A Few Basic Snowboard Tricks for the Beginner
As snowboarding continues to become a popular pastime for more and more young people, it is only natural that a few basic moves (or tricks) have become common among snowboard enthusiasts. After developing your basic skills, the beginner may want to master a few of these tricks.
Fortunately, a snowboard trick does not have to be all that complicated and can usually be mastered in a very short time. Here are simple instructions relating to four snowboard tricks that will help you perfect your form and increase your enjoyment of the snowboarding experience.
One of the foundational tricks you will want to master is referred to as the jump. Essentially, you are learning how to jump with your snowboard. To practice this, start out on a flat section of terrain. Strap your feet onto the board, then bend at the knees and prepare to jump. The idea is to bring the board off the ground and safely land again, without wobbling or losing your balance. Don’t shoot for more than just clearing the ground while on the flatland. Once you feel comfortable with being able to jump enough to lift the board from the ground, then you can progress on to jumping a foot or two into the air. For this exercise, find an area with a slight incline, such as a hill. While the flat area was fine for your initial practice, trying to make a jump of a foot or more will be hard on both you and the board. As you prepare for the jump, crouch slightly. Enter the jump by repeating the process you mastered on the flat land. Try to land flat on the incline, with your weight centered on the flat of the board, not on the edges. It may take several tries to accomplish your jump, but soon you will feel like an old pro.
The Indy Grab is another basic trick that will serve you well. This trick will involve using your hands while your feet are strapped to the snowboard. Using the opposite hand of the foot you have strapped to the front section of the board, grab the toe area between the bindings and turn the board to the left or right. The idea is to maintain your momentum and your balance while changing the direction you are headed. As with the jump, start out on flat land while you master this trick then move on to other types of terrain.
Another popular trick for the beginner to master is the Backside 180. Your expertise in jumping comes into play with this trick. To start out, again employ a level surface, but with a small bump in the terrain. Just as you approach the bump, enter a jump. Bend your knees up to your chest while in the jump, grabbing the toe area in a similar fashion as you do with the Indy Grab. Move the board to the left or the right while still in your jump. Immediately let go of your grab and straighten out your legs for the landing. As with any kind of a jump, you want to land flat. If executed properly, you will not lose momentum and will continue to move forward in a different direction than when you entered the jump.
One last basic trick has the colorful name of a Roast Beef. For this trick, you will be aiming at a roller. As you prepare for the jump, spring up as hard as you can, pulling your legs up toward your chest. Grab the back of your board with the hand that corresponds to the foot you have in the heel position of the board, and lift your opposite arm into the air. Release your hold on the backside of the board and return to a slightly crouching position for your landing. If performed correctly, you will clear the roller and continue your speed at the same level as when you entered your jump.
As is true with learning any new technique, have someone on hand who has mastered these tricks. This may be a friend, or an instructor of a snowboarding class. Not only is this an essential safety measure, but this also allows another pair of eyes to observe your form and offer suggestions on what you need to do in order to improve your performance during the learning process.
Written by Mayoor Patel our expert of the day.
Using Courses Designed For Skis And Snowboards
There are many winter resort locations that have cleverly created separate courses for people who prefer to express their creativity by snowboarding or skiing down several courses. The snowboards require great height at times to do all of the artistic maneuvers that are possible on a snowboard, and resorts give snowboarders many opportunities to enjoy some hang time.
Many snowboarders began their training by practicing with skateboards. Once people got accustomed to sliding the boards across raised platforms, they progressed to performing aerial tricks that were very stimulating. The view turned to snow when people realized that the soft powder might provide a better surface for the hard landings that occur from time to time and snowboarding became a very popular sport from then on.
There are certain courses that are ideal for snowboarding, but can still be used by skiers who want some high flight opportunities in their activities on the ski slopes that day. Many snowboards are used competitively around the world and the competitors are always interested in learning something new. Great discussions are held about the techniques that people use on the slopes and there is worldwide interest in where the best snowboards action is.
There are many vacationers that get very excited when planning their ski resort vacation. Using their internet access, they are able to find just the right snowboards for their entire family at good prices from several snowboard rentals shops. With a few clicks of the computer mouse, families will be able to reserve just the right snowboards and accessories for every member in their family.
The anticipation of having the equipment delivered to a resort location and seeing it there on arrival will typically set a jovial mood through the family as they pack for their winter resort vacation. Vacations are much more enjoyable when people do not have to worry about lugging snowboards and snow skis to a winter resort. They also know that they will have the latest designs in snowboarding equipment to try out some of those high-flying ramps that are on the snowboard courses.
Every snowboard course will have an instructor that is willing to train anyone on the basic skills needed to enjoy the slopes. The instructors at ski resorts train a lot of people so nobody has to feel silly about making mistakes and looking silly in front of anyone else in the classes. With the right gear, vacationers will be sure to keep warm on the slopes and enjoy the benefit of having quality equipment to learn something new, and the courses will provide all the thrills that a winter sports lover could want.
Written by Jim Brown our expert of the day.
Vail Ski Rentals - Ski Selection & Snowboard Gear
Stand atop the Vail Mountain and experience the most celebrated ski resort in North America. Then explore Vail’s three distinct areas: the Front Side, Back Bowls, and Blue Sky Basin. 5289 acres of terrain offers something for everyone. To maximize your time spent skiing at Vail it is imperative that you rent the proper skis for your Vail vacation. Read about Vail ski rentals and Vail ski shops.
If your visiting Vail, Colorado from out of town, it is often easier if you leave the dusty old skis at home and experience cutting edge technology at one of the many ski shops throughout Valley. Skiing Vail Mountain Resort is a deeply rewarding experience but is pure mountain magic when you rent the proper skis for the task at hand. Read about renting the ideal ski gear for your vacation to Vail, Colorado.
Most visitors choose to organize their Vail ski rentals in advance. This saves time and money. Instead of waiting in line and having to fill out paperwork for your rental gear, why not do it online prior to arriving? Simply provide your skier information including height, weight, skiing ability and desired equipment and that’s it. All you have to do is show up to the selected Vail ski shop and pick up your rentals.
Depending on many variables, choosing the right ski for the current conditions, your current skiing ability, and the terrain you would like to ski can seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is a general guideline for various types of skis which can all be found in the Vail Valley.
When pacific weather patterns funnel winter storms into the Vail Valley, you can expect the back bowls of Vail to get buried by the feather light snow that the Colorado Rockies are known for. Renting your very own Powder planks are an excellent choice for those looking to take advantage of fresh snow. Powder skis are much wider under foot than other types of equipment. This enables as much surface float as possible while providing solid stability. Powder skis tend to be a little longer than other skis which also helps carry your weight. Again, renting powder skis in Vail, Colorado is a popular choice for storm chasers. The best part is, some of the shops in Vail will let you swap out different equipment so you can ski various types of skis depending on the conditions.
Some get nostalgic for carving smooth effortless turns in manicured groomed snow. There is something magical about leaning into your turns and having full trust in your edges. With the most groomed terrain on the planet, Vail Resort is a playground for corduroy enthusiasts. All-mountain skis provide this level of security whilst giving the skier the advantage to take the skis off piste as well. All mountain skis tend to have deep sidecuts, wide buckets and flared tails. This enables the intermediate to advanced skier to simply place the skis on edge and let the magic of parabolic dimensions do the hard work for you.
Some rental shops in Vail will also carry mogul specific skis. For those individuals who love zipper line bumps, this mountain will satisfy all. Do lap after lap of perfectly formed moguls off such runs as Prima, Pronto, Log Chute, Highline and Rogers Run. Mogul skiing in Vail has been put on the map from the likes of world cup skier Toby Dawson who resides in Vail. Mogul specific skis are much narrower by comparison than other types of skis. They generally have little or no sidecut and tend to be very flexible in the tail. This allows a skier to alternate edge to edge very quickly which is needed for skiing tight mogul lines.
Written by SkiColorado our expert of the day.
Tips to Finding the Right Snowboard Bindings
It is recommended that you buy boots before purchasing a pair of snowboard bindings, since you can fit your snowboard bindings snugly without worrying about the shoes being too big or too small. You will find the snowboard bindings in small, medium, and large. The shoes also come in many shapes.
The heel cup as well as the base plate can affect how well your shoes fit your feet. Once you have your boots on you can take them with you when you shop for snowboard bindings. Wear your boots when you try on the snowboard bindings while pointing your toes down, and inside them. Make sure you push the heel so that it goes back and fits well into the pair of heel cups.
Make sure that the heel slides in with ease. However make sure that there is not too much of movement either. Compatibility of your shoe and the snowboard binding is an important factor too. Basically, all of the latest snowboard bindings fit to match the latest bindings. However Burton is the only snowboard binding shoes that uses the three-hole patterns. With this, it means you will need to purchase three-hole patterned shoes that fit Burton brands.
Snowboard bindings are found in a varied price range. The price line is high in some brands, where Burrton’s selections can cost you up to $400. The features provided here include the TOOLESS adjusters. With this feature, the adjusters allow you to slide your toe onto the ramp and then onto the gel-pad base plate. However it is more than likely that you will need to pay more for these shoes.
Snowboard bindings offer a choice between plastic and metal base plates. Of the two, the metal base plates are the preferred choice in terms of durability. However you are provided with sufficient and sufficient support from both styles of base plates.
There are several brands of snowboard bindings available today in the market. Some of the manufacturers include Burton, Drake, Flow, Flux, GNU, Forum, K2, Rome, Union, Rossignol, M4, Nitro, Ride, Technine, Salomon, et cetera. If you are searching for
some classy styles, the Nitro Raiden Phantom Blue Fades is one of the neater pairs of snowboarding bindings. Flux Super Emblem, including the Titan 2, green is another nice pair. If you are looking for something elegant, classy, stylish, et cetera you will find something like you need in the line of PRO Snowboard bindings. One of the more stylish pairs is the Flow Pro-S-FR Red. These bindings have shades of black, with fire red glowing off its binding.
Written by Kip Goldhammer our expert of the day.
Nub’s Nob Ski Vacations - Is this Michigan’s Best?
Nub’s Nob in Michigan is best known for its family-friendly ski mountain with the best snow available in the Midwest United States. For many generations, this is where children and adults have learned their very first attempts at skiing. With these combinations, it is no wonder so many people consider Nub’s Nob the top place to go for good clean fun. With the varied terrain, not only beginners but intermediate and expert skiers find challenges waiting for them, with night skiing available for those who are interested.
Nub’s Nob has a simple mountain layout, with an elevation of 1,338 feet and a vertical drop of 427 feet. Eight chair lifts service 43 trails, while one of the best skiing and snowboarding schools is available for both private and group lessons. Programs for advanced skiers who are interested in racing is offered, along with many racing events. If a person is interested in racing leagues with league events being held each season, sign-ups are available at the resort. Individuals who are new to the sport are able to take skiing lessons free. A person cannot beat a deal like that!
Equipment rental is always available, plus a General Store inside the lodge with the availability of gloves, hats, and neck warmerstems, with other needed items. You should also visit the technology center to have your ski’s tuned or repaired. You won’t go hungry either! Nub’s Nob Cafeteria is open for breakfast and lunch, and if you brought your own lunch, you can eat in the ‘brown bag’ room. Nub’s Winter Garden serves grilled burgers when the weather allows. Pintail Peak Warming Hut is located at the top of the Black Lift. Here, you can enjoy amazing views, while enjoying homemade soups and sandwiches to warm the insides.
If you are planning a family ski vacation, choosing Nub’s Nob Ski Resort is the place to go, especially if you want to have a great time – or if you are already an expert skier interested in racing and skill events. There is plenty to do and see. In fact, you may find that you have a problem deciding which activity to participate in first! Don’t worry about missing anything, though – if you want to ski now and board later, you can do that. Most events are planned for the weekends, so arrange your schedule so that you are able to attend or participate in the planned events. Either way, plan on spending an extra day or two – you won’t want to leave!
Written by Mike Singh our expert of the day.
Everything You Need to Know About Snowboarding
Snowboarding is not for those who have a faint heart. This is an extreme sport and a very risky one that needs proper training and precaution.
Before attempting to engage yourself in snowboarding, do some research first. Try to assess, if this sport is really intended for you. Can you be a snowboarder who slides on steep mountain slopes or would you rather stay at home and watch others do it for you? The bottom line is you have to be fit and not just healthy to be in this sport. It would help if you consult your health provider first to know whether you are ready for this feat.
After doing some assessment, you still can’t just hop on your snowboard right away. Engaging in snowboarding also requires having the right gadgets and proper apparel not only to look sheik on ice but also to ensure your safety. Once you have all you need. you may now begin taking lessons. At least, this time you get to do actual snowboarding even under the eye of a pro.
As a beginner, you first need to undergo a series of lessons before heading to the mountains. Usually, the first things you need to master are about basic safety, proper stretching, injury prevention, and maybe rules and policies of the resort. To learn the basic skills you need to master, you can take private lessons with an instructor but it will be more expensive. A better alternative is to learn with a group. Aside from it’s practical, you can also interact from other snowboarders and also learn from them too.
As you advance your skills, you need to immerse yourself more in the sport. You have to learn new skills and continuously practice what you have already acquired especially if you are planning to compete in a tournament. Through time you will also need better and more challenging courses so that you’ll learn how to adjust to a variety of settings while performing at the top of your game. Learning how to adapt to any weather condition and knowing what strategy to employ to such will also help you to be more competitive and unaffected by things beyond your control.
But practicing on the snow with your board is not the only way to make yourself more adept in snowboarding. You may also learn about snowboarding from Transworld Snowboarding magazine. By doing this, you don’t need to wear your thermal gears or leave the comfort of your home. Subscribing to this will surely qualify you as a true-blooded snowboarder.
Transworld Snowboarding was a significant catalyst for the recognition of snowboarding as a sport. When snowboarding was still a young sport and skiing dominated the snow, many resorts were initially closed to snowboarders. To counteract this, Transworld Snowboarding hyped the sport by popularizing t-shirts called “Answers,” which contains answers to numerous inquiries of curious skiers. Eventually, snowboarding was recognized as an official sport. In 1985, the first World Cup was organized for snowboarding. Then, in 1995, the International Snowboarding Association was founded.
This magazine owned by Time Warner, showcases everything you need to know about snowboarding and snowboarding culture. Whether you are interested about the latest gadgets or has news about your favorite snowboarder, Transworld Snowboarding has it. If you are interested to learn about events or to read just about any article on snowboarding, you’ll find it here. It also contains tricks and features great resorts that snowboarding enthusiasts will love to consider as part of his itinerary.
Written by Jasmine Stone our expert of the day.
Learn to Stay Safe While on your Snowboard
Snowboarding is meant to be a pleasurable hobby, in result, a lot of participants regretfully forget about safety. It Doesnt matter how much time that you have on the board, if you do not continuously keep safety in mind, one of these times, you are going to get hurt
I have researched a few snowboard safety tips that will help impede major injuries while snowboarding.
Inspect Your Board
It is very important that you thoroughly check your board before you jump on it. Check for any cracks or anything that could possibly cause your board to malfunction. It is also important to make sure that you have chosen the right board for you. If you need some help with that, read my resource box for a guide to help you in choosing a board size. Don’t forget to ensure that your boarding shoes are being held securely.
It probably will not take too long to do a short inspection of your board. Keep in mind… the only thing helping you stay on top of the snow is the board! Ensure that it completely passes your check. If you are completely unsure of what to check for, ask someone! The snowboarding community is a very helpful and friendly community!
Choosing the right snowboard clothing and equipment
If there is one thing that really urks me, its when I notice people trading safety for style. I mean…some parts of snowboarding revolve around style and looking good, but do not trade safety for style!
When picking goggles, try not to go by what has the best design, instead, you should go by which ensures the best protection! The sun could literally blind you when you are on the slopes if you do not have good enough eye protection. Ensure the glasses or goggles that you decide on have a sufficient UV ray protection rating.
Another important thing to think about when considering snowboard safety is to remember that THE SNOW IS COLD. I definitely suggest that you wear a few layers. Im sure you have heard this a lot before, but it is highly important. If you are too hot, shed a layer of clothes, that way you slightly cool down, but not too much. When you feel yourself start to get cold again, you can just put that other layer of clothes back on! This really worked great for me while I was in the Army. I never understood the importance of dressing in layers until I spent my my first 7 days in the woods in very cold weather conditions.
When picking out gloves, choose something that is water proof. Again, because I was in the Army, I invested in some very effective gloves. I would recommend that you purchase some seal skin gloves. They were developed with the Navy Seals in mind. They work wonders for poor weather conditions- and they are great for snowboarding. You should be able to buy a pair at Ranger Joes- Use your favorite search engine to find Ranger Joes, they have a lot of nice gloves that will keep your hands warm.
Stay Hydrated and Keep Food In Your Stomach
A lot of people fail to realize that even when it is cold, it is still really important to keep drinking water. I was a witness to someone who dehydrated in freezing weather conditions. It was not a pretty sight. Water is your bodies fuel- along with food- and without it, your body will not be able to operate correctly! When you are snowboarding, remember to take water breaks. You will definitely regret it if you fail to that advise.
I know how difficult it is to pull yourself away from your board, but make sure that you eat a very good breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when you are considering to take part in physical activities. I also recommend eating a tiny. It wouldn’t hurt to bring more food than you need too, because you never know if somebody is going to get injured. You should always prepare for the unexpected!
I hope that you got something out of this article. Snowboarding is expected to be all fun and games, but it wont be much of a good time if someone gets injured! If you follow the proper snowboarding safety procedures, you will really enjoy yourself!
Written by Jason Stepp our expert of the day.
Never Stand in Line Again With Ski and Snowboard Rental Delivery
If you regularly rent skis or snowboards when vacationing in the mountains, chances are you’ve been less than impressed with the process of hiring your equipment through a local ski shop. These stores are typically crowded with travelers in the same predicament as yourself, shuffling from one line to the next as they are sized for skis, snowboards, poles and boots. For most people, this inefficient and time consuming process is a necessary annoyance of any ski vacation. Thankfully, there’s a new service at the cutting edge of ski and snowboard rentals that doesn’t require you to visit a ski shop at all. In recent years, ski rental delivery companies have sprung up in major resort destinations across the country and they’re permanently changing the way travelers rent their equipment while on vacation.
The concept behind rental delivery is simple: Skiers and snowboarders place a reservation with information regarding their dates of travel, height, weight, shoe size and skiing/riding ability prior to arrival. At a time of your choosing, rental technicians will meet you with equipment that’s been sized to your specifications. All gear is fitted in the comfort of your accommodations and there’s no need to visit a typical “brick and mortar” ski shop.
Rental technicians carry full size runs of all equipment with them to ensure your rental skis, boots, poles and snowboards fit as though they were your own. If the equipment that’s brought into your accommodations doesn’t perfectly fit on the first try, a quick trip to the technician’s van is sure to remedy the situation. This highly personalized service was designed from the ground up to ensure your vacation is spent relaxing, not standing in line. Skiers and riders wanting to demo new equipment for purchase will find that new packages can be delivered to them each day, often at no additional charge. Technicians in Breckenridge, Colorado have even been known to ski new equipment to customers while they are having lunch on the mountain.
When you’re done skiing or riding, a quick phone call is all it takes for equipment pick-up. This is especially convenient for vacationers who choose to leave their vehicles at home, as there’s no need to lug cumbersome equipment across a wintry landscape to or from a ski shop. With packages ranging from entry level to expert, every skier or rider in your party can be outfitted with gear that is optimal for the level of performance they require.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of equipment rental delivery is that it is competitively priced with traditional ski shops. Because delivery companies have no need to maintain costly storefronts in resort destinations, their savings in overhead is passed on to the customer. If you’re vacationing at a major ski resort this winter, consult your lodging property’s concierge or your reservationist. Rental delivery alleviates one of the greatest hassles of every ski vacation and adds peace of mind without adding dollar signs.
Written by Ben Kelly our expert of the day.
Should I Go On A Ski Vacation with A Ski Club?
Ski clubs, organizations, and resorts all have one common interest – the enjoyment of snowsport activities, which involves skiing, snowboarding, cross country, and telemark skiing. Not all ski resorts have a ski club associated with it, but for those who do, year-around-activities are provided which can include ski instruction, racing programs, social activities, and inter-club trips. While skiing is what brings these groups together in the first place, it is not necessarily what keeps them together. As stated, their love of skiing and winter sports – with common interests and feeling of community – keeps them skiing together for years and years, many times forming long friendships. People who ski should join a ski club, regardless of the level of ski expertise. Beginners are almost always welcome, and this is a great way for beginners to quickly improve their skills and techniques out on the slopes.
Ski clubs are better served through federal involvement, promoting improved communication, education and benefits, and influencing issues relevant to snowsport and ski clubs. Ski club members meet with ski industry representatives, working together to develop resources for not only members, but also for the affiliated ski resort. One of the 2005 brainstorms was involving the recruitment of new members into ski clubs. Some ideas brought up were: bring in members that have talents the club can use, such as tech support or web designing; involve college or university ski clubs; bring a friend to the club, allow them to learn about skiing and the equipment; or combine a club/council and college ski trip. In order to reach new demographics, promoting families and family trips were brought up.
Ski clubs are an exceptional way to learn some new things about skiing or snowboarding. Going on ski vacations with other ski club members at discounted rates, is occasionally offered on ski vacation packages involving ski resorts, ski areas, various mountains, and various countries. No matter where you live, there is a ski club near you. This is true even if you live in a place that does not ever get snowfall due to man made snow! Some are local clubs, meaning that the slopes that they ski on are within driving distance for the day, while others are more national or global, which means that if possible, they not only ski locally but they also plan ski trips. Arrangements are usually made through the club, so that everyone is eligible for the discounts. The money that is required from each member for the trip is usually paid to the club, and the club passes the funds onto pay for lodging, airfare, meals, lift tickets, and other perks that are included in the trip. Because arrangements are being made for a group of people – which is usually fairly large – discounts are given. This benefits all members of the club.
Written by Mike Singh our expert of the day.
Which Snowboard
When buying snowboarding equipment the first item on most minds is the snowboard. So what are the basic ‘need to knows’ of the snowboard types?
Types of Snowboard:
There are three types of snowboard to consider: Freestyle, Freeride(all mountain) and Alpine (carving boards).
Freestyle Snowboards
These are wide, stable snowboards that are forgiving to ride. They are very responsive which makes them good equipment used for snowboarding for novices. The snowboard characteristics make them good for pulling tricks but less responsive in high speed carving due to flexibility and edge grip. They are often twin tipped and multi directional making them good for tricks and half pipes but ideal for beginners.
Freeride(all mountain)Snowboards
Generally the most popular snowboard on the slopes. Good for all mountain use, park or half pipe. Freeride snowboards tend to float reasonably well on powder, can carve and can be used to catch air, this make them popular boards. Freeride snowboards tend to be directional, meaning one end (the tip) is wider than the tail. They tend to be soft and manouveurable for beginners but offer enough stiffness for fast carves in harder snow, these boards offer a mix of characteristics between freestyle and alpine snowboards.
Alpine Snowboards
definitely not for the novice, these snowboards are stiff, narrow, long and built for speed. Built for speed carving and stability at speed with good edge holding powers they tend to be either symmetrical or asymmetrical but always built for one way travel.
Length and Width of Snowboard
Once you have chosen the type of snowboard that best suits your level of competence and ride style there are then several other factors to be considered in your choice of snowboard before buying.
Your height and foot size play an important part in your choice of snowboard.
The length of snowboard that will suit will be down to the riders height and ridestyle. Snowboards are usually 100cms to 180cms long.
A freestyle snowboard should stand tall enough to reach between the riders shoulders and chin when stood on end.
A freeride snowboard should reach between chin and eyebrows.
An alpine or carving snowboard should stand tall enough to reach a point between the forehead and a few inches above the head.
Foot size is important for determining the width of the snowboard. If your feet overhang the board there is a danger of catching an edge and tumbling. If your feet are too small then it is difficult to apply pressure to the edges to initiate turns. If you are an advanced rider using a carving board with big feet it may be necessary to alter your stance to avoid overhanging the edges.
Of course before you buy equipment used for snowboarding you should rent a few snowboards first to see what style, brand best suit you.
Written by John Rodgers our expert of the day.
