TO TRY OR NOT - BOARDING LESSONS QUERY

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Permalink Reply by skisteamboat on January 29, 2009 at 5:32pm

There is an old saying, Snowboarding is difficult to learn but easy to master while Skiing is easy to learn but difficult to master.

I would feel that if you and your husband want to work through the many falls associated with learning to ride, go for it. Just realize, it can be very frustrating for beginners but if you work through the initial pain, it gets easier.

As far as the kids are concerned, I am sure they will be fine. They might try half day lessons until they are sure they want to ride rather than ski. If its half days and you are staying near the mountain, they can switch to ski gear and finish out the day Skiing if Riding doesn't hit the sweet spot.

Cheers

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Permalink Reply by Luv2Ski007 on January 30, 2009 at 4:20pm

Interesting that I went through this very same situation with my 10 yr last March. He had skied for 6 years and suddenly decided to switch to boarding. I made him take lessons for 3 days and the last 2 days he went with me. To be sure he was extremely frustrated and on day 3 after his lesson he said enough I'm going back to the sticks! We talked and he followed through despite the snow up his jacket, sore knees and wrists, and anger at not being able to master the toe side turn. (She'll want to lean with her upper body rather than flexing at the knees.) We returned during Christmas and I'd say he's hooked and getting better but still learning. He was doing steeper blues with more confidence but still not at a great speed. Tell your daughter it will get easier but know she may want to return to the other side. Lessons are always the way to go and good instructors will keep her in the game.

As for you, good luck. Take lessons and definitely wear a helmut. You won't believe how fast your head will hit the ground when you catch an edge. Even with the helmut you'll see stars. And you will feel your age by the end of the week.

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Permalink Reply by RMH on January 30, 2009 at 5:07pm

If you decide to go with private lessons (which is the most effective, albeit costliest, way to go), I recommend one or more private sessions with Abby S. (I'm blanking on her last name). I had a three-hour lesson with her just after New Year's. Like you and Dad, in my 40s. My riding improved by leaps and bounds thanks to her feedback and instruction. She was particularly helpful in giving me a summary (at the end of the lesson) of specific technical points that I needed to focus on to bring my riding to the next level.

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Permalink Reply by Nelson Wingard on January 30, 2009 at 8:06pm

Abi Slingsby is the name your are looking for. She's great.

Nelson
Director, Ski and SB School

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Permalink Reply by ZZZ on January 31, 2009 at 11:14am

I learned to snowboard using the Burton LTR class at a Utah resort back in 2002. I really enjoyed the class. We were linking turns by lunch time and riding blue runs by the end of the day. The equipment back then was perfect for beginners (less aggressive edge on the board and step-in bindings). I would highly recommend the LTR class.

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Permalink Reply by Abigail Slingsby on February 18, 2009 at 2:18pm

Don't Be Afraid to Try Something New ...

Ok crew .. it doesn't matter what you are doing on the snow as long you are getting a chance to play and slide. Yes snowboarding take a few days to get over the humps but it is definitely fun to give it a try. Yes skiing involves multiple pieces of equipment but that shouldn't deter a snowboarder from trying that sport too. Yes telemarking will cause great leg burn for a few days but isn't it all an adventure!!!!! Try something new this trip ...

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