If you’ve been looking toward the mountains with longing, that may be an indication that you are ready to dive into winter sports. Snowboarding is an exhilarating introduction to winter sports, a white flurry of speed that is hard to explain until you’re able to experience it yourself. David Berkowitz of Chicago, a professional photographer and avid snowboarder, recommends keeping a few tips and tricks in mind to ensure that you have a memorable, enjoyable, and safe snowboarding experience.
- Invest in a lesson or two at first. You can save yourself a boatload of time and energy by learning the proper techniques before hitting the slopes on your own. Teachers and instructors know how to minimize injury for beginners and can get you going on the right track. You’ll have plenty of time to hit the slopes on your own afterward to practice.
- Rent or buy a high-quality helmet. Though you may notice many snowboarders who are not wearing helmets on their trip down the mountain, this is the smartest safety precaution that you can take. Hitting your head on the ice, a tree, or someone else’s board can do a great deal of damage that a helmet can ultimately protect.
- Wear the correct clothing. Buy items that are water resistant to avoid a chilly and potentially dangerous snowboarding excursion. Dress in numerous layers and wear incredibly warm socks, preferably socks that are specifically designed for snowboarders. Visit a discount or second-hand outdoors shop to find excellent deals on new or gently used items.