Learning to snowboard, lesson #1: respect 'yo ass'!

Seriously shorted-changed on the physical co-ordination front, my friend and
I – both perched on the precipice of 30 – decided to tackle snowboarding for the first time. ‘What could possibly go wrong?’ we reassured each other.

As part of a larger group otherwise made up of experienced skiers and boarders, we briefly toyed with the idea of foregoing lessons altogether and going rogue on the bunny run (shortly before joining the cool gang on the black, obvs…) Thankfully, we signed up for a day of instruction at Utah’s Park City Resort Ski & Snowboard School.

 

Here’s what we learned:

 

Saying all that, you’d be hard-pressed to find better times this side of five Irish coffees après ski.

Sure, it looked like someone had strapped a snowboard to a baby giraffe whose parents were probably first cousins, but I received nothing but support and encouragement from my classmates and experienced boarders alike.

And maybe sitting was uncomfy for a while, but standing burns more calories anyways.

 

Now for the practical stuff…

BOARD AND BOOTS: It’s tempting to kit yourself out in new clobber so you can look the part as you’re learning to snowboard. But girlfriend, you’re not fooling anyone. Opt for renting your board, boots, etc instead.

GOGGLES & HELMET: Ditto on the goggles and helmet front. Plus, all the cool kids are wearing them these days.

WOOLY UNDERGARMENTS: Avoid cotton directly against your bod like the plague – it won’t absorb moisture. Instead, opt for Merino wool or breathable synthetic.

LAYER UP: When you first hit the slopes you’ll find it hard to believe you’ll ever feel warm, let alone overheated. But it won’t take long before you’re getting a sweat on. Think thin layers and plenty of ‘em.

SUNBLOCK: Nothing gives away a newbie quicker than peeling lips and a goggle-tastic tan. Make sure you sunblock up throughout the day as you’re learning to snowboard.
 

NOTE TO SELF: Limber up…

If, like me, you hit the slopes having done little-to-no exercise for longer than you care to admit, you’re making an already challenging ask that bit harder.

Here are just a few simple exercises to give yourself a head-start:

TRAVELLING LUNGES: Give your glutes a workout before you hit the slopes. Three sets of twelve will do the trick (per session, that is. Not in total.)

SQUATS: Set your feet shoulder width apart and cross your arms at shoulder height. The key to this particular exercise is to keep your butt backwards, your knees in line with your toes, and your back straight. Now drop and give me three lots of 12.

WALL SITS: Start with 60-90 second holds, then add 30 seconds every two days. Once again, your feet should be shoulder width apart. Keep your back, including your head, flat against the wall.

 

BEGINNER SKIERS AND BOARDERS CRASHING ON BUNNY HILL BY WARREN MILLER:
I know it’s not right, but sometimes it helps to laugh at others who are equally uncoordinated…..

http://www.youtube.com/embed/sydIiwvxMRI?feature=player_detailpage

 

ALTA UTAH ROPE TOW WEDGIE:
Sorry, I couldn’t resist………..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-6pQwo_9r4&feature=youtube_gdata_player