Everything you need to know about snowboarding and its practice
Snowboarding is a sliding sport practiced on a snowboard. It is a winter sport that comes from three sports: surfing, skateboarding and skiing. This sliding sport will guarantee you both thrills and a feeling of freedom!
Photo by Yann Allegre on Unsplash
The different ways of snowboarding ?
Freeride snowboarding: Freeride is snowboarding off-piste, with no routes, objectives or fixed rules.
Freestyle snowboarding: It is based on the use of artificial modules such as jumps, rails and half-pipes. Whether in snow parks or in urban areas, this term describes all places where tricks are performed.
Splitboarding: A splitboard is a snowboard that has been split in the middle (lengthwise), so that each half can be used independently like a ski, thus allowing for touring ascents.
What are the different types of snowboard?
Snowboards vary in configuration depending on the terrain. These variations are designed to maximise enjoyment, progress quickly and improve performance.
Freestyle boards
Also known as a Twin tip, this board is symmetrical in shape and has been designed to glide in both directions. The advantage of this board is that it focuses on style and tricks. These boards are generally wide and rather short to allow the snowboarder to have stability. They also have the particularity of combining flexibility and lightness, two fundamental qualities for performing tricks. It is the ideal board for the Snow Park.
Freeride boards
Freeride boards are made for off-piste enthusiasts. They have a stiffer construction and are slightly longer than standard snowboards. This allows them to be more stable and powerful when riding on rough terrain. Often equipped with a directional profile and a rocker, they allow for a smooth and intuitive ride while offering optimal grip on hard snow. It is a versatile board, as it has been designed to adapt perfectly to all types of snow terrain. While it is originally a board for beginners, it can also be suitable for the more experienced.
All mountain boards
Snowboarding anywhere and anytime: These boards give you the freedom to ride on any terrain. Beginners and intermediates love the versatility of an all-mountain snowboard and can improve quickly.
Splitboards
This board has the particularity of being able to be split in two lengthwise. Once split, the board becomes a pair of skis. This makes it ideal for freeriding and touring on the snow. Once split, the two parts can be unfolded further, so that they become real skis. It's perfect for off-piste snowboarding and downhill riding.
What kind of snowboard for beginners?
For beginners, a directional board will make it easier to glide and get your bearings. In addition, a shorter and more flexible snowboard is preferable for beginners.
How to choose a snowboard according to its size?
If you want to use it for freestyle, the right height for your board should be between your collarbone and your chin. If you want to use it for freeriding, your board should be between your chin and your nose.
How to learn to snowboard?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to teach someone how to snowboard in any way, the best way is to practice live. We advise you to sign up for your first lessons with a professional instructor. This will make learning easier and safer. There are group lessons or private lessons depending on your preference and budget.
Some basic concepts to always keep in mind:
- Put your body weight on the front foot
- Keep your shoulders parallel to the board
- Look far ahead
- Keep a relaxed attitude
- And above all, don't be afraid to go for it!