Beginner Snowboard Lesson

Are you ready to conquer the mountains and glide down the slopes with grace and skill? Learning to snowboard may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance and a positive attitude, you can become proficient in just one day. In this comprehensive beginner snowboard lesson, we'll take you through the essential steps to get you shredding the powder in no time.

Snowboard with Soph

My credentials demonstrate a deep passion and understanding of the sport of snowboarding. I've personally introduced countless snow enthusiasts to the wonders of snowboarding, including my own baby snowboarder, Sylas. As a CASI Level 2 snowboard coach, I'm fully qualified and certified to teach all ages and abilities and always provides a safe, positive, and effective learning experience for students and my baby.

Teaching a beginner snowboard lesson

Teaching the art of the shred isn't just about snowboarding; it's about crafting resilient souls who thrive on the mountain's energy. Deep down, we're here because we love riding and sharing that stoke with others. So, let's strap in and focus on the good vibes.

Getting Amped Up

Before you even think about hitting the slopes, ignite the spark of excitement in your little shredders. Show them the thrill of snowboarding and involve them in choosing their gear. Remember, a happy and eager learner makes the teaching process a breeze.

When gearing up, don't forget the essentials: thermal base layers, good socks, a jacket, snow pants, goggles, a helmet, a buff, and waterproof gloves or mittens.

Day One on the Slopes

The first day on the mountain is always a challenge, especially for little guys like Sylas. Choosing a less crowded day ensures a smoother learning experience. Patience is the name of the game—repetition is key for mastering those early moves. And don't forget to take breaks! Hot cocoa pitstops at the lodge are practically mandatory.

The Foundations of Snowboarding Progression

Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of progression. Before hitting the magic carpet, familiarize yourself with the basics—nose, tail, heel edge, toe edge, ankle and toe straps, and the highback (bindings). Once you've go the basics down path, it's time to discover their lead foot. Pro tip: it's not always the dominant one!

Mastering flat ground skills is crucial. From pushing with the unstrapped foot to learning the art of "straight gliding," these are the building blocks. The right beginner snowboard stance—feet, hips, shoulders all aligned, with slightly bent knees—is the secret sauce for success.

Graduate to a gentle slope, still sans lift, to introduce strapping in one foot. Practice stopping and turning toeside and heelside. Keywords to remember: balance, pressure, and rotation. It's all about finding that sweet spot between balance and controlled movement.

Taking It to the Next Level: Chairlifts and Lessons

Once the magic carpet is conquered, graduate to the chairlift. Observing others is key for kids to grasp the mechanics. Expect a few hiccups at first, but you'll get the hang of it with practice.

T-bars

T-bars are lifts commonly found on resorts, dragging skiers and snowboarders up slopes to their desired stops. They accommodate two riders who hold onto the middle piece, typically used in beginner areas despite being somewhat challenging to use.

HOW TO RIDE A T-BAR LIFT

1. Position yourselfin a ready position to grab the T-bar.
2. As the T-bar comes around, grab the middle section and position the "T" between your legs.
3. When you get to the end of the ride at a flat section, detach from the bar, release the middle bar and ski off.

SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING A T-BAR LIFT

• Don’t sit/lean on the bar.
• Look straight ahead. If you look sideways, your body will pull you in that direction, causing a bail.

Tips and Tricks for Teaching

If you're teaching your little one to snowboard, go into it with low expectations and acquire saint-like patience. Ensure your kids know how to fall safely—knees first, not wrists! Riding an edge at all times reduces the risk of those unfortunate edge catches. For the younger ones, a snowboard harness can be a game-changer.

Have snowboard videos on in the background at home (get those neurons firing!) and use games on site to make learning fun and relatable. Games like red light green light or setting up cones for turning practice can turn a lesson into an adventure.

Kid Snowboarding Tips

If you're teaching your baby or toddler how to snowboard, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the experience is safe and enjoyable for both of you.

• Have a snowboard lying around the playroom. Let it be a part of their life.
• Bring them to the ski hill often. Let them be a part of that experience, even if they are asleep. Get those neurons firing early!
• Start gliding on the floor inside. Once they can sit, they can be dragged.
• Introduce gliding on snow. This entails dragging them on their board in the backyard or on the sidewalk in your neighbourhood.
• Start with gentle, gradual slopes and work your way up to steeper terrain. Let your baby or child get comfortable with the sensation of gliding on the snow before attempting anything more challenging.
• Sign them up for kid gymnastics classes. When Sylas began taking steps at 11 months, I wanted him to continue to improve his coordination and body awareness. I believe that gymnastics teaches fundamental skills for body movement and control (ie. learning how to bail!).
• Use a Burton riglet or another mini snowboards specifically designed for children. These smaller boards are easier for little ones to control and maneuver.
• Use a harness or leash. A harness or leash can be a great way to help your child stay upright and maintain balance while learning to snowboard. Just be sure to use it properly and keep an eye on your child at all times to prevent accidents.
• Use a suitable helmet. Safety is the most important aspect of snowboarding, especially when it comes to children. Make sure your baby snowboarder is wearing a helmet that fits well and is specifically designed for snowboarding.
• Use goggles. This one is tricky for us because Sylas has them but refuses to wear them.
• Dress appropriately. Cold weather can be tough on little ones, so be sure to dress your baby in warm, waterproof clothing to keep them comfortable and protected from the elements.
• Know when to call it. Teaching your baby how to snowboard, is tough for you both.
• Take a lesson. If possible, consider taking a lesson with a professional instructor who specializes in teaching young children. This will ensure that your baby snowboarder is learning proper techniques and staying safe on the mountain.
• Use positive reinforcement and have fun!
• Be patient. Teaching a kid how to snowboard takes patience and understanding. Remember that they are still learning and developing new skills.

Baby Snowboarder Equipment List

When it comes to equipment, Burton is my go-to for snowboard gear for the entire family!

The Burton riglet is the best baby snowboarder option due to the lack of sharp, metal edges. Also, they are smaller (90cm long) and therefore, easier to control and come with a built-in reel (if you can't find a reel, a rope will suffice for the baby's first year). The Burton grom binding is also a great option for your baby to learn to snowboard as it is designed to fit smaller boots.

Another essential piece of equipment for teaching a baby how to snowboard is the Burton MDXONE snowboard backpack trainer. This backpack is the cats ass for keeping Sylas upright, and dragging him to a different location when he's having a meltdown!

Burton offers a variety of one piece snowsuits which are stylish and has gore-tex options that will keep your baby or toddler snowboarding for longer! We are currently using a normal winter boot for his first year but will upgrade to a child snowboard specific boot when we are ready to progress. Accessories include a burton beanie or sometimes a headster beanie for the colder days, mitts, and a neck warmer.

1. Burton Riglet Snowboard & Reel
2. Burton Grom Bindings
3. Winter boots
4. Snowsuit
5. Mitts
6. Beanie
7. Neck Warmer or buff
8. Helmet
9. Backpack with a leash

Understanding Learning Types‍

Teaching beginner snowboard lessons transcends sharing technical skills; it's about understanding the intricate dance of learning dynamics. By recognizing and addressing different learning types, we, as instructors, become not just conveyors of knowledge but guides on a transformative journey from novice to mastery. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the mistakes, and watch your students conquer the mountains with newfound confidence.

Learning types, distinct from learning styles, play a pivotal role in shaping the success of our instruction. Before we guide our students through the twists and turns of the mountains, we must first gauge their openness to learning. Are they closed learners, trapped in frustration, or open learners ready to embrace the challenges?

1. Closed Learners: These individuals might find roadblocks due to emotional barriers or a challenging learning environment. Frustration is a tough nut to crack, but by identifying areas of growth, accepting faults, and managing ego, expectations, and experiences, we can guide them to smoother slopes.

2. Open Learners: Characteristics of open learners include a willingness to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. For them, errors are signals for improvement, and their brains are ready to process information. As instructors, introducing different planes of movement can trigger their readiness to learn.

3. Fixed Learners: Those who rely on conscious decisions, attitudes, or behaviors may face roadblocks in learning. From avoiding effort to sticking to preferred learning styles, they may need strategies to shift from their comfort zones to the learning zone. Encouraging purposeful discomfort and fostering an environment where making errors is celebrated can break down these barriers.

Strategies for Effective Teaching

1. Identify Comfort Zones: Understand where your students feel most comfortable and gradually introduce challenges in less developed areas. This helps create a balance between boredom and anxiety.

2. Challenge Fixed Learners: Encourage them to put themselves in uncomfortable situations deliberately, emphasizing that errors are a natural part of the learning process. Resetting comfort zones and differentiating between the performance and learning zones can reshape their approach.

3. Adapt to Different Learning Styles: Recognize that physical and cognitive learning require different practices. Tailor your instruction to encompass a variety of learning styles to cater to the diverse needs of your students.

4. Constructive Feedback: Approach feedback as a tool for improvement rather than a bruise to the ego. Honest conversations framed positively can motivate students to enhance their performance.