Are lessons a MUST when learning how to snowboard?

Question

I have a friend that is telling me that I don't need to take a lesson to learn how to snowboard but everything I have read on yahoo makes it sound like I should definitely get at least one lesson. What do you think? Should I get a lesson or just go out with my friends?

Answer 1

MUST  you take a lesson?  No...  SHOULD you take a lesson?  Well, that depends on if you want to learn the safest, easiest, and best way or if you want to just hang out with your friends and be in a lot of pain at the end of the day!!!  Everyone learns at a different pace.  Maybe your friend was one of the lucky ones who was able to pick  it up quickly without lessons, BUT maybe  he is also the kind  that formed a lot of bad habbits  that will hurt him in the long run.  Even if  you have a friend  that is willing to  help you, but an untrained instructor,  I would still take a lesson from a professional.   Having been a ski and snowboard instructor for 15+ years, I can tell you that a lot of time and training goes into teaching new instructors how to teach.  There are a lot of little things that an instructor can show you to make it much easier to learn.  I know, sometimes you feel like you may be waisting  your time in a lesson and there are many different instructors out there (some good, some not so good), but a few well spent hours out of your day and you'll be able to meet your friends after the lesson and have much more fun with them.  HOWEVER, for the sake of safety, DON'T EVER LET THEM TALK  YOU INTO DOING SOMETHING THAT YOU DON'T FEEL READY FOR.  Stay within  your ability and know your limits.  So, my advice?  Go out there, have  fun, and take a  lesson!

Answer 2

Is it a must, no. Is it practical, yes. I never was enrolled in a ski school or anything. My dad was an excellent snowboarder when i first started. He taught me everything I know. If you don't have someone there with you while you learn, it will be pretty difficult.

Answer 3

dude i didnt take lessons my first few times and i was already hitting boxes and rails and doing mutes off some kickers.but if your not that great when it comes to snowboarding,then yah id suggest lessons.

Answer 4

You can learn without taking a lesson, but it might take more time and you could get hurt in the process. I did teach my nieces how to snowboard, they did not have any lessons, but I knew the basics and could help them along, then the rest is just practice. I think it is best to get at least one lessons. Friends are often NOT good teachers. They might be good snowboarders, but that doesn't mean they can teach someone else how to do it.

Answer 5

I dunno if I'd say you have to get a lesson from the mountain employees (it certainly won't be detrimental), but definitely get some on the hill knowledge from someone who knows what the h**l they're doing... and is WILLING TO TEACH.

Answer 6

The best snowboarders that I know are guys who did not take lessons.  They are the best because they are good athletes and they spend enough time on the mountain to lose their sanity.  Lessons are not a requirement unless you don't know how to stretch and feel some pain.  Lessons also cost money, which most snowboarders would rather spend on equipment or substances.

Answer 7

For safety reasons, yes.. you should take lessons.   Snowboarding is no safer than skiing and every year people get killed on the slopesbecause they do things beyond their abilities, skills and knowledge.  

I know this from personal experience.  Managed guest lodge at a Ski Resort and took skiing lessons.  The town we were in saw at least 3 fatalities and more than 20 critical accidents a year as a result of people skiing and boarding without knowing how.

Answer 8

I'd say take a lesson.  Your friend probably just wants you to go out with them so you guys can all go boarding together...but it's definitely a good idea to take atleast one lesson.  Even if you get the hang of it quick, lessons can be very helpful and teach you how to be safe while boarding, as well as things your friends might not be able to teach you. Good luck and happy holidays! :)