Mastering snowboarding can be challenging, especially when you feel like your progress has hit a plateau. Fear not, as our Community Manager and Course Leader, Tom Ewbank, is here to share valuable insights from his teaching and coaching experience. Here are ten tips to significantly boost your snowboarding technique:
- 01) Choose the Right Gear
Selecting the correct snowboarding equipment is crucial. Research thoroughly before making a purchase, considering your ability, strength, and riding style. Tailor your gear to areas you want to improve, whether it's stability at high speeds or enhancing park riding skills.
02) Stay Fit and Strong
Invest time in staying snowboard-fit, focusing on maintaining a high strength-to-weight ratio, increasing core and leg strength, and staying flexible. Explore snowboard-specific exercise programs available online to keep yourself in top shape.
03) Learn Both Regular and Switch Riding
Expand your skills by learning to ride both regular and switch. This not only broadens your trick repertoire but also deepens your understanding of your own riding style. Embrace the challenge of switch riding to enhance your overall proficiency.
04) Watch Snowboard Videos
Utilize online resources and watch professional snowboarders in action. Learning from their techniques through video edits can provide valuable insights, helping you visualize and understand advanced riding techniques.
05) Record Yourself Riding
Film your rides to gain a better understanding of your technique. Compare your riding to that of your favorite snowboarder and use video analysis to identify areas for improvement. This self-awareness is essential for progression.
06) Push Yourself Safely
Challenge yourself but prioritize safety. Check weather and snow conditions, avoid riding tired or unwell, and always ride with proper equipment. Gradually progress to more challenging terrain and tricks, following a steady learning curve.
07) Trampoline Training
Engage in trampoline exercises to enhance your physical strength, core stability, and spatial awareness. This off-snow training can benefit your muscle memory for tricks and improve your overall coordination.
08) Visualize New Tricks
Develop the skill of visualizing new tricks before attempting them. Visualization is a powerful tool that can bridge the gap between good and exceptional snowboarding skills.
09) Over-Emphasize Movements
Consciously focus on various movements while snowboarding, such as longitudinal, lateral, torsional, rotational, and up-and-down motions. Over-emphasizing these movements allows you to understand their impact on the board's performance and incorporate them into your riding.
10) Take a Lesson
Regardless of your skill level, consider taking lessons. Whether it's a short private session or a more extended program, having an instructor or coach can make a significant difference in refining your snowboarding abilities."In conclusion, elevating your snowboarding skills requires a holistic approach that encompasses gear selection, physical fitness, diverse riding techniques, and a continuous learning mindset. By embracing these ten tips, from choosing the right equipment to incorporating visualization and seeking professional guidance, you can break through plateaus and unlock new levels of proficiency on the slopes. Remember, the journey to mastery is ongoing, and each tip serves as a valuable tool to enhance your snowboarding experience and take your skills to new heights.