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snowboarding

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A lot easier then learning to fly:p It's not hard at all, after an hour or two you aught to be ok at it. Yes they have rentals at most ski places.
 
I tried snowboarding ONCE. Two words can sum up the experience: "Human fly-swater."
 
It's funny how the timing of questions on this board works out. I'm coming up on some time off and since my sister lives in New Hampshire, I figured I'd give snowboarding or skiing a shot when I visit. (I grew up in New England and have never done either one. How many people can say that?)

I've been told that since I play hockey I shouldn't have trouble with skiing but then have been told that snowboarding is easier to learn.

What to do, what to do.
 
I started snowboarding ten years ago. Transferred over from being a decent blue run skier and it was miserable. Flailing around helpless knowing I could just strap on skis and go was tough, but I perservered and wouldn't trade my board for anything. It's a much smoother and natural ride IMHO.
My advice would be to pay the extra cash for a good instructor to give you one-on-one help for one day. Those groups don't teach as well. After one day, you've got the basics and can learn on your own.
Be aware that you'll break your fall with your hands and wrists, so protection isn't a bad idea, and catching an edge on ice is a painful experience. Take it slow and have a blast! I think you'll love it.
 
As a lifelong outdoor uber-stud... (or dork, one of the two)

I've skied since I was 2 (literally), Cross Country, then when I ended up going to ski areas, I was using my good old Cross Country skiis to Telemark down the slopes. Never really liked the whole downhill skiing thing: free the heels!

But that said, I tried snowboarding when I was in high school, and I can't get enough of it--generally. Snowboarding is much more difficult to learn than skiing, in that you only have one edge with which to control yourself. With skiis you have two edges to help you turn and slow down. But onc eyou've got the hang of it, it's far easier to "master" snowboarding because you've only got one edge to screw you up, with skiis you've got two.

Yes, every ski area I know gives lessons (not that I took them though--I've got a reputation to live up to). Be prepared to be sore, especially your calfs. You will fall a lot on your hands/wrists, and also your butt, and possibly your knees as well. They'll all be a bit bruised and/or cold.

Go for it dude. I really, really like snowboarding to the point that I won't use my skiis and hippie-sticks unless there is No powder. Snowboards were really meant for powder, and steep hills, not groomed runs and moguls (whatever you do, avoid moguls--they are just plain NOT FUN on a snowboard). The only downside to snowboarding is that if you aren't on a good, steep hill, you can have some problems. Specifically, if you are on a flat spot, you are going to have to unstrap and walk it out a bit, skiers can just skate or pole thier way through it. Same goes for powder, if you fall, it can be tough getting up without the aid of some hippie sticks if you're deep in the pow.

Real advice: just go out there and do something. I'd recommend Telly skiing, but that's a real tough one, and they probably don't give lessons and very well may not rent stuff depending on where you go. But the popularity of free-heeling it is going up, so you can get in on the ground floor now...

Dan

PS-try not to go to the yuppie stupid ski areas, avoid the muppers and support small towns!
 
I had a 4 day layover in SLC last week and took the five dollar bus ride to Snowbird and watched the snow boarders and skiers on the slopes. Looked like fun and really wanted to try, but the visions of broken limbs and the vision of a pink slip kept me from trying. Maybe one day.
 
If you have big feet request a Fat Boy board from K2. It's not a put-down, just a board made for big feet. Anything over size 11 is going to have your feet hanging over the edge of the board and mess you up.
 
Most places in the Tahoe area have packets for first timers. They'll rent you a snowboard and give you lift tickets with an intructor for even cheaper than the regular lift ticket. Lessons can be half day or full day, I would recommend the half day.

I learned on my own. Just strapped a board on and down I went. It's not impossible to learn on your own, but man I would have loved to have had someone give me some pointers! DO take plenty of ice bags. The falls hurt much more than skiing.

Don't go to a Heavenly/Squaw valley place. Too crowded! You'll definately be the human fly-swatter! I recommend Mt. Rose or Kirkwood. Less visited, and lots of powder.

Also, if it is icy, I recommend a helmet. Personal experience talking, I fell and hit my head so hard it hurt the rest of the day. No need to loose your medical from a dumb concussion you know?

Anywhoo, have fun with it. WISH I COULD GO :(
 
I love snowboarding man! I ended up teaching my self how to do it. As a result, I would HIGHLY recommend lessons. It will speed up your learning big time. It was a painful process to teach myself how to ride.

For your first few times go a head and rent. So, if you just hate it you have not sunk that much money. However, if think you are going to get into it. Then buy your own stuff. Having your own equipment is going to be great for you. Your learning should increase because your equipment is not a variable like when you rent. And you can make sure your board is waxed. I am sure the wax job resorts do their rentals is not good.

Also, make sure you wear a helmet out there. You might think you look dumb. But the last thing you want to do is check that box on your medical that says, concussion. It could limit your ability to hold down a 1st class medical if you hit your head hard. I have already broken one helmet and it saved my ass.

Have fun!

Wankel
 
Riddle momma said:
Most places in the Tahoe area have packets for first timers. They'll rent you a snowboard and give you lift tickets with an intructor for even cheaper than the regular lift ticket. Lessons can be half day or full day, I would recommend the half day.

I learned on my own. Just strapped a board on and down I went. It's not impossible to learn on your own, but man I would have loved to have had someone give me some pointers! DO take plenty of ice bags. The falls hurt much more than skiing.

Don't go to a Heavenly/Squaw valley place. Too crowded! You'll definately be the human fly-swatter! I recommend Mt. Rose or Kirkwood. Less visited, and lots of powder.

Also, if it is icy, I recommend a helmet. Personal experience talking, I fell and hit my head so hard it hurt the rest of the day. No need to loose your medical from a dumb concussion you know?

Anywhoo, have fun with it. WISH I COULD GO :(

yeah sounds great, but i'm stuck in central ny gotta find a place around here if i was still in AZ i'm sure i'd be easier just go to the snowbowl :)
 
Ny.... they have mountains there??? JK Maybe you can find a tall overpass or a big ditch.

Where in AZ were you? Did you ever get out to Mt. Humphrey's or the one by Show Low? Good luck with the resort search!

--RM
 
Riddle momma said:
Ny.... they have mountains there??? JK Maybe you can find a tall overpass or a big ditch.

Where in AZ were you? Did you ever get out to Mt. Humphrey's or the one by Show Low? Good luck with the resort search!

--RM

i was in prc ;)

not a skiier so i never hit any of the resorts, this is something new for me
 

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