Fancy Snowboarding but too Nervous to Try? Read how to Take the Plunge!
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 in its rawest form was invented in the 1920s but its modern connotations were not truly known until the 60s when engineer Sherman Poppen designed a crude toy for his daughter which consisted of two skis stuck together and a rope tied to the front to give her control. He called the new activity 'snurfing', a combination of snow and surfing. His invention became so talked about that he had to take his design to a larger market. He began holding snurfing competitions and one of the favourite competitors was Tom Sims, an avid skateboarding fan who took Poppen's idea and ran with it, creating a new design which he called the 'winterstick'. Many other people added to the design but the snowboard we know today was finally finished by two Welshman who had the idea of using 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.
There are so many brands and designs, it's impossible not get lost in the variety. Right now, with the current 80s throwback style that is so on trend, you can easily recapture snowboarding's golden age. You will be able to find the perfect winter sports wardrobe at the moment which means it won't even matter when you fall on your face!
Don't be daunted by the seemingly endless slang and lingo used as well, it may seem like a whole new language but the odd words used normally just refer to different jumps or stances and you can look online for a snowboarding glossary to help get to grips with it all.
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 in its rawest form was invented in the 1920s but its modern connotations were not truly known until the 60s when engineer Sherman Poppen designed a crude toy for his daughter which consisted of two skis stuck together and a rope tied to the front to give her control. He called the new activity 'snurfing', a combination of snow and surfing. His invention became so talked about that he had to take his design to a larger market. He began holding snurfing competitions and one of the favourite competitors was Tom Sims, an avid skateboarding fan who took Poppen's idea and ran with it, creating a new design which he called the 'winterstick'. Many other people added to the design but the snowboard we know today was finally finished by two Welshman who had the idea of using 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.
There are so many brands and designs, it's impossible not get lost in the variety. Right now, with the current 80s throwback style that is so on trend, you can easily recapture snowboarding's golden age. You will be able to find the perfect winter sports wardrobe at the moment which means it won't even matter when you fall on your face!
Don't be daunted by the seemingly endless slang and lingo used as well, it may seem like a whole new language but the odd words used normally just refer to different jumps or stances and you can look online for a snowboarding glossary to help get to grips with it all.
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:
Having tried this for myself I can tell you that yes it is just as fun (and difficult!) as it looks; so buy snowboard shorts from Snowboards4U and get going now.
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