I'm trying it for the first time on Sat. I am a less than average skiier because i don't go enough--i'm hoping that i'll pick up snowboarding quicker. Is that unrealistic? Do i need wrist guards for the first time?
the lessons are too $$ so i'm going to try to just learn it on my own or get the feel of it, but are there some tips that would help me w/the falling or w/the stopping?
i taught myself. ice is not your friend. the learning curve is different. for skiing i picked it up real quick but didn't really get much better at it. Snowboarding took me maybe 3 trips (through school, would equate to like 1 full saturday) and all of a sudden on the 3d trip I got it and was racing down hills. edit: this also applied to all of my friends. also, whenever i've taught people, the bunny hill did not translate well to the simplest of green circles. you're best off making a fool of yourself on an easy real slope.
I'm not a graceful person. i can't do tricks, but I can go fast and steer well.
your calves are going to painin'
and just get ready for the first time you slide across a field of ice while trying to stop. it'll scare the shit out of you because you'll be slowin' your roll and then all of a sudden go fast
the hardest part will be learning to get off the lift (without your pants falling off and getting stuck upside down)
Take lessons or don't try it. Snowboarding is extremely frustrating for first-timers even with lessons. The instructor told me that if you can slalom waterski then it won't be a problem, but I CAN slalom waterski and snowboarding was nearly impossible.
I just heard its really hard and Ive never even skiied, so I havent tried it
I wish I learned awhile ago :'(
I think it also matters what mountain you go to. By me there are those mountains known for snowboarding, and those that are known as the "novice" places where everyone is pretty new at it.
I don't think its ever too late to start. I taught my 40-something uncles how to do it a few years ago.
the only places i've ever been skiing are in new hampshire--but this mountain is in NJ--it's a pretty weak/novice mountain---taking a skiing lesson definitely helped me the first time but the lessons are running like 120 extra dollars and my friend thought i might be able to just figure some things out (but when i saw them giving lessons up in N Hammy--most of the people were on their a**sses all day. That's why i figured i needed wrist guards.)
i know i should def take a lesson but that w/the boots, the board, the pass ---i guess i'll see if they're running a special or maybe try to get someone to show me a few tips.
Quote
I taught my 40-something uncles how to do it a few years ago.
The 40-Something Uncles
(the name of my new punk rock cover band)
QuoteQuote
I taught my 40-something uncles how to do it a few years ago.
The 40-Something Uncles
(the name of my new punk rock cover band)
I'm still determined to one day form "Phunk" (pronounced "Punk"), the punk band where we take Phish songs and make them into 2 1/2 minute power-anthems.
Quotethe only places i've ever been skiing are in new hampshire--but this mountain is in NJ--it's a pretty weak/novice mountain---taking a skiing lesson definitely helped me the first time but the lessons are running like 120 extra dollars and my friend thought i might be able to just figure some things out (but when i saw them giving lessons up in N Hammy--most of the people were on their a**sses all day. That's why i figured i needed wrist guards.)
i know i should def take a lesson but that w/the boots, the board, the pass ---i guess i'll see if they're running a special or maybe try to get someone to show me a few tips.
Let me guess, you're going to the Creek! That's what I had in mind when I said "snowboarders" mountains, and the novice places being Camelback and Shawnee. Are there any other mountains in Jersey? I live about a half hour south of the creek.
Are you going at night? You can do what I did as a punk ass teenager and loiter at the McDonalds down the road and ask families if they would give me their all day passes so I could go for free
If it is the creek, there is one part of one trail (it's been years since I've been there) where it gets waaaaaaaaaaaay too flat and snowboards get snagged.
Just start out on your heels, make sure you get the proper foot in front, and get used to balancing on those heels.
Again, the worst part will be the lift.
QuoteQuoteQuote
I taught my 40-something uncles how to do it a few years ago.
The 40-Something Uncles
(the name of my new punk rock cover band)
I'm still determined to one day form "Phunk" (pronounced "Punk"), the punk band where we take Phish songs and make them into 2 1/2 minute power-anthems.
I'd go see that if I knew any Phish tunes
i wish i lived closer to a hill, cause i used to really enjoy snowboarding. took me a few times till i really got the hang of it. caught an edge and knocked myself out once.
I'm a pretty decent skier; when I was in high school, my best friend was on ski patrol at the local hill so we used to go skiing there every day after school. One year we decided to buy snowboards, thinking it looked fun, and how different could it be, anyway?
Ow. Ow ow ow. There was a lot of falling down and getting up. Bruising and soreness. I never did quite get the hang of it. ;D She eventually did, though, and she rocks at it now; she and her husband go snowboarding in Colorado every winter.
I'd like to try it again someday. I never was a good skateboarder either, though; I think it's probably a lot closer to that than skiing.
Good luck to you! Let us know how it goes :)
QuoteQuotethe only places i've ever been skiing are in new hampshire--but this mountain is in NJ--it's a pretty weak/novice mountain---taking a skiing lesson definitely helped me the first time but the lessons are running like 120 extra dollars and my friend thought i might be able to just figure some things out (but when i saw them giving lessons up in N Hammy--most of the people were on their a**sses all day. That's why i figured i needed wrist guards.)
i know i should def take a lesson but that w/the boots, the board, the pass ---i guess i'll see if they're running a special or maybe try to get someone to show me a few tips.
Let me guess, you're going to the Creek! That's what I had in mind when I said "snowboarders" mountains, and the novice places being Camelback and Shawnee. Are there any other mountains in Jersey? I live about a half hour south of the creek.
Are you going at night? You can do what I did as a punk ass teenager and loiter at the McDonalds down the road and ask families if they would give me their all day passes so I could go for free
If it is the creek, there is one part of one trail (it's been years since I've been there) where it gets waaaaaaaaaaaay too flat and snowboards get snagged.
Just start out on your heels, make sure you get the proper foot in front, and get used to balancing on those heels.
Again, the worst part will be the lift.
yeah lol..Mountain Creek-- My friend also goes to Camelback? I know the mountains here don't compare to NH or VT but at least it's something. I heard it gets packed, too. Thanks for the tips. I guess i'll just try the balancing i guess--oh and stopping's key for me.
Quotei wish i lived closer to a hill, cause i used to really enjoy snowboarding. took me a few times till i really got the hang of it. caught an edge and knocked myself out once.
can you elaborate on 'caught an edge?'
thanks ALady--i'll let you know.
Quote
I'd like to try it again someday. I never was a good skateboarder either, though; I think it's probably a lot closer to that than skiing.
Another reason I doubt snowboarding is for me
I can barely stay on a skateboard while moving slowly on level ground...I dont think my balance is too good ;D
Im pretty sure Id be teh suck at snowboarding
Quotecan you elaborate on 'caught an edge?'
i think it's more of a skating term, but anyhow - i was carving on my front-side (leaning on my toes) and somehow managed to do carve too much, or something, and i flung myself down. back of my head hit the ground first. (on a beginners hill, sadly)
catching an edge is more hazardous when you're going fast. the edge of the board gets caught in a little something in the snow and you go flying.
creek gets packed with a lot of people from NY on day trips, mainly families. they flock to the main mountain moreso. South mountain will be mostly boarders.
i cannot compare snowboarding to surfing or skateboarding at all. i'd say if anything, it's a bit more like wakeboarding, but i think that is the hardest boarding to get a grip on.
sounds like i need a helmet? really dumb question but can i use my mountain biking helmet?
for all you know it's probably a law in jersey for anyone under the age of 95 and over the age of 94 to wear a helmet while doing anything from sneezing to snowboarding.
you might find it cumbersome or that it restricts your vision more than you'd like. and you shouldn't be going too fast. As K said, it'll happen while carving moreso, and you'll be a bit away from that.
If anything, make sure your butt is well insulated and at the risk of sounding like a perv, you may benefit from bringing some knee pads
I'd cosign the helmet and knee pads, in a completely non-pervy way. ;D
Also, maybe some shin guards. I remember my shins getting bruised like a mutha.
I think it feels like skateboarding in that you have to have your weight back on your heels to make a left turn, and it's hard for me to do that without falling over backward.
I think that el chode's advice is pretty good - start out on your heels. Your first goals should be to learn how to slowly turn and stop. Try starting out on your heels (facing downhill) from a stopped position, and slowly begin riding to the side. Make a turn by shifting your weight to your toes, while simultaneously sliding the back end of your board out and around (so that your back is now facing downhill). Keep your speed in check, and your knees bent. Do one turn at a time and then stop. Then start with your back facing downhill, with your weight on your toes, and shift to your heels while slowly swinging out the back of your board so that you're then facing downhill. Do all this on the flatest, easiest run. Start your turns gradually, mostly going sidehill (NOT pointed directly downhill).
As el chode also mentioned, it's important to know which foot you feel more comfortable with in front. Most people have their left foot forward (regular)...I'm not sure sure if there's an easy way to determine what is best for you without actually trying it out. If you've ever ridden a skateboard and know which way you ride, it'll be the same way. If you're renting equipment, you can always return your board after a few runs to try the other foot forward if things aren't working out. Comfortable boots are probably more important that the board, and can make or break a day of riding.
You will fall, but keep trying. It usually takes more than a day to get things down (especially if you're teaching yourself), but it's great fun after you can piece together turns and do whole runs, choose where on the mountain you want to ride. Wrist injuries are the most common for snowboarders, so wrist guards may not be a bad idea while starting out. I broke my wrist in an icy park several years back, but I was also doing some stupid stuff (I don't leave the ground much anymore). I've been snowboarding for 16 years, and I love it.
Quote...I'm not sure sure if there's an easy way to determine what is best for you without actually trying it out
I promise this isn't a cure for hiccups designed for the entertainment for your friends and not to fix a problem, but here's how I typically diagnose foot style.
Grab a friend (BUDDY SYSTEM!) and stand on some solid ground, nice and limber and relaxed. Have your friend stand behind you and push you hard. Not so hard you fall over, but hard enough to make you move forward.
Whichever foot you step with first is your probable preferred foot.
As a lefty and therefore member of the superior race, I often have problems figuring out what works best for me. This cured all my problems (I ride regular)
LOL thanks for the advice. i'll def opt for the wrist guards. my friend has the butt pads but i was thinking i had enough padding on the back side already (not to be perverted lol)...maybe i'll wear my biking padded shorts under my ski pants. starting to get excited. thanks!
we're supposed to get snow too this weekend. that should avoid you having to deal with too much ice and too many people traveling from too far.
Your ass is going to spend a lot of time in the snow. Just a warning. You'll get numb cheeks if you're not careful.
Agreed, I think ice is your worst enemy here...easy to catch an edge, and hurts like hell when you fall.
I've always said if I tried it again I'd go out West where the snow is deeper (and softer when you fall!).
I heard out west they hate snowboarders and consider us luddites and worse than poor single moms who smoke while pregnant with a child who could have any one of 8 baby daddies
Yeah, that's true to an extent...depends where you go. Some resorts have dedicated snowboarding runs so the skiers don't have to mingle with the riff-raff ;)
QuoteYeah, that's true to an extent...depends where you go. Some resorts have dedicated snowboarding runs so the skiers don't have to mingle with the riff-raff ;)
i'll admit, i do hate when boarders choose to camp out just over the crest of a hill, and then get mad when you almost hit them. but that's about it.
QuoteQuoteYeah, that's true to an extent...depends where you go. Some resorts have dedicated snowboarding runs so the skiers don't have to mingle with the riff-raff ;)
i'll admit, i do hate when boarders choose to camp out just over the crest of a hill, and then get mad when you almost hit them. but that's about it.
Yeah, I'll be the first to admit it - there are a LOT of clueless, disrespectful snowboarders...snowboarding culture kind of idolizes and breeds idiot punks, to some extent. I used to be WAY into snowboarding (and skating), and that 'Search and Destroy', 'Skate or Die', punk rock, fuck you attitude still seems to be very much a part of the videos and marketing and image. I also can't stand the herd of boarders at the top of every hill...
BUT, snowboarding still kicks ass. I grew up skiing as a child, and got into snowboarding around Jr. High...haven't skied a day since. There's not much in this world that can do it for me like floating through the trees on a few feet of fresh powder...skis just can't compare to a board in powder.
As far as how we're viewed here in the West...some skiers do blindly hate on boarders, but it's person to person really, and there are a lot of cool skiers who are great to ride with. I know that there are a few resorts around, like Deer Valley and Alta in Utah, that only allow skiers.
They may do generic lessons where you go with a group. I highly suggest that. First time I went (Tahoe) I picked it up very fast and it was quite possibly one of the more(to steal one of Braden's words) awesomer things I've ever done in my life. Second (and last) time I went, I was lucky to leave with my life, literally. (Crested Butte, CO) I caught an edge, as K says, serious concussion (with helmet), three broken bones (wrist, clavicle, rib) sprained my MCL on which I was already wearing a brace. But, hey, have fun! ;)
QuoteThey may do generic lessons where you go with a group. I highly suggest that. First time I went (Tahoe) I picked it up very fast and it was quite possibly one of the more(to steal one of Braden's words) awesomer things I've ever done in my life. Second (and last) time I went, I was lucky to leave with my life, literally. (Crested Butte, CO) I caught an edge, as K says, serious concussion (with helmet), three broken bones (wrist, clavicle, rib) sprained my MCL on which I was already wearing a brace. But, hey, have fun! ;)
Yeah, but you DID ask for the board that said 'Bad Motherfucker' on it...what did you expect ::) ;D
QuoteQuoteQuoteYeah, that's true to an extent...depends where you go. Some resorts have dedicated snowboarding runs so the skiers don't have to mingle with the riff-raff ;)
i'll admit, i do hate when boarders choose to camp out just over the crest of a hill, and then get mad when you almost hit them. but that's about it.
I grew up skiing as a child, and got into snowboarding around Jr. High...haven't skied a day since. There's not much in this world that can do it for me like floating through the trees on a few feet of fresh powder...skis just can't compare to a board in powder.
As far as how we're viewed here in the West...some skiers do blindly hate on boarders, but it's person to person really, and there are a lot of cool skiers who are great to ride with. I know that there are a few resorts around, like Deer Valley and Alta in Utah, that only allow skiers.
Me too bBill. I learned at 16 and never turned back. Penny, I really hope you got a lesson. group lessons are the best for newbies and i have never met anyone who is a kick ass snowboarder who didn't have someone teach them to connect their turns. I hope you had fun.
And the west coast is ALL about snowboarding. I find that on the east coast there are more skiing purists (and with a much bigger attitude about it). I ride in Oregon and Utah all the time. The purists go to Alta and the rest understand to share the mountain. My biggest gripe is beginners on hills that they are not ready for. New skiers have almost taken me out on a regular basis. Since I skied from 3 to 16, i can usually anticipate their movements and avoid a crash. It ain't the ride that is a problem, just attitude and ignorance :-/
Hey Wizz!!! Do you mostly ride at Mt. Hood? Ever go down to Bachelor? What about Tahoe?
(Lovin' the seasonal change for the Crater Lake avatar pic!)
i definitely know what catching an edge is now :-( very sore today but it was worth it. i'm totally hooked and i wasn't this way w/skiing. bbill--i'm glad you guys encouraged me to take a lesson because once i learned how to turn/stop both ways, i could feather down the bunny hill. here are a few pics. the first is me on my knees-where i spent the first hour..but it got a little better. i'm definitely going back!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3189365960_87cb8cfaee.jpg?v=0)
and this is me balancing once i got a slight hang of it:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3189365966_e659ebba1b.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3189365976_97000b7aba.jpg?v=0)
That's great! I'm glad you had a good time, and want to continue to learn! It looks like you had a little fresh snow too, which is MUCH better to learn on (less painful to fall on) than ice!
i guess it was a lot less icy than last weekend--lots of fresh snow on sat :-) the helmet was definitely needed though...some hard falls LOL!!
Look at you! Nice, penny! Glad you had fun :)
QuoteLook at you! Nice, penny! Glad you had fun :)
Such a glowing example
;D ;D ;D
ALADY--i'm hooked on gear now. my friend sent me these links: (do you check these?)
//www.whiskeymilitia.com
and
//www.steepandcheap.com
they have deals come up every hour for gear...it's like crack...i'm looking at gloves and base layers and all that...i mean if i'm not good at it yet, i may as well look the part LOL
Oooh, cool...I'll have to check those out. Man, I wish I still lived near hills!
QuoteHey Wizz!!! Do you mostly ride at Mt. Hood? Ever go down to Bachelor? What about Tahoe?
(Lovin' the seasonal change for the Crater Lake avatar pic!)
Yes, Wiz(z)ard island is cold this time of year, must reflect on the seasons .[smiley=thumbsup.gif]
I am embarrassed to admit how little I make it up to Mt. Hood. But this is the year I plan on going up at least a couple weekends. My parents live in Park City in the winter so I go there a lot. I get a deal as they put me and my sisters on our condo lease. As a "local", I get to buy extremely discounted tickets. So I haul my ass there pretty regularly. Speaking of....I leave on Friday for our annual Sundance/Snowboarding extravaganza! So excited! And this time a very good friend of me & the hubs (he totally scored a mitzvah when he introduced me to my husband) is joining us b/c he did post-production work on a snowboarding movie showing at X-dance. Should be a real hoot! 8-)
Quotei guess it was a lot less icy than last weekend--lots of fresh snow on sat :-) the helmet was definitely needed though...some hard falls LOL!!
I totally have a crush on my helmet (yes, I am a geek). But even I, who was weened on the mountain, have come just-this-close to hitting trees while seeking out fresh powder. I think a helmet is way sexy. And mine has a bad-ass visor, so I feel like I am a motorcross-hardcore-mountain grrlll when wearing it!
I'm too manly for a helmet.
::thumps chest, scratches balls, stares at bewbs::
QuoteI'm too manly for a helmet.
::thumps chest, scratches balls, stares at bewbs::
ha ha--i didn't see the need when i used to ski but thank god i had one on sat, i knocked my head HARD a few times...those falls are a lot harder i think?
in all honesty, i never really hit my head when i've boarded. skiing is a different story. boarding is typically some sort of butthurt story.
then again, i have a giant melon and i'm nearly invincible. I once blocked a field goal in football with my face.
Quotein all honesty, i never really hit my head when i've boarded. skiing is a different story. boarding is typically some sort of butthurt story.
then again, i have a giant melon and i'm nearly invincible. I once blocked a field goal in football with my face.
Actually, the last time I nearly went head first into a tree, it wasn't seeking freshies in the Aspens or flying down the hill and catching an edge. I was losing speed on a very long cat track cutting to the base and caught an edge. In what felt like slow motion, I fell off the side into thick snow and my head bonked down inches from a tree. Like I said, I love my helmet and can't wait to put it to good use this weekend! :D :D :D :D
went to Camelback in the Poconos on Sat. anyone ever been there? i am finally going down the green hills (lol) progressively getting better and becoming completely addicted. i might try hunter mt (upstate) in a couple weeks. has anyone else been boarding much?
Quotewent to Camelback in the Poconos on Sat. anyone ever been there? i am finally going down the green hills (lol) progressively getting better and becoming completely addicted. i might try hunter mt (upstate) in a couple weeks. has anyone else been boarding much?
Camelback is where I learned how. Along with Shawnee, they are great places to learn how to board.
Here's my racist warning:
Camelback is full of asians and they ski like they drive.
QuoteQuotewent to Camelback in the Poconos on Sat. anyone ever been there? i am finally going down the green hills (lol) progressively getting better and becoming completely addicted. i might try hunter mt (upstate) in a couple weeks. has anyone else been boarding much?
Camelback is where I learned how. Along with Shawnee, they are great places to learn how to board.
Here's my racist warning:
Camelback is full of asians and they ski like they drive.
i actually went w/my chinese friend and her chinese boyfriend; they are better snowboarders and drivers than me...lol...so much for that stereotype
Haha, well racist comments aside, for some reason there are a lot more asians there and I don't know why.
The worst place I've ever gone was Okemo in VT. It was like ultra-conservative family style place where it was just people being offended if you went fast while they did french fries-pizza zigzagging across the mountain. God forbid you come close to their precious Aiden or Hunter as he was cutting in front of you without looking.
Also, that is the only place I encountered a stereotypical Skiier douchebag yuppie type thing, like in that South Park Episode.
Quotewent to Camelback in the Poconos on Sat. anyone ever been there? i am finally going down the green hills (lol) progressively getting better and becoming completely addicted. i might try hunter mt (upstate) in a couple weeks. has anyone else been boarding much?
We are getting A TON of snow in Tahoe, but I don't think I'll be making it up there this season...baby.
I'm glad you're into it though Penny! It's great when you're learning, and each day you can see progression in your riding...keep going!
QuoteQuotewent to Camelback in the Poconos on Sat. anyone ever been there? i am finally going down the green hills (lol) progressively getting better and becoming completely addicted. i might try hunter mt (upstate) in a couple weeks. has anyone else been boarding much?
We are getting A TON of snow in Tahoe, but I don't think I'll be making it up there this season...baby.
I'm glad you're into it though Penny! It's great when you're learning, and each day you can see progression in your riding...keep going!
i like it a lot better than skiing. it's kind of like (not to go mr. miyagi on ya) you're one w/the board? i cannot wait to go back; my friend just got back from CO and was telling me it's so much different. i guess this crap here is pretty painful but out there, it's REAL snow, powder...it was all ice on sat.