Snowboarding is an exhilarating winter sport that offers a unique way to experience the mountains, fresh powder, and adrenaline-pumping speed. However, for beginners, the steep learning curve can be daunting. Without proper guidance and understanding of fundamental techniques, it’s easy to make mistakes that hinder progress or lead to injury. Brent Yee Suen outlines essential snowboarding techniques, tips for beginners, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Before hitting the slopes, it’s crucial to select the right equipment. Brent Suen emphasizes that as a beginner, renting or purchasing the appropriate gear can make a significant difference in comfort and control.
• Snowboard Size: Your snowboard should match your height, weight, and skill level. Beginners often benefit from shorter boards, as they are easier to maneuver. Brent Suen explains that a general rule is that the board should reach between your chin and nose when stood upright.
• Boots and Bindings: Invest in well-fitted boots that provide support without being too tight. The right pair of boots will help you control the board and reduce the risk of injury. Bindings should also be properly adjusted for comfort and stability.
• Clothing and Protection: Wear waterproof, insulated clothing and a helmet. Beginners are more likely to fall, so protective gear is essential. Wrist guards and padded shorts can offer extra protection while learning.
One of the first steps in snowboarding is determining your stance. You’ll either ride regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward). If you’re unsure which is more natural, try this trick: stand with your feet together and have someone gently push you from behind. Brent Suen explains that the foot you instinctively step forward with is likely the one that should lead when snowboarding.
Once you’ve figured out your stance, it’s time to learn how to balance. Stand on your board with knees slightly bent, shoulders relaxed, and your weight centered. Your arms should be by your sides, not flailing or reaching out for balance. Practice shifting your weight from your toes to your heels while keeping your head facing the direction you want to go.
Turning is one of the most important skills to develop as a beginner snowboarder. Brent Suen explains that it helps control speed, navigate obstacles, and avoid collisions. There are two primary types of turns you’ll need to master: the toe-side turn and the heel-side turn.
• Toe-side Turn: This turn involves shifting your weight onto your toes while pressing them into the board. As you lean forward, your board will naturally carve a turn to the side. Remember to keep your knees bent and look where you want to go.
• Heel-side Turn: In a heel-side turn, you’ll shift your weight onto your heels, lifting your toes slightly off the ground. This will cause the board to turn in the opposite direction of a toe-side turn. Keeping your body aligned and your head facing forward is key to smooth, controlled turns.
Brent Yee Suen understands that beginners often struggle with turning, but patience and practice will help you build confidence. Start with wide, gentle turns and gradually work on sharper turns as you improve.
Before diving into linking turns, it’s a good idea to practice the falling leaf technique. Brent Suen explains that this maneuver involves riding the board across the slope on one edge—either toe-side or heel-side—before reversing direction, mimicking the pattern of a falling leaf. The goal is to become comfortable shifting your weight from edge to edge and controlling your descent without attempting full turns.
The falling leaf technique allows you to maintain control, manage your speed, and avoid excessive falls while you’re still getting used to balancing on the board. It’s also a great way to practice edge awareness and develop the muscle memory required for turning.
Learning to stop is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the slopes. Brent Suen understands that as a beginner, the most effective method to stop is by performing a heel-side stop.
• To stop, shift your weight to your heels while digging the heel edge of your board into the snow. Keep your knees bent and your body leaning back slightly to avoid catching an edge and falling forward.
• As you practice, you’ll become more confident in stopping quickly and smoothly. Remember, it's better to stop earlier and control your speed than to attempt an emergency stop when you’re going too fast.
Many beginners make mistakes that hinder their progress. Brent Yee Suen shares some of the most common errors to avoid:
• Leaning Back Too Much: One of the most frequent mistakes beginners make is leaning back too far on the board. While it may feel like a natural response to falling, leaning back makes it harder to turn and control the board. Instead, focus on keeping your weight centered and bending your knees.
• Overthinking Movements: Snowboarding should feel fluid, not mechanical. Beginners often overthink their movements, leading to stiffness and lack of control. Trust your instincts and practice staying loose and relaxed as you ride.
• Neglecting Edges: Understanding how to properly use the edges of your board is essential. Beginners sometimes ride flat, which increases the risk of catching an edge and wiping out. Focus on learning how to shift your weight between the toe and heel edges of the board to maintain control.
• Not Taking Lessons: While it’s tempting to learn on your own, professional instruction can speed up the learning process and help you avoid developing bad habits. A qualified instructor will teach you proper techniques and give personalized tips to improve your form.
Snowboarding, like any new skill, takes time and persistence to master. Don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow in the beginning. Stick to gentle slopes, take frequent breaks, and celebrate small victories along the way. Brent Suen explain that as you become more comfortable with the basics, you’ll start to gain confidence, and snowboarding will become even more enjoyable.
Starting out strong as a beginner snowboarder is all about mastering the basics—choosing the right gear, learning the proper stance, practicing turns, and building confidence on the slopes. Brent Yee Suen emphasizes that by understanding and practicing these techniques, you’ll avoid common mistakes and set yourself up for a successful, enjoyable snowboarding experience. Remember, snowboarding is as much about having fun as it is about learning, so embrace the journey and enjoy every ride down the mountain.
