I've always wanted to get into snowboarding but I never knew where to start. There are so many places all over the world that offer great slopes, scenery and people and it's hard delving into a new sport not knowing anything about it. Friends of mine had been doing skiing holidays for years but while the sport didn't appeal to me, the lifestyle did. I decided to take a look at snowboarding, skiing's cooler younger brother, and this is what I learned.
Snowboarding has been around since the 1920s but it was during the 70s that it received its modern makeover. American skateboarder Tom Sims was the first person to make what we now call a snowboard and articles in US magazine Newsweek helped propel its popularity. The shape and size of the 'deck' has changed many times over the years although nowadays they almost always come in a standard length and are made of a lightweight plywood.
So now you know where it came from, can you really see yourself doing it? Skiing has the classy edge, for decades now skiing has been something for those living in luxury with connotations of grandeur which has become less about the sport itself, and more about log cabins, hot toddies and the latest skiing gear, brand-named of course. Snowboarding, while seemingly something for the young, can be an exciting and fast-paced change for those approaching the dreaded middle age. Also, its far more about getting down and dirty and really throwing yourself into something new so if you feel a mid-life crisis looming, this is not too far a jump for you and nowhere near as far as splurging on a sports car. Every ski resort caters for all abilities so there's no need to feel embarrassed about asking for lessons, even if your trainer does look half your age.
So now you've decided to bite the bullet, how will you know what to say and what to wear. Buying yourself snowboard gear can be a minefield with so many brands all telling you they will help you become better at the sport. One of the main factors when buying gear is comfort; if you are not comfortable walking around the shop with it on, you will never be comfortable on the slopes.
Winter sports resorts can be found on every continent but you will have no problem finding English-speaking instructors to help get you started. There is a whole glossary of terms to learn if you want to get the lingo right but a quick Google search will help if anything gets lost in translation. Snowboarding is such an exciting sport; the search for the best slopes and most talented trainers will be never ending.
Personally, I've got a lot further to go until I reach even a good amateur level but it's an addictive sport and I like any new hobby, besides the more you practice the better you get right? Joining online forums and mailing lists is a good way of meeting other snowboard enthusiasts of all ages and levels. I've also found it handy in getting groups together for trips, learning about which resorts to try or even just chatting about previous trips. There's such a vast array of possibilities for excitement with winter sports and I'm glad I didn't give up on it. Skiing may not have been for me but snowboarding is the new me!
Snowboarding has been around since the 1920s but it was during the 70s that it received its modern makeover. American skateboarder Tom Sims was the first person to make what we now call a snowboard and articles in US magazine Newsweek helped propel its popularity. The shape and size of the 'deck' has changed many times over the years although nowadays they almost always come in a standard length and are made of a lightweight plywood.
So now you know where it came from, can you really see yourself doing it? Skiing has the classy edge, for decades now skiing has been something for those living in luxury with connotations of grandeur which has become less about the sport itself, and more about log cabins, hot toddies and the latest skiing gear, brand-named of course. Snowboarding, while seemingly something for the young, can be an exciting and fast-paced change for those approaching the dreaded middle age. Also, its far more about getting down and dirty and really throwing yourself into something new so if you feel a mid-life crisis looming, this is not too far a jump for you and nowhere near as far as splurging on a sports car. Every ski resort caters for all abilities so there's no need to feel embarrassed about asking for lessons, even if your trainer does look half your age.
So now you've decided to bite the bullet, how will you know what to say and what to wear. Buying yourself snowboard gear can be a minefield with so many brands all telling you they will help you become better at the sport. One of the main factors when buying gear is comfort; if you are not comfortable walking around the shop with it on, you will never be comfortable on the slopes.
Winter sports resorts can be found on every continent but you will have no problem finding English-speaking instructors to help get you started. There is a whole glossary of terms to learn if you want to get the lingo right but a quick Google search will help if anything gets lost in translation. Snowboarding is such an exciting sport; the search for the best slopes and most talented trainers will be never ending.
Personally, I've got a lot further to go until I reach even a good amateur level but it's an addictive sport and I like any new hobby, besides the more you practice the better you get right? Joining online forums and mailing lists is a good way of meeting other snowboard enthusiasts of all ages and levels. I've also found it handy in getting groups together for trips, learning about which resorts to try or even just chatting about previous trips. There's such a vast array of possibilities for excitement with winter sports and I'm glad I didn't give up on it. Skiing may not have been for me but snowboarding is the new me!
About the Author:
Snowboarding itself isn't actually the best bit...picking your colours, impact shorts and jackets is so much better! Buy from Snowboards4U and visit them online.
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