go down the slope mostly without going on my ass, and even stopping at the bottom upright occasionally!
Then they had us turning and switching from forward to backwards, which just seemed impossible!!
My biggest failure seems to be turning smoothly, I just couldn't put the weight onto one foot/leg without twisting my body and ending a heap on the floor.
However I feel part of this was due to how busy the slope was, it was very difficult to find some space, as the moment someone came close to me or fall in front of me, it put me off guard and ended up slamming myself down to save taking them out.
The other was after falling on my ass on the slope getting back up, especially by the end of the day once my energy was exhausted!
My body is certainly aching a bit now, not looking forward to tomorrow morning!!
Im going to book a 2 hour level 3 lesson for in a fortnight and a days lift pass, and have another bash at it...
They taught us to go backwards to start with which seemed really odd, but soon managed to get the hang of it.
Then they had us going forwards, and I was struggling to go more than 5 feet without going on my ass, but after a few hours I was able to go down the slope mostly without going on my ass, and even stopping at the bottom upright occasionally!
Then they had us turning and switching from forward to backwards, which just seemed impossible!!
My biggest failure seems to be turning smoothly, I just couldn't put the weight onto one foot/leg without twisting my body and ending a heap on the floor.
However I feel part of this was due to how busy the slope was, it was very difficult to find some space, as the moment someone came close to me or fall in front of me, it put me off guard and ended up slamming myself down to save taking them out.
The other was after falling on my ass on the slope getting back up, especially by the end of the day once my energy was exhausted!
My body is certainly aching a bit now, not looking forward to tomorrow morning!!
Im going to book a 2 hour level 3 lesson for in a fortnight and a days lift pass, and have another bash at it...
Been boarding 1-3 times a year since 2001. Love it. Had some mate skiers who made the switch after watching us noobs hitting jumps and being playful. They all switched back now as they have got older.
I strongly recommend you buy impact shorts. My cocyx (spell) still plays up, mostly because of falls in my first week (the first two days with a board and no tuition where I thought it would be easy due to skateboarding as a kid).
Watch some youtube guides maybe?
Learn to fall gracefully, don't just slam down on your arse. learn to lower yourself and roll or slide with the impact. Learn to backwards roll if need be to avoid the crashing hits to the head! Or forwards roll turn and get back up again to avoid slamming face first.
When you see an uphill or flat then learn to be brave and keep your speed, walking uphill or 'skating' sucks.
Take as much tuition as you can afford and in small groups on holiday. You will get the most out of it.
Enjoy!!!
I strongly recommend you buy impact shorts. My cocyx (spell) still plays up, mostly because of falls in my first week (the first two days with a board and no tuition where I thought it would be easy due to skateboarding as a kid).
Watch some youtube guides maybe?
Learn to fall gracefully, don't just slam down on your arse. learn to lower yourself and roll or slide with the impact. Learn to backwards roll if need be to avoid the crashing hits to the head! Or forwards roll turn and get back up again to avoid slamming face first.
When you see an uphill or flat then learn to be brave and keep your speed, walking uphill or 'skating' sucks.
Take as much tuition as you can afford and in small groups on holiday. You will get the most out of it.
Enjoy!!!
Contract Killer said:
Well after all the comments in here, I went into the 8 hour lesson with low expectations, and am quite pleased with how much I improved during the day.
They taught us to go backwards to start with which seemed really odd, but soon managed to get the hang of it.
Then they had us going forwards, and I was struggling to go more than 5 feet without going on my ass, but after a few hours I was able to go down the slope mostly without going on my ass, and even stopping at the bottom upright occasionally!
Then they had us turning and switching from forward to backwards, which just seemed impossible!!
My biggest failure seems to be turning smoothly, I just couldn't put the weight onto one foot/leg without twisting my body and ending a heap on the floor.
However I feel part of this was due to how busy the slope was, it was very difficult to find some space, as the moment someone came close to me or fall in front of me, it put me off guard and ended up slamming myself down to save taking them out.
The other was after falling on my ass on the slope getting back up, especially by the end of the day once my energy was exhausted!
My body is certainly aching a bit now, not looking forward to tomorrow morning!!
Im going to book a 2 hour level 3 lesson for in a fortnight and a days lift pass, and have another bash at it...
Sounds like good progress! You should be pleased with yourself! I went to the snow centre last Saturday to test out my new step on bindings and practice switch riding (it’s really rusty) fell over once trying to avoid another boarder but feel that I took away a lot from the session! They taught us to go backwards to start with which seemed really odd, but soon managed to get the hang of it.
Then they had us going forwards, and I was struggling to go more than 5 feet without going on my ass, but after a few hours I was able to go down the slope mostly without going on my ass, and even stopping at the bottom upright occasionally!
Then they had us turning and switching from forward to backwards, which just seemed impossible!!
My biggest failure seems to be turning smoothly, I just couldn't put the weight onto one foot/leg without twisting my body and ending a heap on the floor.
However I feel part of this was due to how busy the slope was, it was very difficult to find some space, as the moment someone came close to me or fall in front of me, it put me off guard and ended up slamming myself down to save taking them out.
The other was after falling on my ass on the slope getting back up, especially by the end of the day once my energy was exhausted!
My body is certainly aching a bit now, not looking forward to tomorrow morning!!
Im going to book a 2 hour level 3 lesson for in a fortnight and a days lift pass, and have another bash at it...
Contract Killer said:
Well after all the comments in here, I went into the 8 hour lesson with low expectations, and am quite pleased with how much I improved during the day.
8 hour lesson!!! Wow! I'm doing 4 nights of 90 mins and knackered after 90 mins lol. I've had a couple of sit downs and have been glad of my padded shorts. Ive had one tumble which was a full on backwards somersault and luckily I'm great at falling off MTBs so I know how to land Contract Killer said:
Well after all the comments in here, I went into the 8 hour lesson with low expectations, and am quite pleased with how much I improved during the day.
They taught us to go backwards to start with which seemed really odd, but soon managed to get the hang of it.
Then they had us going forwards, and I was struggling to go more than 5 feet without going on my ass, but after a few hours I was able to go down the slope mostly without going on my ass, and even stopping at the bottom upright occasionally!
Then they had us turning and switching from forward to backwards, which just seemed impossible!!
My biggest failure seems to be turning smoothly, I just couldn't put the weight onto one foot/leg without twisting my body and ending a heap on the floor.
However I feel part of this was due to how busy the slope was, it was very difficult to find some space, as the moment someone came close to me or fall in front of me, it put me off guard and ended up slamming myself down to save taking them out.
The other was after falling on my ass on the slope getting back up, especially by the end of the day once my energy was exhausted!
My body is certainly aching a bit now, not looking forward to tomorrow morning!!
Im going to book a 2 hour level 3 lesson for in a fortnight and a days lift pass, and have another bash at it...
Sounds like you started on the main slope, which I didn't expect! Well done though, 8 hours is one hell of a session, especially when you're new They taught us to go backwards to start with which seemed really odd, but soon managed to get the hang of it.
Then they had us going forwards, and I was struggling to go more than 5 feet without going on my ass, but after a few hours I was able to go down the slope mostly without going on my ass, and even stopping at the bottom upright occasionally!
Then they had us turning and switching from forward to backwards, which just seemed impossible!!
My biggest failure seems to be turning smoothly, I just couldn't put the weight onto one foot/leg without twisting my body and ending a heap on the floor.
However I feel part of this was due to how busy the slope was, it was very difficult to find some space, as the moment someone came close to me or fall in front of me, it put me off guard and ended up slamming myself down to save taking them out.
The other was after falling on my ass on the slope getting back up, especially by the end of the day once my energy was exhausted!
My body is certainly aching a bit now, not looking forward to tomorrow morning!!
Im going to book a 2 hour level 3 lesson for in a fortnight and a days lift pass, and have another bash at it...
Well just to update, I had my first day on a real slope, Lake Louise resort in Banff (Canada)
Firstly the "Grizzly" Gondola (Cable car) is a treat in itself, stunning views and must take around 10 mins to get to the top.
I was s
tting myself after seeing how far I had to go back down on the first run!
After around lunch time, I was getting fairly confident, and was doing OK on heel side with minimal falls, and mostly turning ok.
Speed is defiantly the answer to snowboarding.
However my biggest issue was if the snowboard got itself straight, or I ended up on my toe edge, I just couldn't get back onto my heel edge!
However after early afternoon, all went to pot, I accidentally veered down into a black route which was hell, as it was so steep and rough, and spend most of the route down on my ass, with real snowboarders wondering why some incapable tt was on a black run!!!
I gave up for the day after this, as I was battered!! My ass is kinda blue and purple.
Hopefully I won't feel too bad in the morning, and will have another go!
On another point I found it a lot easier than in the snow dome, as there is so much more space, and the run is not over in 20 seconds!
However it was a whole lot colder, it was -23D when I arrived this morning, my beard was frozen with icicles after each run!!
I think its going to be much warmer tomorrow at around -5.
Firstly the "Grizzly" Gondola (Cable car) is a treat in itself, stunning views and must take around 10 mins to get to the top.
I was s
tting myself after seeing how far I had to go back down on the first run!After around lunch time, I was getting fairly confident, and was doing OK on heel side with minimal falls, and mostly turning ok.
Speed is defiantly the answer to snowboarding.
However my biggest issue was if the snowboard got itself straight, or I ended up on my toe edge, I just couldn't get back onto my heel edge!
However after early afternoon, all went to pot, I accidentally veered down into a black route which was hell, as it was so steep and rough, and spend most of the route down on my ass, with real snowboarders wondering why some incapable t
t was on a black run!!!I gave up for the day after this, as I was battered!! My ass is kinda blue and purple.
Hopefully I won't feel too bad in the morning, and will have another go!
On another point I found it a lot easier than in the snow dome, as there is so much more space, and the run is not over in 20 seconds!
However it was a whole lot colder, it was -23D when I arrived this morning, my beard was frozen with icicles after each run!!
I think its going to be much warmer tomorrow at around -5.
Edited by Contract Killer on Wednesday 9th January 02:11
Contract Killer said:
However my biggest issue was if the snowboard got itself straight, or I ended up on my toe edge, I just couldn't get back onto my heel edge!
Just follow the process.Weight forward/front foot will cause that end of the board to aim down the mountain (keep some weight on the heel/toe into the mountain)
Then when you are pointing down transition to the other end of your foot
Then weight backwards some
so toes -> front -> heel -> back and v/v
I've been on the dry slope for 4 lessons and 2 free practise sessions. I can heel turn and straight line with ease, however I'm struggling to turn left on my toes (Right foot fwd). The instructor said Ill be fine on snow so we will see this Saturday. Killer did you buy padded shorts? Ive got a pair and they reduce a lot of the impact.
Hopefully we will still have a holiday as I'm off to Austria and they are being dumped on!
Hopefully we will still have a holiday as I'm off to Austria and they are being dumped on!
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