Teaching a Child to Snowboard | Steven Gagnon | Element Media Group
Winter is a wonderful time to be outdoors, and what better way to enjoy the snow than by learning how to snowboard? It can be a little daunting for parents when it comes time to teach their child how to , but with this step-by-step guide, it can be easy. In just 5 steps, your child will be boarding down the slopes like a pro.
Go to a snowboarding park.
The best way to learn how to snowboard is by practicing in a controlled environment like a snowboarding park. This will allow your child to focus on learning the basic skills without having to worry about staying on the trail.
When choosing a park, make sure that it has beginner-friendly terrain with ample room to practice. The staff at the park can also give you some great tips and pointers for getting started.
Rent the right gear.
Before hitting the slopes, it’s important to make sure your child is properly equipped with the right gear. This includes a snowboard, boots, and bindings.
Renting gear is a great option if you’re not quite ready to invest in your own equipment just yet. Most ski resorts offer rental services, and most stores that sell snowboarding gear also rent out equipment. Just be sure to size your child’s board correctly — a board that’s too small or too big will make learning more difficult.
Learn the basics.
There are a few basic skills that your child will need to learn before hitting the slopes. These include getting on and off the board, walking in snowboarding boots, turning, stopping, and falling safely.
All of these skills can be learned at a snowboarding park. The staff there will be able to give you detailed instructions on how to do each one.
It’s important for your child to take their time and learn these skills properly before progressing to the next step. Rushing through the learning process can lead to frustration and injuries.
Wear the right clothing.
Just like with any other sport, it’s important to dress appropriately for snowboarding. This means wearing clothes that will keep you warm and dry in the cold weather.
Some key items to wear include a waterproof jacket and pants, a hat and gloves, and thermal underwear. Be sure to also pack some sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be quite strong at high altitudes.
Get in some practice.
Once your child has learned the basics, it’s time for them to start practicing. This can be done at a snowboarding park or on a gentle slope.
It’s important that your child practices regularly if they want to improve their skills. The more time they spend on the board, the better they will become. Just be sure to take plenty of breaks and drink lots of water — snowboarding can be a strenuous activity, especially in the cold weather.
Originally published at https://stevengagnonelementmediagroup.org.