Ten Ways to Get Good at Snowboarding
Summer 2003
There has been lots of talk of improving people’s riding throughout AASI, but instruction can only take you so far. There will come a time when you reach a peak and you need to push yourself further than AASI can. Here are just a few steps you can take to make yourself the super ripper that you always wanted to be.
GO SNOWBOARDING!!! I know this might sound silly, but it really works. Repetition and practice are the best ways to improve your snowboard skills. The more you ride the more comfortable you are going to be on your board. If you are riding a lot you will get tired of doing the same thing and are more likely to try new stuff. I understand that most of you are somewhat responsible and have real jobs, but don’t let that slow you down. Most likely there is an area that is open late at night just for you. These places are great during the week because you will have the place to yourself. For you weekend warriors don’t end your day when lessons or clinics are done, shred it out.
GO HIKING!!! Not just your favorite backcountry spot, but also your favorite halfpipe, jump, or rail. Hiking is a good way to keep your legs in shape and it keeps you from standing in line all day. Aside from your friends calling you a jibber hiking manmade terrain is a great way to improve your park and pipe skills. This way you can focus everything on one feature without getting distracted by other elements of your riding.
GET A LESSON!!! Go to summer camp, take a clinic, or give lessons. Any education is good education. People can see things in your riding that you may not pick up on. Video analysis is another great way to see what you are doing right or wrong.
TRAVEL LOTS!!! Traveling lets you see terrain that is different than what you are used to riding. Seeing new terrain will give you the opportunity to apply your riding in situations not available at your home mountain. It is also a good way to meet new people with different views on snowboarding from your own.
RIDE IN THE OFFSEASON!!! Good way to keep yourself from forgetting how to ride. Hood is an awesome place in the summer and Blackcomb keeps their glacier open all summer as well. If you are rich buy yourself a ticket to Chile/Argentina, New Zealand, or Austria. When you return you will have a few extra days on the other nerds in your school.
CROSS OVER!!! Not like Tim Hardaway, but like Shawn White. Skating, wakeboarding, riding a BMX, mountain biking, and even rollerblading will keep your legs in shape and keep you in balance.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!! That means eat right, rest, and stretch. This will keep your from injuries. Learn how to fall correctly, bracing yourself for a hard fall can mean the difference between a bruise and a cast. Take a warm up run to let your muscles get used to riding. Start small and look before you leap when trying new terrain.
GET PUSHED!!! It is much easier to improve when you are riding with someone who is much better than you. This way you will have to keep up and improve your riding without even knowing it. I get motivation from seeing my friends do things that I cannot. This makes me want to ride harder and learn new things.
BE AGGRESSIVE!!! There isn’t always going to be someone there to tell you what to do. It will be your job to charge and try new things. When you ride aggressive and have confidence in yourself it will show. Don’t settle by going through the motions of your everyday riding routine.
HAVE FUN!!! Having a positive outlook on the day will help you to stay loose and relaxed. If you are negative you will be tight and that makes it hard to do anything. If you are not having fun, you should not be on the hill.