2 questions! Snowboarding troubles!?

Question

Ok so first

I can only go to the hill for snowboarding like once a week. and if the weathers bad, i don't go. so i really like snowboarding, but im a beginner. so i was thinking since i don't want to buy a board just yet i could just buy one of those cheap walmart snowboards for my backyard. it would just be like brushing up on turning and stuff, nothing major, just so i don't forget...haha. do you think that's a good idea?

also, i've been snowboarding about 5 times and i hadn't gone between the 4th and 5th time for a while, so when i went the 5th time, it was practically back to square one. i couldn't toe side! like the board is turning but i'm not. it's hard for me cause im really a small person too. but im going tonight so how can i get my basics down fast before i go on the lift?

Answer 1

youve got the right idea. go consistently even if it is once a week you will get better a lot faster then once a month just like any thing else that takes practice. dont waste your money on that board from walmart its nothin like a real board it will just make it worse. i do recommend getting your own board and soon then you wont have to change and remeber your setup everytime you go especially if your renting one everytime you will save a ton of money. remeber your legs steer and your upper body is balance. toe side is hard cause your body wants to fight it cause it is unatural. just trust that leaning your weight towards the hill will keep you from falling.

Answer 2

dont get the wallyword board. You will get even worse trying to ride one of those. If at all possible TAKE A LESSON! Instructors know what to look for to take your riding to that next level. But if you cant get a lesson, find a cute (boy or girl) who is a good rider to give you some pointers.

Answer 3

I would purchase a used snowboard (~100.00) from a local shop over paying 50.00 at Walmart.  The boards at Walmart of made of the cheapest materials.  On top of that the boards will not provide you will the necessary stability to learn the basics.  In addition to just getting the board, local shops should fit you and make the necessary adjustments, where you get no personal attention from a store like Walmart.

As far as getting back up to speed.  I would do a search online to find out some tips to getting back into the swing of it.  There are some fundamentals that should help you without having to pay the big bucks for lessons at the local slope.

A lot of the information you are going to to find can be overwhelming.  Try to take away a few main points and take it to the slopes.  Always remember that a major part of snowboarding is mental preparation (i.e. reduce the fear), so if you can work through that you are on your way.

Well good luck with it and happy riding!

If you ever want to become more serious about the sport check out my blog for a review of a great training website that could really help out.

  

http://thesnowboardacademy.blogspot.com/

Answer 4

You might as well get your own board if youve already gone 5 times. Its about 40 bucks ( may differ from your resort) for a day's rental. and 40x50=200 bucks already. Just look at it this way: Your paying to use a board, but you dont get to keep it.  If your going to buy a cheap walmart board, you might as well buy a decent new board, or perhaps a used board. A board will last you for a couple seasons, unless you really s***w it up.

I would suggest getting a new beginner board that will take you from beginner to intermediate levels. (nothing fancy). Having your own board is better than using rentals where hundreds of people have used so they are worn out and the renters dont really tune.