Want to practice before i go calling all snowboarders!!!?

Question

im going snowboarding in march ive never done it before but one of my brothers have a skateboard.

im just wondering is there anypoint on practicing on that? like to the same principles apply? like how to turn and your stance on the board which foot to put pressure on etc?

thanks for the help!!

Answer 1

The skateboard can be used to give you a bit of a start.  The big thing you can do is to figure out which foot you will have as your "front foot" on the snowboard.  If you already skate a bit you will know if you are "goofy" (right foot front) or "regular" (left foot front).  If you have not skated yet, then try it both ways - see which feels more natural to you.  Then when you get to the rental shop at the hill you can just tell them that you are goofy or regular.

The other thing that you can practice on the skateboard is "straight running".  Push off with your back foot a few time then put it onto the board.  Take care to align your body with the board (shoulders, hips, knees, feet all in alignment) and just roll.  This will help you get used to the feeling of going sideways and help you develop a good alignment on your snowboard.   If some skater tells you that it looks wrong, you can tell them that you are practicing for snowboarding not skating.

Don't worry about turning just yet - save that for your lesson on the hill!  God luck and have fun!

Answer 2

I would suggest working on your balance and leg strength. Stand on the ground with a 2x4 under your toes and then lift up onto your toes. This will work your calves and give you practice balancing on your toes. Put the 2x4 under your heels and repeat.

Practice holding different angles steady on both heel and toe. Keep you knees bent when doing this.

Good Luck