• Go to your local snowboard shop and get set-up with the right gear, which is of course Burton!
• Get good boots that fit right. This is the most important piece of equipment. It is the connection from your body to the board. Make sure your boots are snug enough not to allow any heel lift, but not so tight that they are uncomfortable. If you already own boots and they’re killing your feet, go to Surefoot and dial in your fit. The yellow Burton, Velcro heel hold down pads that attach to the outer boot rule. If you’re struggling to make your boots work, time to upgrade. Get your foot measured and make sure you buy the right size.
• Start on an easy, moderately sloped run. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to jump on the quad to the top. It’s a long run to the bottom if you cannot turn. Wear a helmet and maybe knee pads and wrist guards if you’re worried about getting carnaged.
• Warm up a bit before you slip on your boots. Do a few stretches and exercises so you’re ready.
• Get a lesson. Guys, not a good idea to teach your girlfriend or wife – relationship wrecker.
• Go to the top of the mountain and look for a run called “The Wall,” (just kidding).
• The first day can be challenging and frustrating. If you haven’t skateboarded, surfed, wakeboarded or kiteboarded, standing sideways can be a foreign feeling. Walk around the bottom of the hill where it’s flat with your front foot in the binding to get used to the new stance. Practice on a short flat hill, putting your rear foot in front of the back binding and sliding to get your balance.
• Keep in mind your front foot is year steering wheel on a snowboard. With too much weight in the back seat it’s hard to pilot the board. Keep your weight 50/50. Initially practice sliding heelside and then toeside, eventually you will progress to the “Falling Leaf” drill and finally transitioning from toeside to heelside. This is a leap of faith at first, but trust yourself and keep your weight on the front leg. The tendency is always to get in the back seat.
• Give yourself a few days before you think about throwing in the towel. After three days you’ll be ripping top to bottom and loving life. Enjoy the ride!
