new to boarding

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Permalink Reply by trudeska on November 12, 2009 at 7:41am

Sometimes they do have someone at the park gate in Steamboat, or at least I've seen some enforcement some of the time at the smaller park where there are more kids and less experienced skiers/riders.

I can understand how adults might bristle at the policy but as a parent, I support it 100% for kids and teens.

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Permalink Reply by trudeska on November 13, 2009 at 8:28am

Since I always ski with an instructor in tow, that would explain the attendant calling her out because she didn't have a helmet that day. She's so much like a friend nearly forget I'm technically in a lesson.

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Permalink Reply by Sean Nalette on November 23, 2009 at 11:00am

Scott,

I haven't been scanning the forums as much a usual as I've been doing the physical work of changing seasons... breaking down the van... cleaning, oiling, and storing tools... so I'm sorry for the delayed response, and pulling up a post from two weeks ago.

So... some things to consider:

Where are you from? Elevation plays crazy tricks on some peoples' bodies... and sea level fitness doesn't always equate to being comforable exerting yourself at seven to eleven thousand feet. You may find yourself resting a bit more than you initially expect... and are not being 'held back' as much as you initially expected. Of course, everyone in a group lesson might be resting more than they expected, and if your holding up to elevation better than others, the reverse might be true.

What is your athletic background? If you have a background in activities that demand dynamic balance--competitive ball sports, yoga, skiing, or better yet, surfing or skating, you may find yourself ahead of the learning curve in a group lesson. Instructors, in group lessons, cannot leave anyone behind. That said, there are lots of things to work on at every stage of learning... you can be challenged along the way even if you master the basic skills quicker than some. I've been doing this for over a decade (damn philosophy degree), and still strap in on flat ground and do things that make me fall over.

With regard to helmets... um... I wear a helmet and body armor every day. All of it keeps me warm and takes a bit of the edge off impacts.

I disagree with the perception that snowboard lessons are inherently bruising and painful.

Trying to learn on your own will crush you.

Trying to learn from your untrained boy/girlfriend will crush you and ruin your relationship.

Learning from a trained professional is not the same thing. I don't let go of your hands until I think your ready... or you think you're ready... and even then, I'm right beside you. And this should be true of the rest of the snowboard staff.

If you are confident that you can handle the elevation and are athletic enough to learn more quickly than the average Joe, consider the full day private lesson. The right instructor will help you pace yourself to maximize your learning with undivided attention. One nice thing is getting started before the group lessons--so you stay on step ahead of the masses on the learning terrain... that is, you might be almost done with flat ground before the groups show up... and sliding down the carpet before the groups catch you there.

If you are not confident in handling the elevation, but are confident in your athleticism,. consider the new five hour private offering. It starts at the same time as the groups, but the shorter lesson may give you the best dollar value for your lung capacity.

The most conservative move is to buy a group lesson, and go from there.

But whatever you do, PLEASE RENT BURTON'S LTR EQUIPMENT (Learn To Ride). There are two decks offered, the LTR and the Cruizer. Do your best to get your hands on a LTR board appropriate for your build. It is, in my personal and professional opinion, simply the best way to be introduced to the sport. (This is the board I would put my family on... no question.)

Ride Sports is the Steamboat Resort's shop that historically has had the deepest selection of LTR decks... Powder Tools (a privately owned shop) also caries the line.

Last thoughts on equipment:

Your boot should be snug... toes almost grazing the front of the boot.
You should only have one sock inside the boot, and it should be long enough to be above the top of the boot (eliminates pressure points). No pants or long underwear tucked in there...

Um... so... sorry for the long post.

Good luck.

Have fun.

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Permalink Reply by jc on November 26, 2009 at 2:48pm

hey scott, whatever you decide on for lessons make sure the skischool gives you a fully certified instructor, the cost for a lesson, private or group, will be the same however the experiance level of the teaching staff varies greatly. This is one of those things that you would have no way of knowing, but the differance is like night & day. - So ask, its worth it.

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