For some people, snowboarding is a leisure activity that they enjoy doing during the winter season. For others, it’s a passion that they spend a lot of time developing. They often go out on the mountain to carve through powder or try out tricks in parks.
If you are one of those individuals who constantly think about the next time you’ll be on your board, then this article will help you improve your skills and become a better rider. Some of these tips are for those who are mainly focused on riding in parks, while others are applicable to snowboarding in general.
Buy the right gear
When it comes to choosing the right equipment for your specific riding style, it’s important to understand the difference between different types of snowboards.
For instance, if you’re looking for a more flexible and soft board, then a freestyle board is the best choice. If you’re planning on improving your park skills, then a stiffer all-mountain board might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you’re into riding in un-groomed snow, then a long, wider board is ideal.
Getting the right equipment for your specific riding style will require some trial and error. Before you buy, try out different types of boards, boots, and bindings to see if they work well for you.
Train off the mountain
One of the most important factors that you can consider when it comes to improving your snowboarding technique is training your core and balance. Doing so will help you maintain a healthy and balanced body. Besides this, other areas that you can focus on are your flexibility and strength in your knees, hips, and lower back. There are a variety of online programs and resources that are dedicated to helping riders improve their skills.
Learn to ride both ways
You should be comfortable with both the regular and the reverse way of riding a snowboard. Doing so will allow you to land and ride out tricks in parks more easily.
Move with your knees
When you first start riding a board, it’s likely that you’ll initially use your shoulders to lead your movements. As you start to move from a beginner to an advanced level, you’ll start to realize that most of the power that you’ll get from your turns comes from your knees. To improve the power and speed of your turns, start focusing on your knees instead of your shoulders.
Watch online videos
Instagram and Youtube are great platforms for learning new tricks and tips. You can watch videos that walk you through specific techniques step-by-step. After watching a few videos, take what you’ve learned to the slopes.