Getting started with snowboarding: our tips for your first runs

Have you finally decided to take up snowboarding? Welcome to the world of sideways gliders. Whether you’re tempted by the thrill of your first ride or have already had a go on the snow but without much success, this article is here to give you practical advice on how to get started with snowboarding without breaking the bank. Come on, let’s strap on our boots and get going!

Busting the myths: yes, you can take up snowboarding at any age

Let’s get one thing straight straight away: no, you’re not “too old”, “not fit enough” or “not flexible enough” to give it a go. Getting started with snowboarding is, above all, about having fun and being curious. You might have a few aches and pains the first evening (the famous thighs/calves/bum combo), but nothing you can’t handle. And above all: you don’t need to be riding black runs switch in three days.

What matters is taking your time, working on the basics properly… and enjoying every little bit of progress.

However, just because you’re a whizz on skis doesn’t mean you’ll be the same on a snowboard. OK, it’ll certainly help you get to grips with the snow better, be less afraid of falling, and so on, but snowboarding is a discipline in its own right, which doesn’t require the same kind of effort as skiing.

What gear do you need to start snowboarding?

Before you even set foot on the board, we need to talk gear. To start with, there’s no need to splash out a fortune on a full kit to get started with snowboarding. The important thing is to be well-equipped so you can progress comfortably and safely.

• A suitable board: flexible, forgiving, with a soft flex to make up for minor mistakes. Avoid stiff freeride boards – you’re not there yet. If you want to know how to choose your snowboard, check out our dedicated guide.

• Comfortable boots: snug but not too tight.

• Bindings

• A helmet (yes, really)

A quick tip: rent at first, then buy if you really get into it. That way, you’ll avoid investing in gear that’s too technical or unsuitable.

And when the time comes to take the plunge, do have a look at Stone Snowboards, of course. You’re bound to find something you love.

Discover our snowboards

A few tips before you start snowboarding

First off, we’ll start by giving you a few tips on how to get into snowboarding without losing face:

• Choose your spot carefully: a gentle slope, not too crowded, snow that’s not too hard = a winning combination.

• Don’t be afraid of falling: if you don’t fall, you’re not making progress. Even the pros fall – proof right below, hello Julien.

• Stay hydrated and eat well: snowboarding is a sport (and raclette doesn’t count as hydration).

• Listen to your body: if you’re getting tired, take a break. The best way to fall is to be knackered.

• Have fun: it’s not a competition, it’s a moment for you. In fact, go riding with friends.

Understanding the basic stance: your body does all the work

Right, now that you’re kitted out and mentally prepared, let’s talk about posture. When snowboarding, your whole body is working: not just your legs. The basic stance is your foundation.

• Feet shoulder-width apart.

• Knees bent (as if you were about to sit on an invisible chair).

• Back straight, arms relaxed.

• Look far ahead, not at your feet (your feet know what they’re doing).

• And above all: put your weight on your front foot – it’s the captain of the ship.

Goofy or regular?

Yes, it’s all very well talking about the front foot, but you still need to know which one it is for you. It’s dead simple: ask someone to push you from behind when you’re not expecting it. By reflex, you’ll put one foot forward to steady yourself: that’s your front foot. Then it’s simple: if it’s your right foot forward, you’re goofy; if it’s your left foot forward, you’re regular. Another way to tell is if you ride a scooter – you’ll automatically know which foot you put forward. 

Dealing with ski lifts 

Ah, the bane of every beginner snowboarder: the T-bar lift. Yes, this really is a topic in its own right that deserves a dedicated section.

To survive the T-bar lift, place your board flat, with a slight tilt towards the heel, let yourself be pulled, don’t drag. Keep your weight centred and resist the urge to sit down; look straight ahead (not at your feet).

If you fall, don’t panic. Get off the run quickly and have a good laugh. You’re not the first, nor will you be the last. And if you’re really struggling, walk up a few times at the start or take a lift with a built-in conveyor belt.

The first exercises to do to learn how to slide

You’re on the beginners’ slope, you’ve got your board on (or almost), now let’s get started. Step by step.

1. The straight line on one foot

Just clip in your front foot. The back foot stays free. This is what we call ‘one-foot’. Choose a gentle slope (like a magic carpet or baby slope), place your back foot between the bindings and let yourself slide straight down. Your weight? On the front. The aim? To feel how it slides, to find your balance. No turns here, just get a feel for how the board reacts under your feet.

2. The dead leaf

Once you’ve clipped both feet in, you’ll head down by skidding. We call this the ‘dead leaf’.

• Heels in the snow (backside), make small zigzags from one edge to the other.

• Gently shift your weight from one foot to the other.

• Control your speed with the edge.

You can also do this on your toes (frontside), but that requires better balance. Don’t worry if you struggle at first, you’ll get the hang of it quickly.

3. Your first turns: backside, then frontside

Once you feel comfortable in a snowplough position, you can start practising turns. You’ll alternate between two types of turn – we’ve given you a bit of a sneak peek earlier:

• Frontside: on your toes (facing the slope)

• Backside: on your heels (you’re looking towards the mountain)

Start with the backside (on your heels), as it’s the most natural. Start straight ahead, look in the direction you want to turn, lift your toes, lean back slightly: the board will turn on its own.

Next, try the frontside. Same principle, but this time lift your heels and push down on your toes.

A little tip from a rider: don’t tense up your body, let it flow with the movement. And always look where you want to go (yes, I’ve said it before, but trust me, it’s crucial).

Improving your snowboarding without getting scared: your first sequences

Once you know how to turn, you can start practising combinations of skid turns:

• Start in a backside position.

• Lay the board flat to pivot it down the slope.

• Finish in a frontside position, skidding.

Then reverse it: start on the frontside, finish on the backside. This is your first real taste of a smooth descent, even at a snail’s pace.

A tip from an old hand: bend your knees well. And push them forward when riding frontside. Your bum should be low and mobile.

Beginner’s mistakes to avoid (and how to fix them)

It’s OK to make mistakes, but you might as well avoid the classic ones, right?

• Staring at your feet all the time → Look where you’re going, not where you are.

• Riding stiff as a broom → Bend your knees, relax.

• Putting all your weight on the back → Keep your weight centred, otherwise the board will say “no”.

• Dressing as if you’re heading to Everest → Better to wear thin, breathable layers.

• Sticking it out on your own for 2 hours → A short lesson with an instructor, and you’ll make two days’ worth of progress.

Staying motivated despite the falls

Starting out on a snowboard is a bit like learning to walk… except you fall on ice. And despite everything, it’s well worth it. You’ll remember your first proper controlled run for the rest of your life.

To stay motivated:

• Set yourself small goals for each session: slide 10 metres without falling, manage a turn, get on the chairlift without ending up flat on your face.

• Ride with friends – it’s more fun and keeps you motivated.

• Accept that progress comes in stages. One day you’re struggling, the next you’re flying.

• Celebrate your victories, however small. A nice hot chocolate or a well-deserved beer helps take the edge off the falls.

Once you’ve got past the early stages, you’re gliding smoothly and making turns without even thinking about it, the world of snowboarding opens up to you: small bumps, off-piste (with caution), or even your first tricks in the snowpark.

But that’s for later. For now, just enjoy yourself, savour every run, and look after your body (warm up, drink water, stretch).

Conclusion

Getting started with snowboarding isn’t necessarily easy, but it’s 100% fun if you take the time to do things properly. You’ll fall, grumble, sweat, laugh… and in the end, you’ll be riding. And then, believe me, you’ll understand why so many people love it.

So fasten your boots tight, take a deep breath, and let yourself glide. The fun isn’t at the very top, nor at the very bottom: it’s in the ride, in the progress, and in the falls we laugh about.

See you soon, Stoners!

> Is it possible to learn to snowboard on your own?

You can definitely learn to snowboard on your own, especially if you’re reasonably fit: you’ll get the hang of it quickly, and after two days, you’ll already be having fun. But be warned, the early stages can be a bit rough, and without an instructor, you risk picking up bad habits. A good instructor boosts your confidence, corrects mistakes straight away, and helps you progress twice as fast.

> Is snowboarding easier than skiing?

Snowboarding is often harder to get the hang of than skiing: in the first few hours, you fall a lot, as both feet are strapped to the same board, which requires quite a bit of coordination. But once you’ve got past that hurdle, you often progress faster than with skiing. Within a few days, you can already ride blue runs with style, whereas with skiing, certain techniques take longer to master. But then again: everyone learns at their own pace.

> Which muscles does snowboarding work?

Snowboarding engages the whole body, particularly the core, back, leg and calf muscles, to maintain balance and make turns. The quadriceps, glutes and abs are particularly involved, whilst the shoulders and arms, which are used less, help with balance and cushioning falls. It is a full-body sport that effectively strengthens the stabilising muscles.