Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Basic Steps For Snowboarding

 

Snowboarding Tricks - Basic Steps Before Learning Tricks
By Bobby Wilson

Snowboarding by itself is a fun and safe sport that is basically a cross between skiing and skateboarding. Like most adventurous sports, snowboarding is most definitely not for the weak or frail hearted. But for those who are up to the challenge, it promises one of the most exciting blood rushes around.

Here are few basic Snowboarding tricks for a new learner:

1) You have to keep in mind that snowboarding is somehow similar to snow skiing. Body movements for snowboarding are similar to skiing as you control and stabilize your snowboard the same way. So if you are skilled skier you will find it easy to learn snowboarding tricks.

2) A very basic tip is that don't get boots that are very tight. Boots you wear should be comfortable.

3) Don't get long snowboards in the beginning of learning snowboarding tricks.

4) When you are starting to learn snowboarding don't start riding down the snowy slope. You can start with snowboarding across a small patch of snow. Start feeling comfortable about equipments and your movement before starting snowboarding.

5) While snowboarding be in a relaxed position. Similar to any other sports snowboarding requires a calm mindset. Most of the accidents and injuries happen among snowboarders while they are performing snowboarding tricks in tensed position.

6) Before starting snowboarding you should find a flat area or gentle incline. Keep away from high-traffic areas.

7) When you are starting to learn tricks don't practice alone. Always practice with friends so in case you hurt yourself you will have someone to look after you.

8) One of most important things in snowboarding is dress. You should dress comfortable and loose fitting snow clothing. You should wear goggles, glove and hat or helmet. You should also try to get wrist guards and helmet specially in the beginning.

9) You should practice skating around for 10-12 minutes before you go near the chairlift and start snowboarding.
To find out other crucial things you need to do to start learning snowboarding tricks , you should visit this site: http://unique-review.com/reviews/snowboarding-tricks-and-tips/

Bobby Wilson writes articles on different topics that interest him.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bobby_Wilson

This article has very basic ideas of learning this thing, If you are looking for an extended and complete details. Then check out the link below.

Check out his Snowboarding Academy.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Nice Read

 

He Crossed Over To the Other Side
By Teresa Scanlon

It was bound to happen. Being married to an adventurous guy I knew that he would want to try it someday. Snowboarding that is. After some thought I realized that there could be some major advantages to all of this. For once, he would be slow. No more "chop chop" and the husband-clock chiming "SGO! SGO! SGO!" (that's short for "let's go") when we are out on the slopes. I decided to see how it would all play out.

He tried snowboarding for the first time one day on a mid-week trip organized by some work buddies. The new guy had a board and everyone admired it from a safe distance. After lunch Husband asked if he could try it for a few runs. Of course the bunny slope was too demeaning to him; he went straight for a green. The mountain that day was particularly icy and not very forgiving to someone who is down more than up. After a few tries and one whiplash-producing wham (thank God he was smart enough to borrow the helmet too) he returned the board to its owner. For weeks he nursed his aching neck. There's nothing like a case of whiplash to bring you to your senses. "Good I thought... the fascination is over."

I was wrong.

"I'm gonna check out the swap meet this weekend" he quietly mumbled. "Hmmm" I thought. He must be going to check out new skis. When he returned with "the wood" I knew there was no turning back for him. Now "the wood" was no ordinary wood. He got the used snowboard from a big kid who was upgrading. I think the kid was simply afraid of the graphics on the board. How could you look down at a distorted man's face in mid-primal scream and not be scared? The kids were scared of it. I was scared of it. Husband was indifferent and anxious to hit the trails. I was already planning on stocking up on Advil.

That was two years ago. Husband now splits his time on the mountain between the two sports, preferring to snowboard in the morning when his muscles aren't tired and aching and going back to his first love of gobbling up black diamonds on the sticks. Logistics for a family ski day has now drastically changed. Husband now has a specific spot on the chairlift, and giving our little one a hop up on the lift seat is now impossible for him since he has to be on the outermost chair spot. Unloading is also confusing since he now needs time to buckle his bindings.

"Riders" must unbuckle their boots from the bindings to keep one foot free for maneuverability in the lift line. But our entertainment factor has increased. The kids no longer look for his flaming red jacket to find him. They look for the lump on the snow now. And runs are now more leisurely since we are no longer trying to catch up with him. He's behind us now, waaay behind us. But with each season he inches closer to our group. Secretly I think he likes hanging back. He's got time to give the boarder-to-boarder head nod that skiers never seem to exchange. It's like some kind of secret sign. What are they really thinking? It must be something like "Ow, my butt took it hard on that last one." Or maybe "Why is this approach so stinkin' flat?"

I guess after all this, the answer is Yes. This Ski Chick does find something in common with her Boarder Dude. We both still enjoy the mountain and everything it has to offer- the snow, the views, and the fun. We give the same war cry on our first runs of the day and enjoy some well deserved après ski refreshment (has the term après board been invented yet?). And hey, I admire him for trying something new. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
Teresa Scanlon is an avid skier and mother to three. She also owns Ski Chick LLC, marketing streetwear and accessories to female snowboarders and skiers of all ages. Visit http://www.skichick.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teresa_Scanlon

Buying Snowboard Pants

 

How to Buy Snowboard Pants
By Eric Clemmer

 

Finding the right snowboard pants can make all the difference. Pants that are too light in material can leave your legs cold and cut your day in half. Pants that aren't properly ventilated can be very uncomfortable if the day is warm. Knowing the climate that you will be riding in can help you find the right pair.

Snowboarding pants have indications of how well they breath and how waterproof they are. The breath-ability is indicated with a g or gm, for example 10,000g would mean the pants do a good job of circulating the air. The waterproofing is indicated with a mm. The higher the number of mm & g the better they do their job.

This is where knowing your climates comes in hand. Let's say you are riding in the Northwest, like Oregon. The snow is extremely wet there. Buying snowboard pants with a waterproofing of 3,000mm would leave you soaked. For the Northwest and other wet conditions it would be best to buy snowboard pants with a minimum of 10,000mm, better yet would 20,000mm. Getting pants made out of Gore-Tex is also a good idea for wet climates because they do an amazing job of blocking the water from filtering in.

If you are riding in a dry climate like Colorado you would be fine with pants that only have a 3,000g & 3,000mm. But still 10,000g/mm would be best. In really cold temperatures, like in the Northeast, buying snowboarding pants with a high mm & g are recommended, but also find the ones that come with a removable liner for the extremely cold days.

Buying snowboard pants isn't just about climates, it's also about the look. You don't want your pants to look goofy with the rest of your outfit. Most manufacturer's tell you whether the pants are baggy or slim fit. This can be found on their product description which is great if shopping online. Other features that may influence your decision are pockets. I love having lot's of pockets. They are great for storing candy & stuff. Some pants are upgraded with tapped seams and waterproof zippers. Others come with pass holders and air-vents. Vents are needed if your riding in warm climates.

To summarize, buy snowboard pants that will work with both your climate and outfit. Create a theme with your look. Hope this information helps and Good Luck.
Always read a snowboard pants review before you buy. Here is a link to the 08' Snowboard Pants Review at http://www.bettersnowboarding.com/snowboardpantsreview.html Plus learn how to get your free copy of How To Tune A Snowboard tune guide at http://www.bettersnowboarding.com/snowboardtuneguide.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Clemmer

 

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