Getting Started With Snow Boarding

If you are thinking about getting started with snow boarding then it really
does not have to be as difficult as you are probably imagining. For a start,
you can be sure that whatever you are planning to do you can be sure that as
soon as you hit the slopes you will almost certainly enjoy yourself. When I was
younger I always thought that it would be a really hard thing to get started
with, but boy was I wrong. However, what I have to tell you is that I recommend
you get lessons first, rather than just hitting the slopes with no idea of what
you need to do.

Getting lessons booked does not have to be that difficult. All you need to do
is speak with your local snow boarding slope and you can be sure that they will
put you in touch with a snow boarding instructor in your area that would be glad
to help you out. This may cost anywhere from around $35 an hour, but you can get
them even cheaper, if you get group lessons. Group lessons means that more than
one person learns at the same time, and it really is a very simple thing to do.
I had my first lesson from a friend, however I would always recommend that it is
best to get professional lessons from a man or a lady that is a professional
snow boarding instructor. You can be sure that they have been teaching snow
boarding for some time, and they are not only good at snow boarding, but also
have a better idea of how to communicate to a learner.

Many people ask me what they need to buy when they are first starting snow
boarding. The answer is that you probably need to buy nothing if you have the
right kind of gear in your wardrobe. For those of us that are just getting
started it is best to rent out the gear from your local snow boarding slope. A
lot of places will do this for free when you pay a rate to actually use the
slope. The reason for this is simple; when you are first learning how to snow
board you may not enjoy it that much. If you do not enjoy it or decide not to
take it any further, think of how much money you will have wasted on a snow
board and related stuff. That is why you need to think about ways that you can
practise without buying things up front.

It is important that you get the correct clothes for going to the slope. Even
if it is your first time! What I recommend is that you simply must wear gloves,
and the thicker the clothes the better. You should really be wearing water proof
gloves but if it is your first time, then there is no point splashing out money
on a fancy pair of gloves that you are never going to need in the future. This
is just common sense. What I also recommend is that if you have any water
proofs wear them to go on your snow boarding lesson. If you wear them then you
will have a great advantage over the competition. The fact is that even if you
are wearing clothes that are warm, they will soon become cold once the start
getting wet. Despite this you should still wear warm clothes, unless you want
to feel cold out their on the slopes. Another thing that is vital is sun
glasses. You will find that when you are on the slopes you can find it very
challenging to board when you have the sun in your eyes, another issue is that
if the sun reflects off the snow then it can blind you if you are not wearing
appropriate UV protected sun glasses.

All I have to say is that I am sure that you will enjoy yourself. Go out their
and learn to snow board!

From Snowboarding Zero To Hero: Basic Pointers To Learn

There is much debate as to where snowboarding originated. But whether
snowboarding descended from skiing or skateboarding, snowboarding is a
legitimate sport that requires a descent on a snowy slope using a snowboard. It
is difficult to really point out who started this fun-filled sport, but one
thing is for sure: somebody will always have the idea of sliding down a snowy
slope on a board or sled.

The growing recognition of snowboarding around the world is evidenced by its
establishment as a sports discipline in 1995. As such, snowboarding has been
included in events in Winter Olympics and Winter X-games. It even has a US Open
tournament of its own. The growth of snowboarding as a sport is undeniable as
more and more people get hooked on it.

Now that you are among the countless ones who want to try out the fun and
excitement that only snowboarding can give, it is high time that you learn the
basics of making your very first downhill ride on a snowboard. So how do you
begin?

First, you need to procure the necessary snowboarding equipment. You need to
have the right snowboarding gear, clothing, boots, and of course, snowboard.
Make sure that your snowboard is the right size for you; not too expansive or
narrow.

If you already have the necessary equipment, you can start learning the basics
of riding your snowboard. Here are a few important things to remember as you
start to find your destiny in snowboarding.

Keep in mind that snowboarding is similar to snow skiing. The body movements
that enable you to control and stabilize your snowboard are the same as the
movements in skiing. Therefore, if you are already a skilled skier, there will
be fewer problems for you ahead. A skier will have easier time than a
skateboard thrasher to learn snowboarding.

Always be in a relaxed position. Like any sport, snowboarding requires a calm
and hang-loose mindset. Most accidents and injuries in snowboarding happen when
one is in tensed position. As you mount your snowboard, keep your knees bent; a
stiff stance will only make you absorb impacts between your snowboard and snow.

Do not start learning how to snowboard by immediately riding down the snowy
slope during the first time. Instead, begin with snowboarding across a small
patch of snow. Get a feel for the sport. Be conscious of your snowboard and
your movement. Are you comfortable in your getup and equipment?

Try steering the snowboard over the small area you are in. Practice making
turns, learn the finer points of toe-side turns, which means turning by lifting
your heels up while pressing your toes to the snowboard; or heel-side turns,
which make use of your heels for your turning. Once you have mastered the
basics of balancing and steering your snowboard, you can move to a bigger patch
of snow, but do not try a long and steep slope just yet.

Now that you have actually moved on your snowboard, you have to learn how to
stop your snowboard. Stopping a snowboard basically requires making more turns
until you find your self going for an uphill position. An uphill direction will
certainly slow your snowboard down until you are in a complete stop.

After learning all the basic riding movements, you can now try a full-scale
ride down a longer and steeper snow slope. Good luck!

My Favourite Hobby: Snow Boarding

Since moving into the suburbs, I have developed a new hobby: snow boarding.
Snow boarding is great fun, and the reason I got started is because I used to
go surfing when I lived by the beach, and when I moved away from the coast I
had to find something new to satisfy my fix for extreme, white-knuckle sport.
When I moved to my new college, everyone was talking about snow boarding, and a
lot of my peers considered snow boarding an excellent hobby. When they asked if
I wanted to attend, I was more than happy to come along and take part.

The next thing I knew I was at the slopes, and I had to let everyone know that
I had absolutely no experience of the sport whatsoever. They appeared to
understand, and everyone was really helpful when it came to explaining how to
get started. In fact, there were so many people trying to teach me what to do,
I actually found that I would rather just one person would teach me at a time.
The next thing I knew, I was going down the slope, and had no idea how to break
appropriately, or how to turn. OK, so I'll admit that getting tuition from a
bunch of teenagers was hardly the best idea, but it ensured that I didn't hold
back on anything, and I certainly got off to a flying start. The fact is that
you realise it is mostly just common sense, and the thrills that you get are
amazing. When you are going down a slope at 30 miles an hour and you do not
have to put in any effort to accelerate: that is like flying.

The fact is that I also enjoy snow boarding because it is a great social
activity for everyone to enjoy. I had just moved to a new area, and snow
boarding really gave me an opportunity to get to know people, and is actually
the reason why I am friends with the people that I hang around with at the
moment. After visiting the slopes a few times, my new friends and I have
discovered more common ground, so now we enjoy other activities together, along
with the occasional visit to the slopes of course! I'd recommend snowboarding as
a great hobby for anyone, particularly those with a passion for extreme sports,
or anyone with a sense of adventure. And it's really great when you actually
get involved -- there's a whole culture attached to it.

Some of my friends suggested taking up skiing, but this is something I think
I'll avoid. It is almost like trying to compare a car and a motor bike. A car
maybe burns less gas, it may be safer and may even turn corners with more
precision, but what would you rather travel in for sheer thrills? Skiing just
looks boring compared to snow boarding and the more I get into snow boarding
the more my opinion is re-affirmed.

I am glad that I moved away, and I am glad that I managed to find a sport that
I enjoy more than surfing. I am hoping to start entering into competitions
soon, however I have a lot of catching up to do with my new friends first!

The Rise of Snow Boarding

Everyone has surely noticed the way that snow boarding has been rising and
rising in terms of popularity in recent years, and I am sure that it is not
just me that's noticed. In the last decade snow boarding has went from
skateboarding on snow, to the Olympics quicker than you one could ever imagine.

Firstly snow boarding started when the little known Sherman Poppen decided to
nail kid's skis together in an attempt to improve their skating skills. This
was just the start, as Sherman noticed the economic potential of this he
decided to go about getting them into production. Millions of dollars and
thousands of happy boarders later, Sherman will always be remembered for
bringing snow boarding to the masses.

The first official competition took place in 1982 and since then snow boarding
has seen more and more competitions take place. As the competitions started to
spread, snow boarding changed from a hobby to a professional sport, that
requires skill and agility in equal measure.

The biggest achievement for snow boarding occurred in 1998 when snow boarding
made it to the winter Olympics. Held in Nagano Japan, the sport was given more
than its fair share of coverage. The sport was watched by so many people that
have never seen the sport before. The sale of snow boarding and snow boarding
equipment was said to has risen by 47% following its appearance in the
televisions of millions around the world. As the amount of competition rose,
and as the amount of boarders rose in more than equal measure the standards
within the sport became phenomenal. The kind of things that people are doing
these days weren't even heard of 10 years ago.

The rise of snow boarding has not just been a result of competition. It is also
because it fits under the category of a fun, exciting sport and more
importantly: a sport that can be done freestyle! Making appearances on TV
alongside motor cross, skateboarding, and skate boarding snow boarding has also
been aided by the personalities that have come through the sport. The fact is
that skiing doesn't have the cool look that snow boarding has. Surely you know
what I mean? The skier looks to rigid, and just doesn't have the relaxed, in
control look that makes snow boarders 100 times cooler.

So you are probably wondering why I got into snow boarding? The reason really
is very simple indeed. My friends and me were always skate boarders, but I also
liked other things like roller skating and skating even riding a BMX. The truth
is I just loved anything that made me move on wheels. However, when I seen
skiing I always thought it looked plain dumb. I did not want to move around
with two big planks of wood attached to my legs. But then I started to notice
and hear a lot more about snow boarding everywhere I went. For a start, it was
appearing more on TV and in the kind of magazines that I bought. Then I thought
that if I tried it then I would already have some of the skills that I would
need from the fact that I was already able to do skate boarding. So me and my
friends decided that we would book up a lesson, and give it a shot. Why not I
thought?

However folks, if you are really in to skate boarding and you think that's fun,
then you really have not experienced any real fun yet. DO you know that feeling
from skate boarding when you are going down a road that has zero bumps? The
fact that you almost glide through the air. That is what snow boarding is like
every single step of the way and that is why I love it so much. If you ever
decide to give it a shot then I am sure you will do it time, after time again.

Snow Boarding -- Increasingly Popular

At the moment there are lots of really cool snow boarding games out there for
almost every computer console that you can think of, there is also online games
and PC games for you to try. It really is a lot of fun for those of us who want
to sample the world of snow boarding through a game. A lot people criticise
computer games and the way that they stop children going out and doing real
sport and activities, and although this is the case with a lot of children I
have found that many of the people that I know that have started snow boarding
only done so because they firstly tried it on a computer.

Yes folks, I am talking about people that originally played a game on a
computer then thought that it was so much fun that they would give it a go in
real life. This may sound crazy to a lot of you, but to me it sounds perfectly
reasonable. The only problem is that games are made in a way so that they are
more exciting, however pulling off some of the stunts that appear in the games
is nearly impossible in real life, even for the most experienced snow boarders
that I know and have heard of. What people have to do is keep a realistic idea
of what they want to do and they are far more likely to attain their goals.
This is what I thought, and it is one of the many reasons that I caution people
about this before they get started. People are so used to doing things with
little practise on computers, so they have to remember that doing things in
real life can take far more practise and resolve.

The fact that computer games are bringing people to the slopes is great, but I
am sure that it is not only computer games that are doing this on their own.
Snow Boarding has become a brand, it is associated with a certain lifestyle and
that is why those who want to be cool, hip and freestyle are hitting the slopes.
The truth is that the sport is now classed under the "extreme" category placing
it on a pedestal next to motor cross, BMX and skate boarding. The rise of
popularity in snow boarding also comes down to its similarity with other
sports. Those who previously skate boarded and still do will find themselves
naturally apt to handle a snow board and the same applies to skate boarding.
Those who are used to skate boarding will find the thought of snow boarding
appealing, even surfing could be classed in the same manner.

The rise of snow boarding is also down to the personalities, sportsmanship and
ability of the top athletes that compete in the sport. The kind of
professionalism and dedication that you see within the sport is amazing
considering the age of the sport, and the age of the athletes that compete
within it. I am aware that international DJs, singers and sportsman all show up
at the major events and this is also something that has raised the profile of
the sport.

As more and more people enter into the sport and try it every week, it is
important that we try our best to support these people and ensure that a high
retention rate occurs. The fact is that snow boarding requires a level of
commitment that other sports do not require in as much abundance from the
outset. A boarder is expected to make an investment in equipment, memberships
and a board from an early stage, and it is important that this is met. We
should all encourage boarders to start, and in doing so we will raise the
profile of our sport and we will raise the respect for what we do. Whether
through computer games, brands and perceptions or whatever it doesn't matter.
It is snow boarding that matters.

Avoiding Common Snowboarding Injuries

Snowboarding is a fun sport to undertake but it has its risks that you need to
be aware of. Nothing would suck more that returning from a snowboarding trip
with a broken leg or sprained wrist. There are a number of broad safety
measures you can follow to diminish your danger of a snowboarding injury that
we will discuss.

Make sure you're in shape to ski. Organize for your winter sports trip with a
training programmed to progress core stability and muscle. Endurance and leg
strength is predominantly vital to lend a hand in preventing injuries.

Wear suitable layers of clothing, that don't confine your movement. You do not
want to be all bulked up and unable to move freely. If you cannot move then you
cannot snowboard properly and the entire thrill aspect is gone.

Just like any other sporting activity, warm up and cool down. Before you hit
the slopes take some time warming up and stretching to help train your body for
action.

The top injury that a majority of the snowboarders receive is a wrist injury.
Falls are more frequent during snowboarding. The natural response to a fall is
to stretch out a hand to break the fall, and falls tend to occur more often in
beginners. For this reason Colles fractures Scaphoid and fractures of the wrist
are a relatively common feature, with around 100,000 wrist fractures worldwide
among snowboarders each year. Snowboarders should wear wrist guards as they
significantly reduce the incidence of wrist injuries during falls. Another
common injury is head injuries which can lead to serious conclusions. Helmets
are effective in reducing the incidence of minor concussions during low
velocity collisions. Be sure to grab both of these when you do your shopping
for snowboarding.

You may think this will save you money, but in the end it may cost u thousands
in hospital bills. Don't borrow equipment from friends; it significantly
increases your risk of injury. If you are hiring equipment make sure you hire
from a recommended store. Ensure that all the equipment fits properly. This
will help avoid serious injuries and unnecessary falls due to non fitting
equipment.

Another good tip is Use 'multi-mode' release bindings if possible. The superior
release available in modern bindings is just one factor that has helped prevent
injuries. Rear release boots can significantly reduce the risk of ACL injury.

Self-test your bindings every day. Self testing of bindings is simple. Step
into the binding and then twist to the side to release the toe-piece under the
control mechanism. The heel can be tested by stepping into the binding and
leaning forward, to release the heel-piece. Both the toe and heel should be
able to release if properly adjusted.

The Final Suggestion is to follow the FIS Rules for Conduct in Winter Sports.

1. Respect for others

A skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he does not endanger or
prejudice others. 2. Control of speed and skiing or snowboarding

A skier or snowboarder must move in control. He must adapt his speed and manner
of skiing or snowboarding to his personal ability and to the prevailing
conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.

3. Choice of route

A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose his route in such a way
that he does not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.

4. Overtaking

A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below
and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough space for the
overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.

5. Entering, starting and moving upwards

A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after stopping or
moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the slopes that he can do so
without endangering himself or others.

6. Stopping on the piste

Unless it is absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping
on the piste in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall
in such a place, a skier or snowboarder must move clear of the piste as soon as
possible.

7. Climbing and descending on foot

A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the
side of the piste.

8. Respect for signs and markings

A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings.

9. Assistance

At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist.

10. Identification

Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not,
must exchange names and addresses following an accident.

With all these tips that have been shared with you, I hope you learned
something and will have a very safe trip. Come home in one piece and start
planning the next.

How to Buy a Snowboard

Buying a Snowboard isn't as trouble-free as it used to be. There are
approximately 20 various types of Snowboards. With so many enormous choices,
the snowboarder in the present day needs to be knowledgeable, so I put this
list together in hopes that How to Buy a Snowboard will be an exciting and
pleasurable experience.

There are many different types of snowboards available today. Here are the most
common types of snowboards: Freeride boards, Freestyle boards, Backcountry
boards, Park/Pipe boards, Kids boards, Women's boards, Boardercross boards and
Signature series boards. As you can see you, you have your work cut out for you
in making a decision on what board to buy.

Snowboard buying necessitates a few central questions to be answered, but
you'll be encouraged in knowing that you, by now, have the answers. Your,
height weight, riding style and foot size are the chief features that will
classify the suitable width, shape, stiffness and height of the board you'll
buy.

Although there are other factors to be taken into consideration, a few of the
ones you should be familiar about is your riding ability and riding style. The
riding style you have a preference for will lend a hand in determining the sort
of board you ought to buy. There are a lot of diverse opinions on the countless
riding styles there are but I am going to split them up into three main
categories of riding styles.

All Mountain and Freeride style -- a freeride or all mountain snowboarder make
use of the whole mountain. You enjoy catching air, carving and basically all
riding aspects. This is the essence of snowboarding. While a cliched expression
in snowboarding, freeride is still the best way to portray the majority of
snowboarders. These riders take pleasure in the whole thing about snowboarding:
the imagination that can only be understood sliding the half-pipe, the
astounding feel of carving a turn on slopes, the sense of flight you get at
lift-off from the big-air jump, and the feel of freedom one gets sliding on new
snow. It is still inconceivably first-rate fun on spruced slopes. For next in
line we will present the following.

Freestyle or Technical riding -- involves mostly jumps, trick riding, rail
sliding, grabs, jibbing, spins and tearing it up. Technical freestyle riding is
usually set up in the parks or near the halfpipe. For a beginning snowboarder,
freestyle and technical boards are the best choice. This style is well-liked
among the younger snowboarders. Many of today's technical freestyle riders come
to snowboarding with an understanding as a BMX, in-line skater, skateboarder, or
other action sports conditions. While the gear specific to this category of
rider excels in park and pipe riding, it can also be very adaptable across the
whole mountain at less than full-speed. We now will move on to the last
category.

Carve/Alpine style -- pulls together speed and deep turning and make the most
of everything the mountain has to put forward. Alpine riders are repeatedly
transitioning from one turn into the next. It is all about hard carving and
high speed. Expert skiers who decide to learn snowboarding tend to like the
performance of carving boards, although stiffer flex and narrower width can
make them intolerant for beginners. These types of riders are recognizable out
of the crowd; they are always seen laying a trench in the snow with each turn.
These riders "use" a snowboards edge like no others, while using authoritative
body movements and gravity as their friend, alpine riders enjoy the sport only
when they are attached to the snow.

In conclusion, these are the basics of How to Buy a Snowboard. All the most
important issues have been enclosed and hopefully the buying process will be
simpler for you.

However please keep in mind that whatever you choose to buy, remember that it
is your choice and that nobody has a right to influence you at all.

Why I Choose Snowboarding

Many people ask me from time to time why I choose snowboarding as the sport
that I wanted to do. Why I choose to work so hard at it, and why I managed to
achieve a degree of success in doing so. The answer is simple, and it is the
reason why many people do well at different sports. The answer is desire and
love for the sport and that is what I had in abundance for snowboarding, before
my accident.

When it came to choosing a sport, I thought long and hard when I came to a
cross-road in my life. What should I do? Should I do snowboarding or
skateboarding? This was really hard for me as I loved both sports, but I was
having to train for both of them, and therefore wasn't dedicating enough time
to either. That is why when it came down to it, I decided that skateboarding
was only going to be a hobby and that snowboarding was what I wanted to do with
my life. The reasons that I preferred snowboarding were not clear cut, and to
say I had anything less than love for skateboarding is also not true. But I
think I loved the way that snowboarding was a whole different world. Do you
know what I mean? When you choose to go skateboarding you can just jump out of
bed, and skateboard down to the shop, Ollie over a step and grind down a pole.
Is that fun? Yes, of course it is. But when it comes to snowboarding you are
entering a completely alien environment. Let me explain. When you live in
Atlanta you hardly get snow every day of the week, nor do you get hills and
slaloms caked in it! That is why, whether I am boarding on snow or synthetic
snow the feeling is the same. It is like, boy I am on snow!

When I choose snowboarding there was also another reason that really helped to
make my mind up for me, and that was my friends! My friends who done
skateboarding were not as close friends as my friends that done snowboarding
and as you can imagine this had an impact. The thought of getting to spend more
time with Collin, Justin and the lads was just to much to miss out on! We had
such a good laugh, and had so much in common. We would always feel the same
about snowboarding, and we were able to really help each other out on issues.
When we noticed a flaw in each others technique we would always point it out to
each other so that we could all improve together. This worked great, and was one
of the reasons that I chose snowboarding over skateboarding when it came down to
it!

Now I suppose I should tell you the sad part -- the reason why I am no longer
able to pursue a career in either, snowboarding or skateboarding. The reason
for this is a terrible accident that ruptured my leg muscle, and has resulted
in a six month time-out at such a crucial time. You see others will improve in
fitness whilst I deteriorate and that is why my sponsor has now dropped me as
well. What I am hoping to do is try my best to get back into the sport, because
my love for it and my ability at it should be enough to make me come through.
Collin and Justin are doing really well, but it is hard for me to spend as much
time with them when they are always down the slope or working out. One of my
friends called Blair, has also recently won the Junior USA championship, and
although I am happy for him it makes me sad to think that I could have been
their competing for that trophy. All I can do is try my best, and hopefully
luck will fall on my side.

Why I started Snowboarding Classes

Let me tell you all about the time that I went to snowboarding classes and why
I absolutely think that you should go out there and do the same. When you learn
something new it provides and excellent sense of well being and can result in
many hours of fun and enjoyment that can come as a result of the new skill that
you have attained. When I was only 16 I really liked watching winter sports on
television and although it may sound stupid, it was actually sledging that
drove me to want to learn a winter sport. I always liked sledging and I even
went sledging when it wasn't snowing. You see, where I live it is absolutely
impossible to go sledging 11 months of the year, and if we are lucky enough to
have as much as a month of snow then I am always sure to take advantage of it
and go out their and sledge away! That is why, coupled with my love for
watching snowboarding and sledging on television, that I decided that I would
go out their and learn how to snowboard.

So you are probably wondering why I made the choice of snowboarding over skiing
as my choice for the winter sport that I would try. The main reason for this was
because I have a lot of friends that do snowboarding but absolutely none that do
skiing done at the local ski slope. Although they do snowboarding the slope
caters for both and I suppose the decision really did come down to me. Anyway,
in the end I decided to go out their and choose snowboarding and I would be
lying if I said my friends were my only influence in my decision to choose the
board over the ski's. You see I do not know if everyone will know what I am
talking about but I feel that a snowboard just appears to be so much more
responsive than ski's. Do you know what I mean? At our local ski slope there is
only 100M of run that is around 300 feet if you convert it. In that period on
ski's what can you actually do? If it was some kind of complicated slalom then
that would be different, but just going down a hill on ski's to me seems
slightly boring compared to on a snowboard. A snowboard appears to be more of a
white knuckle ride. That is why I decided to choose snowboarding, but don't get
me wrong I still think that skiing looks fun, and as I now go down to the
skiing slope every week or so I have actually started to do skiing some times
for a bit of a change. You see, once I learned how to snow board I had some
transferable skills, such as an ability to use the lift, how to handle speed,
when to slow down etc. That is why I am glad that I learned how to snowboard
first. If I had skied first, then I would probably have found it a lot more
difficult to pick up snowboarding second. Anyway I went to snowboarding lessons
and really enjoyed myself, I am not as good, nor as dedicated as some of my
friends but I still really enjoy myself and that is what it is all about.

Starting An Online Snowboarding Business

Are you tired of working for the boss man, and getting no recognition for the
efforts you put in? Are you sick of working harder than your colleagues, but
getting paid exactly the same, derisory amount? Well you don't have to suffer
it any longer. If you are passionate about snowboarding, why not consider
starting a snowboarding business? By working with your passion, you can create
a product or service that you'll will enjoy, and that will make you money.

There are loads of different types of business you can do in keeping with your
snowboarding hobby. You could begin by retailing snow boarding equipment
online, or alternatively by customising boards if you are artistic. Either way,
you're going to need a website. Make sure you shop around for a good deal on web
design, and take the time to think about all the functionality you are going to
require. Will you need a contact form, or a shopping cart? What domain name
would be ideally suited to your business? How much should you spend on online
marketing? These are all concerns which must be addressed before launching your
website in addition to the normal hassles of running a business. Having said
that, it can be a highly rewarding pursuit, particularly financially if you get
it right!

Alternatively, you might like to consider setting up a snowboarding holiday
company in your local town or city. By running trips out to the slopes, you can
benefit financially as well as from a greater number of boarding trips. All you
would need to ensure would be some form of marketing or sales channel, such as
a website, or a shop front in your local shopping mall, and links with a
snowboard resort and a coach company. You might even find that you'd be able to
negotiate discounts for large groups, which could lead to increased profit
margins for your business. As long as you take care to market your business,
you should be able to drive sales, and if you can do that at a profit, and you
enjoy doing it, then that is really all that matters. Imagine waking up on a
dark Monday morning to go into your own shop -- you'll be surprised how much
easier it is to get out of bed!

Whatever you decide to do, it is important to make sure you have thoroughly
planned your business, weighing up pros and cons from every angle. That way,
you will be sure to have covered all the eventualities in your budgeting, and
you won't be left high and dry. Another good tip is to use a business plan
template for your business. This way, you'll think about all the necessary
elements, which will again help with your planning, and be an invaluable aid if
you are seeking investment.

Before starting any business, it is important to understand there is an element
of risk involved. Do not invest any more money than you can afford to lose, and
remember not to quit your job until you are actually experiencing the income
you need to support yourself from the business. Faith is a good thing in
business, but so is common sense, and it pays not to be too headstrong and
exercise caution at every stage.

Starting a Snow Boarding Business

For a while I have been considering starting a snow boarding business and
really do think it is something that will have a lot of potential. In my area
there are two slopes near by and there is no local businesses that service us
snow boarder's needs. What I would like to do is start a snow boarding business
that sells snow boarding clothing and snow boarding equipment and of course
boards themselves. For years I have been trying to think of a business idea and
I really feel that incorporating my love for snow boarding with my love for
business would be a great idea. I done a degree in business however since
achieving this degree I have yet to actually go out there and give it a try in
the real world on my own. I am currently a business consultant for an
accountancy firm, and although I enjoy my job my true desire is to go out and
do it on my own, and for myself.

What I will need to do is get a business loan at first from the bank and buy a
property and stock. I was thinking that one of the best ways to ensure that I
get business is to position the shop as near to the slopes as I can possibly
get. I was also thinking that I could reach agreements with the slopes under
which they could effectively drive customers to my shop. In order to do this, I
intend to organise a meeting with the managers of both slopes separately and
decide on what they think is the best way that we can work together.

I now realise that the next step is going to be to put my business idea into
writing and create a business plan. This is something that I do for my
customers, and I am now going to have to go out their and do it for myself. I
am also going to consider ways that I can market my business on the internet.
From speaking with my clients I have noticed that very few actually achieve
much success from their online marketing and there is a multitude of reasons
why this is. The first thing that strikes me is that although they were willing
to invest in a website they were completely unwilling to invest in online
marketing. What I tell my customers is what I intend to do myself. I want to
incorporate marketing online into my business plan and hopefully I can benefit
from my attempts to gain business from a global audience. At the moment I am
aware that there is a lot of competition online, however with a carefully
articulated online marketing plan I am sure that there is success to be had
online.

I am also hoping that in the coming weeks that I can meet with a supplier and
hopefully get a better idea of the kind of profit margins that I can be looking
towards. I have been told that in order to attain the best results I am going to
have to meet minimum order requirements and then the supplier will give me the
best prices. I see this as being a very realistic goal, as I am sure that I
will be able to think of ways that I can meet the minimum order requirement.
Firstly, I could collaborate with another supplier and we could buy in stock
together. This is something that several of my clients do, and it results in
cheaper rates that both of the buyers can benefit from.

So I have everything planned but I just have to go ahead and actually do it!
The thing is that I am also going to have to try and stick with my job for as
long as I possibly can. If I decide to leave my job too early then I will spend
a period without a wage, however I should really inform management of my
intentions.

Some Snowboarding Trick Fundamentals

I like the floating feeling you get on quarterpipes, it feels like you're
hanging in the air and you can with no trouble grab anywhere on the board. One
of the most fun tricks on a QP is the air to fakie.

Airs to fakies are also one of the easiest tricks. All you have to do is ride
straight at the QP on your shred stick. I like this trick because of its
simplicity. An air to fakie is basically the same thing as straight airing a
jump, except the QP shoots you straight up in the air : so you land in the same
spot you took off. All you have to do is ride straight at the QP.

When approaching a QP, pick a straight line up the wall and stay totally
flat-based while riding up the transition. If you get on edge, you may go
flinging left or right -- you won't go as big. Always keep your knees bent.

When you reach the top of the lip, you don't need to pop much, keep your body
solid and let the QP do all the work for you. Remember: Like hips and
wallrides, start out small to feel out the transition, then you can "send it."
So, now you've left the lip, try to stay composed. Fly up in the air and grab
the board. I like to grab frontside.

You're floating and tweaked-out frontside now, look down at the coping to make
sure you'll land back in the transition. As long as the QP has vert on it, you
should be fine. If so, then you're good to go -- if not, well, good luck,
'cause landing on the deck of a QP is sketchy. Anyway, as you come back down to
land, you should land in about the same place you left the lip -- nice and high
on the transition.

Ride back down the tranny switch and pump back up the hill as far as possible.
You'll have less of a hike to hit the quarterpipe next time. Once you learn
this trick, then you can move on to frontside and backside airs.

Boxes are a great feature to learn boardslides, front boards, and 270-outs on
because they're super easy to shred. Boxes are nice and wide compared to a
handrail, so you don't need to worry if you're not perfectly centered on the
box. For a boardslide, hop on the box at a 90-degree angle and stay centered
over the board, flat-based, until you reach the end of the box -- it's too
easy. So instead, I'm going to walk you through the boardslide to 270 out.

Approaching a box is pretty mellow; you don't need to hit it from a crazy angle
or anything. Just stay calm and loose, and roll up on it. It is good to pop off
your toes on the takeoff and land in more of a tailslide, instead of landing
totally square in the middle of the box -- it makes snapping the 270 out
easier. Now that you're sliding, stay over the board so it doesn't spit out in
front of you. Hold the position with your knees bent.

As you near the end of the box, begin to rotate your head and shoulders in the
frontside direction. Spring an ollie off your back foot and initiate the
frontside spin -- use your shoulders to direct the rotation. The front 270
feels just like a frontside three, but it's easier to land. If you keep your
eyes on the ground and bend your knees with the board pointed straight down the
hill, you shouldn't have a problem with the landing.

Now that you have learned several common tricks, feel free to go out and try
them. If you fail, remember, practice makes perfect and even more practise
makes you even more perfect, or at least that is what I have been told. Go out
their and try your best, and you are sure to get the results that you are
after. Good Luck!

Snowboarding For Beginners

If you are interested in taking up a new hobby, and you enjoy thrilling, fast
paced action, why not consider snowboarding? Increasing in popularity year on
year, snowboarding has always been highly fashionable, and is no more
accessible than ever, so you really have no excuse for not giving it a go if
you are interested. In this article we will look at the equipment you will
need, where to get started, and the things to watch out for when snowboarding.

First thing's first -- get yourself online. Look around, and find out exactly
what snowboarding involves. It is a dangerous game, and highly physically
taxing. Additionally, it can be quite expensive, so you need to try to ensure
it's right for you. Next you need to look for a board to get you started, and
some clothing for wearing on the slopes. First off, forget about buying a top
quality board. You need to start off with something cheap and cheerful,
designed for beginners. You can find these easily online, and you may also be
able to come across some models in your local extreme sports shop.
Alternatively, you could try to pick one up second hand from a friend, or from
another snowboarder. You also want to make sure you look cool whilst your out
there! Check out some of the highly fashionable snowboarding wear, and kit
yourself out from hats, to sunglasses to thick socks -- make sure you're
prepared for the elements before you set off.

It is worth looking around to find lessons in your local area. Lessons range in
availability, quality and price, although you will often find recommendations or
local adverts particularly helpful. Again you could look online for some tips to
get you on your way. If you do take lessons, it is important to take on board
what the instructor says from both a performance and safety perspective.
Additionally, get out there and practice between lessons if you ever want to
improve. If you stick at it, and work hard, you will eventually see an
improvement, and find the sport significantly more enjoyable also.

It is also good to note that snowboarding is a highly dangerous activity and
people do get hurt. Before you even think about snowboarding, take some lessons
in safety, and make sure you are fully equipped both mentally and physically for
avoiding injury to yourself and others. Snowboarding is responsible for many
accidents every year, and it is an extreme sport after all -- if you're of a
weak disposition, it is perhaps not the best sport for you. Having said that,
snowboarding can easily be performed safely with a bit of common sense, and a
bit of research, so make sure you're prepared before you get out there.

Warnings aside, snowboarding is great fun, if you like this sort of thing. Many
people adopt the mantra that you should try everything at least once, and as far
as snowboarding is concerned, this is definitely true. Try snowboarding once,
and join the legions of followers who enjoy snowboarding at every opportunity.
Chances are there are clubs and associations in your local town, so get
yourself along and join in with like minded people. Your level of experience
doesn't matter, as long as you go along and participate, you will gain a lot
from it, and you will definitely have a good time in the process.

Snowboarding At My Local Slope

My local ski slope is quite a fun place to hang out for me and my teenage
friends. We find that it's a good way to keep ourselves amused. You see in my
local area when you are under 21 their really is nothing else to do. You see me
and my friends can't go out drinking and nor do we have any particular desire to
hang out at the local tennis court, that is why we were looking for something to
do that was knew, exciting and more suited to our need for extreme entertainment!

So we went down the local ski slope and asked some questions about what kind of
thing goes on and basically tried to get a grasp for how much it was going to
cost to get started. The lady was really helpful and seemed to be really
encouraging. She explained that we would not need a snowboard, snowboarding
boots or even snowboarding skills to get started. We were really pleased to
here it, so basically asked if we just went on the slope or if we needed some
kind of tuition first. The lady explained that we would definitely need some
kind of tuition first, and explained that for $15 an hour we could get a group
lesson. This was kind of what we were looking for, as the idea was to do this
as a group and we felt that if we all done it together It would be more of a
laugh. So we basically booked a lesson, and the lady explained that we had to
pay a deposit because the slope had to arrange it with the instructor. She
explained that we would get lessons for around 5-10 hours and then she thought
that we would be good enough to come down the slope on our own and try things
out. This was the kind of thing that I was looking to do, because we wanted
more than merely to learn. We wanted to pick up the basic skills that were
required and then come down on our own and have a laugh at the slope.

So we went to the lessons and they worked out great. They were really fun for
everyone involved. It turned out that it wasn't just us at the lessons, but the
other girls and boys who went to the lessons were all really easy to get on with
and everyone got on well. Nobody had been to snowboarding lessons before so we
were all kind of in the same boat so to speak. The teacher went over really
basic stuff at first, and to be honest I did not pay too much attention because
I was more concerned with actually going out their and starting to ski for real.
The guy who was our teacher was really approachable and that just made it so
much easier for everyone. We were able to ask all the questions we wanted, and
he seemed to pick up when someone was having problems and when we understood
things. He then explained after around 30 min's that we were ready to hit the
slopes, and you can be sure that we were ready, I was practically desperate to
hit the slopes and get started. At first, he asked us to go down the beginner
slope which is basically a slope that is for people who are just starting to
learn. The gradient is much less and that makes it so much easier to get going,
because if you build up to much speed and you do not know how to stop then that
could cause real problems for a beginner.

Snowboarding Activities

If you are considering doing some snowboarding activities then I simply must
tell you about the kind snow boarding activities that I have tried in the past,
and the kind of activities that I intend to try In the future. The fact is that
when I first tried snow boarding I had only been skiing a couple of times, so I
was really a newbie that was looking to have a little bit of fun and experience
some snowboarding activities for the first time.

Me and my friends all decided to go out their and see what kind of fun we were
able to have on the slopes, and we sure did have heaps of fun and in fact far
more than I would ever have imagined. We went out their, and because we had a
rough idea how to ski we were far more cocky than we should have been but that
did not stop us from having the most fun in our lives. The slope was
very quiet, which just made it so much better. They way you move on a snowboard
just makes you feel so much more in control, however you feel like you are
taking more risk. When you are skiing it is just that little bit too
comfortable at times, but the fact is that you never actually notice it until
you give it a try. It really does not surprise me that people are choosing to
give up skiing and are taking up snow boarding in its place, lets be honest you
cant actually jump on ski's. So OK, it is possible but you could hardly suggest
that they are custom built for doing Ollie's. That is why I have to tell, you
that when I done my first jump on a snowboard and successfully landed it, I was
sure to give it a try again, in the future.

Me and my friends all decided that the most fun thing that we could do was have
a race down the slope, and this what we done. I was actually very nervous, as I
was very anxious to win, but I knew if the worst came to the worst then I could
always say that I tried my best, and trying my best is certainly what I done.
Over the next minutes as we went done one of the most daring runs on one of our
first times I was sure that I was going to win. That is not to say that I was, I
could have hit a tree, or took a wrong turn and in the end I done the later. I
lost and I was gutted, but the exhilaration just meant that I wanted to do
more. I proposed doing it again, and everybody was up for it. It was the fact
that when we done the first run, we had managed to grab some "Air-time" and I
can assure you if you think that is good on ski's you have experienced nothing
yet.

The main problem with doing this run was that we were failing to abide by the
rules of the slope with aggressive turning and twisting. The last run my friend
Alan actually pushed Collin into a tree for a laugh. Although most people would
not see this as being fun, it was the kind of think that happened based on
excitement and I have to tell you that this snow boarding day has to be one the
best days of sport that I have ever experienced, and even when I go skiing and
snow boarding these days I often think back to the stuff we got up to that day
on the slopes. I have to say that skiing just doesn't seem to compare to snow
boarding and it really does not surprise me to see people migrating from snow
boarding to skiing at all. The thing is though we really should not compare
them, I suppose they are both good in their own way.

Snowboarding Accidents

Snowboarding accidents happen every single day and the reasons for this vary
from person to person, and from accident to accident. Despite this, one thing
remains prominent. Of those accidents, many of them could have been stopped
with appropriate care and attention from the snowboarders involved. This is why
we have to realise that snowboarding is a dangerous sport, and therefore health
and safety should always remain an issue to any snowboarder.

The first thing that any snowboarder has to remember is to wear appropriate
protective head wear. Protective head wear may not look as cool, or even be as
warm as a hat, but when it comes to going down the slopes wearing one could
save your life. In 2003 15 people suffered fatal head injuries whilst
snowboarding. This number could have been reduced to 0 if those 15 people had
chosen wear a helmet whilst snowboarding. When people go snowboarding and do
not wear a helmet, they do not take precautions based on this, and are still
happy to attempt stunts such as jumps, slaloms which involve dodging trees, and
other activities that could not be recommended. People have to remember that
snowboarding is in the top 10 most dangerous sports, and I would call on the
authorities within the sport to drive even further towards excellence in health
and safety.

My brother is a keen snowboarder and recently broke his leg whilst snowboarding. 
Although this was not his fault, many of the complications that went along with 
the injury could have been avoided with due care and attention. This includes 
the fact he was stranded on a slope for over 4 hours before he was noticed by a 
boarder who was then able to go and get help. But how could this have been 
avoided. Firstly he should not have chosen to hit the slopes on his own. Through 
doing this problems arise automatically, if you do have to go snowboarding on 
your own then make sure you tell people that you are away. I would also call on 
snowboarding facilities to keep better records of who is on the slope, and for 
what time. This could certainly help with many issues.

I would secondly advice and call for people to carry mobile phones with them
when they go snowboarding. Even, a mobile phone on its own may not be enough if
you do not have a signal or do not have any battery left in your phone. This is
why I advise that you ensure that your battery is full at all times, and that
you also take appropriate care to ensure that you have a replacement SIM card.
If you have a replacement SIM card that works on your phone you may be doubling
the chances of you being able to contact someone if you phone does not work.
This is why people also choose to carry a torch, a flare or an air horn. All of
these can work in alerting people to a situation as long as they are near where
you currently are.

Health and safety are prominent issues in snowboarding and that is why we all,
have to be careful that we abide by them. Through choosing to take simple
measure we can all choose to snowboard, and enjoy ourselves at the same time.
Do not make yourself another statistic.

Snow Boarding Vacation

Around a year ago I went on a snow boarding vacation to Europe and had a great
time by all accounts. The best part was that I went with all my friends, all of
which had varied abilities in the sport. Some of my friends compete in
competitions and the like, whilst others have only been on the slopes a few
times in their life. The fact is that we were all really looking forward to it,
and we were all sure to enjoy ourselves whilst we were away. The fact is that we
do not spend that much time together, as we all went to different colleges
whilst others decided to enter the world of work and go out their and get a job.

When we decided to book the holiday I was delighted to hear that everybody was
able to make it, and that everyone had promised to save up enough money to
really enjoy themselves while we were away. The cost of booking the holiday
worked out at around $300 for accommodation for the week as we were going to be
staying at a backpacker's location, and it was only going to cost $150 for
return flights. We really felt like we had struck a bargain, and we were even
more delighted when we heard that the cost of living would be really cheap when
we got their. We had decided to save up $1000 each, which meant that we would
have more than enough spending money for when we arrived.

The price being so cheap, some of my friends decided to go online and buy some
equipment for the trip and that was anything from new boards to clothing. I
personally never bothered, as I was currently struggling for money, surviving
merely on the pay that I got for working in a local MP3 player shop.

When we hit the slopes I cannot explain how brilliant it actually was. We had
never had an opportunity to ride a snow board on snow, apart from one of my
friends who has more of an interest in the sport than the rest of us. We
decided that would really just do our own thing, please ourselves and then meet
up at night. This is not the way it worked out as we had such a laugh out their
on the slopes. My best friend Blair was struggling at first so I done my best
to teach him about how to handle the slopes. After a few hours he was doing
great, and even managed a nice little Ollie or two. After our hard days on the
slopes we couldn't wait to get home and get a shower. Although it is not cold,
when your clothes get wet, it can become very tiring and you often feel like
getting in, having a hot shower and changing your clothes.

Next thing it was time to get out their and sample the night life. This is what
we had been looking forward to, we had heard great things about European girls,
and we were sure to enjoy ourselves getting to know the culture. We firstly
went out for a meal, and we all ended up having burger and chips! Next we went
to a local club and really had a great night. This was the pattern for the rest
of the week and I can hardly say that I regret it.

Snow Boarding Training

If you need snowboarding training then it is important that you make sure that
the training you get is good, and from an appropriately trained snow boarding
trainer. That is why you have to consider ways that this can be done to meet
the needs, and goals that you have set yourself. What I always tell people is
that there is no point in telling yourself that you are going to be the best
snowboarder in the world, because that just isn't going to happen in a few
months. What I done was set myself the challenge of being able to do the second
most challenging slope, of three at my local snowboarding centre. Once I set
myself this challenge I had something to work towards and a goal that I could
aim to achieve. This is what you should do, and the chances of getting further
in the sport are greatly increased. Once I achieved this goal, my next goal was
to handle the most difficult slope and then to improve my times and agility
after that. You should set goals before you start snowboarding training and
then you will be more likely to achieve your goals in the shortest time.

The next thing that you have to do is decide what kind of training you want to
undertake. Many people just try and teach themselves and to be honest it really
is not worth it, unless you are doing it for the pride of saying that you taught
yourself how to snowboard, if this is the case then you are going to have to get
lessons at one point if you want to be one of the best so I would tell you just
to give up now. The next type of person is the type that decides that they will
teach themselves the DIY way. This means that all they do is read books, read
stuff on the internet and ask people for help that are friends or people that
they meet down their local snowboarding centre. This is fine, but it is also
kind of stupid and kind of pointless. It is a waste of time, but if you do not
have the money to afford proper tuition then this is fine with me, at least you
will get somewhere if not as fast as others! The next kind of snowboarding
training can be split into two kinds. The road name for it is getting
professional tuition from a trained snow boarding instructor. This can be split
up into group lessons, and individual lessons. So you are probably wondering
about the difference between each.

Those who chose to get individual instruction will be doing so at a higher
cost, and the reason for this is simple. If you are getting individual
instruction then it actually means that there is nobody to share the cost of an
instructor but if you are doing it in company and with others then they are also
making a contribution towards the salary or wage of the person that is teaching
you. That is why I actually recommend getting solo instruction after you have
managed to pick up the basics. This is a sure way to save money, and improve
your ability down the slopes. Good luck and I am sure that you will be whizzing
down the slopes in no time!

Snow Boarding Safety

When it comes to snow boarding I always tell people that the most important
thing that you have to consider is safety. Not just your own safety, but also
the safety of others, please read through my tips whether you are an expert
snow boarder that has never crashed, or if you are about to hit the slopes for
the first time in your life. Whatever level you are at, snow boarding safety is
important to everyone.

Tip Number 1

Snow Boarding Equipment Safety

Before you jump on a board you need to check that it is working properly and
that there is nothing wrong with the board itself. You also need to check that
it is the correct size, and that it is holding your snow boarding shoes
properly. The fact is that when you are snow boarding, you rely on the safety
of the board just as much as you do on your own skill.

Snow Boarding Clothing

If you are hitting the slopes you have to understand that looking great and
being safe are two different things altogether. If you are considering what
kind of glasses to wear then do not think that your average sun glasses will do
the trick. When you are snow boarding it is possible to be blinded by the snow,
or least get sore eyes, so make sure that you have proper UV protection for a
start. The next step is to think about how you are going to keep warm. This is
very serious as if you are not warm then it can do more than just ruin a days
snow boarding. What you should do is wear warm clothing underneath your snow
boarding gear, and you also have to 100% make sure that everything that you are
wearing is water proof. Everyone has had a snow ball fight wearing gloves that
aren't water proof. Were your hands cold? Of course they were. That is why your
clothing must be waterproof. The next step when it comes to clothing is thinking
about your safety, and by safety I mean padding. Yes folks, looking like a
football player when you hit the slopes is the best thing to do, you can be
sure to have a lot less pain when you fall.

Snow Boarding -- Food and Water

When you are snow boarding it is important that you eat and drink enough to get
by. When you are going to the slopes it is not recommended that you eat too much
before you start, but make sure that you have a healthy snack and be sure to
drink plenty of water. People always think that because it may be cold, that
they are not thirsty, however this a reason why many people get dehydrated on
the slope. Did you know that more people suffer dehydration from skiing than
from long jump, table tennis and dancing put together. Why is that? Because
people need to think about what they need, rather than the usual signs that
they may be thirsty. However, when people do go snow boarding accidents can
happen and that is why you must be prepared. When you go on a long run you
should take emergency food and drink. What I mean by this is around 1 litre of
water and maybe cereal bars or something. What we are talking about is
calories, fat and protein. This means that if anything bad was ever to happen
then you could surely get something to eat and drink, and that will make you
last longer in a bad situation.

When you are snow boarding safety is of paramount importance. Everyone can
still enjoy themselves, but they should take precautions when they do. What I
recommend is that people should take a mobile phone with them when they go snow
boarding, and also bring a replacement SIM card. Why is that? Because if you do
not get a signal out on the slopes then you will double your chances of getting
one, if you have a phone that uses a different operator. A replacement battery
is also a great idea, but only for emergencies!

Snow Boarding Holidays

OK so have you ever been on a snowboarding holiday? If so, then you must have
enjoyed yourself. The thing about Snow Boarding is that absolutely everybody
can enjoy it regardless of their ability. When I first went on a snow boarding
holiday it was with my friends and they had all been snow boarding already.
This was something that I had never done before, and I was obviously nervous
about whether or not I could really enjoy myself when I had absolutely no
experience on a board.

But the fact is that I enjoyed it just as much as them, if not more! When you
get behind a board something special happens, that I cannot explain. When you
are going down a slope, no matter how small, you feel something special when
you start to speed up and the acceleration just hits you. I went on the starter
slope with my friend who had also never been snow boarding before, but we really
enjoyed ourselves. We were firstly given instructions and training by a girl who
was an experienced snow boarder. She basically gave us all the hints and tips
that we would need to hit the slopes ourselves.

After we had been given the training we also got taught one of the most
difficult parts of snow boarding. Yes guys, you guessed it -- How to get to the
top of the hill on our own. It is really difficult because if you miss-time
getting on the lift then you could fall, and if you miss-time getting off the
lift then problems can happen just as easily. This is what I always noticed
when I was snowboarding because I actually used to get really nervous before I
approached the lift. Getting off a snow boarding lift is probably just as
difficult for a beginner.

Now let me tell you more about what you can actually get up to on a snow
boarding holiday. There is so much to do that it is unbelievable but what I
really enjoy the most is how relaxing they are, if not tiring!

You get up in the morning and if you are staying at a hotel, then you really
should try and get as big a breakfast as your stomach can handle! Next it is
time to hit the slopes, and that it the part that takes up most of the day.
When you are deciding what slope to go to you should ask people what slope they
prefer and what kind of slope they enjoy. For me this was simple, as I was just
a beginner. But as the week went on I did start to get a little braver I have
to say. After you have spent your day snow boarding, there is usually lots that
you can do on a snow boarding holiday. For a start, you can think of activities
that you would do back home. Me and my friends are from the states and we had
never been allowed to drink before. So when we went to Europe and we were 20 we
could not wait to sample drinking in clubs and pubs around the slopes. This was
so much fun, and I have to say that apart from the snow boarding this was the
best part of the holiday.

A lot of people ask me if you have to hire out a snow board to go snow boarding
on a snow boarding holiday but this is not the case at all. You can easily rent
one out when you are over here and it really will not be that much cost at all.
My friends are all snow boarders and they decided to hire out snow boards
because it actually worked out cheaper than the cost of flying them over on the
plane. Whatever you do go on a snow boarding holiday and I am sure that you will
really enjoy yourself if you are anything like me.

Snow Boarding Destinations

Now let me tell you about some of the greatest places that there are to snow
board in the world. I really mean I am going to tell you about the places, that
if you are a snow boarder you simply must visit if you want to have experienced
the greatest snow boarding that is out there.

Solden in Austria

This amazing resort is about 50 miles away from Innsbruck and a further 20
miles away from Otztal. This amazing place has three killer slopes that have
three of the speediest lifts in the world that also have some of the best views
that I have ever seen. At least one night in the week the slopes open up to give
you a chance to go night boarding in style. There is also a firework display and
everything else that you can imagine to make the night a success, you can
actually go for a drink in between runs and really enjoy all the aspects of
snow boarding whilst drinking at the same time. If you have never been night
boarding before this is something that you have to check out.

St Anton in Austria

St Anton has some of the best terrain that I have ever seen and that is one of
the reasons that I think this place is up here in the best snow boarding
destinations. If you like to free style then this is undoubtedly the place to
be doing it. The slopes are not very forgiving and unless you like high speed,
high octane fun then you should probably go elsewhere. The slope has amazing
amounts of powder and really helps and boarder to accelerate a lot faster than
they are used to.

Tignes in France

Tignes is without a doubt the place to go if you want to go snowboarding in
France. Tignes was one of the first locations to actually welcome snowboarders
whilst other felt that skiing was the only thing that you can do on the slopes.
But let me tell you one thing ladies and gentleman. This place is also the top
place to learn your trade, with a wide range of training courses for those that
want to teach snow boarding for a living. If you are looking for tree runs then
this is not the place to hang, but it certainly has a lot of excellent runs
that you simply must try.

XCAPE BUILDING SNOWZONE in the UK

This is the best in indoor entertainment that is out their. If you think
playing your play station is indoor entertainment then you really have another
thing coming folks. You only pay an hourly fee for the time you spend on the
slopes and that even includes boot hire and hiring of a board. The fact is that
this is such as enclosed area, and there are instructors all over the place
watching what you do. When I went I got a lot of helpful feedback from
instructors and at their own free will. A very good place to learn.

LAAX in Switzerland

This my friends is snow boarding heaven and a must, see and do for everyone.
This place is home to some of the biggest snow boarding events in the world,
and you never see a pro turn down an opportunity to strut his stuff on these
challenging slopes. When an event happens here it really is seen as being cool,
as well as whatever else. The top DJs, singers and pop stars all want to come
along to associate themselves with whatever is going on. This place has
half-pipes galore for those who would rather flip than anything else. The ski
lift is also good and for many beginners this is the most enjoyable part of
their visit. You will find some challenging slopes as well as other slopes that
are tailored for beginners.

Snow Boarding Costs

So you are thinking about getting started with snow boarding and before you do
you think that you will need to get to grip with the costs first. This is very
sensible and is certainly something that I would recommend to anyone. If you
cannot afford to get started then why try? However, I am sure that you will be
pleasantly surprised to find out the kind of money that you are going to have
to spend to get started. What would you say if I got lessons and on the slopes
for the first time for well under $100! Yes folks, it really is that cheap, and
it really is that easy. When I first got started, I stopped to consider if I
would be able to afford it, and I phoned up my local slope that were really
helpful in giving me an idea of all the cost that would be involved.

They firstly said that they recommend that I book up a block of 10 lessons in
order to get started, but they explained that 3 would be enough. I guessed that
they probably wanted me to pay more, so I decided to go for just the 3 lessons
and this worked out just enough to give me the confidence to hit the slopes on
my own. The fact is that the lessons cost $10 each, but it worked out a lot
cheaper, because I decided to go for group lessons. This meant that when I was
getting taught, I was actually getting taught with others. However this
actually worked out to be better than I had imagined. It actually meant that I
made some friends with which to spend some time with at the slopes, and that I
now go along with every Wednesday night. It is ideal, and that is why it is
maybe even better to do it on a budget!

Now the next thing that you are probably worried about is the cost that is
associated with getting equipment and things like that sorted out. It may be
expensive if you are wanting to go out their and get top of the range
equipment, but it is just as easy and just as quick to rent out every time you
go their. At my local slope, they charge the same amount for an hour on the
slope whether or not you rent out equipment or not! That is why it is simply
not expensive to get started, all I spent was $30 to get lessons, and I got a
shot on the slope included in the price. What I would say is that if you can
afford to go to the pub or go on holiday then you can certainly afford to the
initial snow boarding costs.

This really is not that expensive and that is why I have to say that it is a
great sport to get started in, regardless of your age. It is a good way to make
friends, have fun and learn something new.

One cost that I forgot to mention is that I had to buy gloves. Buying gloves is
simply a must, and they should be water proof gloves. If they are not water
proof then you will end up with cold hands, and you will not enjoy your day out
quite as much.

Snow Board Preparation Tips

Everyone that loves snow boarding knows that accidents can easily happen, and
accidents do happen on a daily basis. That is why you have to follow basic tips
to prepare before you actually hit the slopes, and if you do not follow the
basic rules then you are simply asking for accidents to happen. That is why I
recommend that anyone who is planning a snow board tip should do the following
before they even consider leaving the house:

1. Ensure that you clean your board and your boots. When you allow your boots
and board to get dirty, then they not click into place as well, and you also
risk slipping etc. More than anything else you should never deliberately go to
the slope with boots and a board that are dirty.

2. You should always ensure that a member of your family or friends knows where
you are, and when you are expected to be back. If you are out on a long run, and
something wrong happens, then you are left to rely on someone to find you if the
worst happens and you get lost with an injury.

3. Always wear waterproof clothes. If you do not wear waterproof clothing then
you are surely asking for problems. This means water proof trousers, water
proof jacket, and water proof gloves are a must.

4. Make sure that you do not eat something that is too filling or you may end
up with cramps and the kind of thing that you have to try and avoid. The best
food that you can eat before you hit the slopes is high calorie, low fat foods,
such as pasta for example.

5. Do not consider trying runs that are well in advance of your ability levels,
the trick is to take things slowly and try and build up gradually, time by time,
every time you visit. Jumping ahead of yourself can actually mean that you place
too much pressure on yourself and you end up not wanting to come back.

6. Consider your friends and prepare how you are going to act based on those
that you are going snow boarding with. If the snow boarder is an amateur, then
you have to think how you would feel if you were to go snow boarding with
someone and they were to always try more challenging runs. You would surely try
and compete and that can cause accidents and embarrassment.

7. Bring a change of clothing and a snack for when you are out. It is good to
come prepared and you do not want your day to end early because your clothes
are uncomfortable or because you are hungry or thirsty. Remember that when you
are out on the slopes that if you fail to drink enough then problems can
happen. You may feel cold, so you do not feel thirsty, but that is why you have
to try and ensure that have enough to drink.

Making sure that you are prepared for going on a snow boarding trip is one of
the best ways to ensure that you have a great day, and so does everyone around
you. Taking that extra time, to ensure that everything is going to go smoothly
will surely pay off when you are on the slopes.

My Snowboarding Hotel

I always loved snowboarding for as long as I can remember. I love the way that
snow boarding is a sport that is filled with excitement and personality. I also
loved the way that snow boarding was seen as a kind of extreme sport. It made me
feel almost proud of myself that I was associated with this status. When I
firstly hit the slopes and tried snowboarding it was actually a very new sport
at the time, and had not even nearly been in the Olympics.

However, as the trend increased the slopes started to change its ratio of
skiing to snowboarding. That is why I wanted to start a business that could
benefit from this; I decided on starting a hotel in France that was actually
targeting the snowboarders rather than the skiers. You see, the snow boarder
and the skier are two very different kind of holiday maker. A snow boarder is
more likely to be interested in having a great time, and socialising with
younger people, whilst a skier may be away as part of a family vacation.

However, I realised that my business was going to be a risky venture because at
the same time as I started it, I was scared that snowboarding might not take off
in the way that it has. I mean -- did you know that know 22% of winter sports
competitors are snowboarders? That is an amazing statistic and one that really
indicates the kind of thing that I am talking about. Snow boarding is a massive
sport, and I actually do not think there has been any other sport in the history
of the world that has seen such success in such a short period of time.

I should say the success of my hotel has been enormous, because I have been
warm and comforting to the snowboarders, showing knowledge on the slopes and
snowboarding in general. I am able to tell them what I would do, and give them
some hot tips that have been passed on to me from hundreds and hundreds of snow
boarders through my hotel.

One of the things that I love the most is the way that everyone is always
having a good time, and that can reflect on my mood. When everyone in the hotel
is enjoying themselves and having a good time, it is easier for me to sit back
and have a good time as well. It really is that simple.

I am always asked by the snowboarders if I go on the slopes myself, and I
always have to say no, almost appearing like I am a kind of half-interested
snowboarder. I almost feel my head dropping as I say it. However, the reason
for this is that nowadays, I honestly very rarely have any spare time, and it
is the sad part of having my own business. My wife always offers to cover, but
when she does I always see it as a great opportunity to go down the bank, or do
something like catch up with the paper work.

When I think about how busy I am I always just stop and think about how lucky I
am to have a successful business, and a comfortable living -- however my passion
for snowboarding that gave me the kick start to get the business underway has
now gone.

My Snow Boarding Business

I have my own snow boarding business and I have had this for around 1 year now.
I used to be a management consultant before I decided to take the plunge and
went for a business of my own. Before I done this I was very nervous and really
had no idea about the level of results that I was going to attain. The fact of
the matter is that around 20% of businesses fail in their first year, and I did
not want to be one of those business owners that were left having no results,
and a heap of debt to handle.

Luckily enough my business has been successful so far, and this has largely
been down to operating in an area of high demand, where I am the only supplier
in my area. You see, there are two local ski slopes and both of them have a lot
of visitors each week, so I was aware that their was a demand in my local area
for snow boarding equipment and skiing equipment. At first, I started off
selling snow boarding equipment but I realised that I should start selling
skiing equipment as well and this is a decision that I am glad to have made.
Since I have started selling skiing equipment my sales have increased by 60%.

I now have four members of staff that I pay a good wage, and that are very
loyal to my company. You see, the great thing is that all of them have an
interest in snow boarding and skiing and this really comes through in the way
they are able to help my customers make informed purchases.

I have a deal with the local ski slopes that when someone is a member of their
slope they get a 10% discount on all purchases. This is something that I
considered for a number of reasons. The first thing is that I didn't want
either of them starting their own shop on their premise, and I felt that
through offering them something free they would be less likely to try and eat
into my profits. I also felt that through doing this they would feel that the
potential to enter into my market was less lucrative. I also have deals with
them where I give them very cheap rates on their stocks, and in actual fact I
make zero profit from the sales that I make to them. This gives them the
impression that I have substantially better profit margins than they could
attain, and puts them off competing.

Another way that I have had a certain level of success is through my online
store. I had a website designed through which I sell all my lines to a global
marketplace. Online I am competing with a lot of other websites that sell
similar stuff to myself, but I am aiming to increase my websites position in
the search engines, and by doing so I am hoping that I will be able to decrease
my operating costs and increase my market reach. Already I am showing up at
number 14 in google for snowboarding equipment and I am hoping to be on the
first page for certain terms at some point this year. The thing is that when
you have a high position in the search engines you can be sure to close a
certain number of sales with no marketing outlay. There is also the issue that
once you close a single sale with a customer they are more likely to return in
future when they require further products that you sell within your range. I
have also started to sell wholesale through a separate website and this has
helped me in two ways. I am starting to increase my sales volume however at the
same time I am decreasing my cost per unit to purchase through buying on a
bigger scale. This is something that is offering my business growth potential,
however my primary aim is to increase sales through my website at the moment.

Choosing a Snow Boarding Instructor

Choosing a snow boarding instructor can be a very difficult choice, and one
that comes down to your judgement more than anything else, however by following
a few basic rules and asking the correct questions you can be sure that your
choice will make a more informed one. When I first started learning how to snow
board I was only 20 and in fact the sport was just getting started. Snow
boarding began when a man decided to attach his son's skis together in order to
ensure that his son's technique was correct. This has lead to snow boarding
being one of the most popular winter sports even making an appearance in the
Olympics. Despite this, the rules and regulations that surround other sports
are different with snow boarding and for that reason alone it can be difficult
to find an instructor that you are able to trust.

Does your instructor have any customers that you can speak with?

Ask your instructor if he has any past pupils that you are able to speak with.
If he does then you will be able to ensure that he at least has some
experience, and you can ask those pupils how they found the training that they
were given. This is something that I consider with all my pupils. I ask them if
they would like to speak with any ex pupils and give them their telephone
numbers. Although most don't bother calling them up, it gives them a certain
level of confidence in my ability.

What rates or charges will you incur for instruction?

This is an important question and one that should be considered as a major
factor in who you choose. If an instructor is charging more then it probably
reflects on one major issue and that is his ability. If you are being charged
more then this may be reflected in his service and experience and therefore it
may be worth it. On the other hand, if you are mainly looking for the ability
to master basic skills, then perhaps it is not worth paying extra. It is also
imperative that you ask if the rates that you are paying reflect every cost
element that you will incur. What do I mean by this? Some instructors may
charge you an hourly rate, but then the course may ask for more in order to use
the facilities or rent equipment. Be sure that you know about everything that
you are paying. Another point for consideration is that if you intend to train
on a better slope then the costs of tuition will surely be higher. I would say
it is probably worth paying that little extra to learn on snow, and on a
diverse and challenging range of slopes.

How well do you think you will get on with your instructor?

This is something that we must all consider before choosing an instructor, and
although we cannot always tell, meeting them in person is a great way to get a
feel for their personality. Many instructors choose to make friends with their
pupils however this is something that I refrain from doing. In my opinion
students attain the best results, when they have a relationship of mutual
respect and understanding with their instructor. When the pupil and instructor
become too chatty problems arise. However, this is just my opinion. If you feel
more comfortable with a chatty instructor then this should be your choice. Think
about what is best for you, and allow this to influence your choice of
instructor.

The times the instructor is available.

If your instructor will only be available between the hours of 9-5 and this is
when you will be working then the chances are that this instructor is not very
well suited to you. Stop and discuss with an instructor when both of you are
available and you be sure to have a better working relationship.

Accident-Free Skiing And Snowboarding, Anyone?

Many people have different opinions about the relationship between skiing and
snowboarding. Some hardcore enthusiasts in these sports maintain that these two
are distinct and different from each other. Nonetheless, skiing and snowboarding
share the same platforms and manner of execution, namely snowy slopes and
downward acceleration. This results to almost the same approach in the
preparation and equipment perspectives of the two.

Whether you are a first timer or a veteran at skiing and snowboarding, you must
learn how to prepare physically and mentally before subjecting yourself to the
unforgettable adrenaline rush that these two sports offer. And that includes
protecting yourself against possible injuries that can happen while you are
speeding down the slope.

Besides training hard to improve performance level and overall skills, you must
completely comply with the safety requirements to become a confident participant
in these two sports. As over one hundred thousand people are unnecessarily
injured in skiing and skateboarding every year, a serious effort to prepare
against injury in these two sports is imperative.

In skiing and snowboarding, the key to an accident-free slide is in the
preparation. Before you even take the wild ride down a snowy mountain cap, be
sure to do all necessary preparations. The following tips could spell the
difference between an enjoyable skiing or snowboarding vacation and a visit to
the hospital.

Take skiing and snowboarding lessons. There is no such thing as a born skier or
snowboarder. You need guidance from experts who have been into these sports for
years so that you will improve your performance and safety in skiing and
snowboarding.

With regard to your skiing or snowboarding outfit, wear clothing that is
dependable against water and wind. Make sure that your apparel has enough
protective features like wide collars that can be enfolded to cover your face
against wind and zippers and strings that enable you to adjust your outfit
easily and comfortably.

Acquire the proper equipment for skiing and for snowboarding. If you own the
equipment, like skis and snowboards, have them custom-fitted to your
preferences. If you are renting them, be sure to choose the ones that you will
most likely be comfortable in. Having the right equipment will drastically
improve your performance and lessen the chances of accidents.

Also, the temperature in the snowy caps rapidly changes. Sometimes the coldness
in the slopes can be unbearable and you may find yourself losing much needed
heat which could lead to other complication like loss of consciousness and
tiredness. To prevent this wear head covering like helmet or headbands and
gloves.

The snowy slopes in which you slide down your skis and snowboards have very low
temperatures. Dress up in layers of clothing to keep the chill out. But also
make sure that the fabric you are wearing on the inside is comfortable on your
skin and absorbent of the sweat that is sure to come out of you because of the
excitement skiing or snowboarding offers.

Do not forget to wear eye protection devices like goggles and sunglasses.
Without eye protection, you are most likely to close your eyes due to cold
winds as you speed down on your ski or snowboard. Sliding in closed eyes, you
will certainly bump on anything and could even wake up in the infirmary the
next day.

Get enough sleep the night before the big day. You need to be alert and
sportive on the skiing or snowboarding slopes. A tired mind and body can cause
accidents and injuries.

Snowboarding At It's Best

Snowboarding by itself is a fun and safe sport which is basically a cross
between skiing and skateboarding. Using a single large snowboard, enthusiasts
rush down slopes through the snow. The feel and balance is quite different from
regular skiing since navigation through the snow is achieved on only a single
board, and unlike skateboarding, snowboarders let gravity do all the work of
propulsion for them as they slide down the slopes.

Naturally, once snowboarding caught on in popularity, it was only a matter of
time before the most highly skilled practitioners decided to tackle harder and
harder slopes, finding ones with more dangerous terrain, or natural formations
that allowed for stunts like turnpipes in skateboarding.

Thus was born extreme snowboarding. Extreme snowboarding involves extremely
tough slopes set at 45 degree angles or less, making runs down these slopes
extremely fast and difficult to control. Unlike gentle civilian snowboarding
slopes, extreme slopes will also usually have outcroppings of rock jutting out
from the snow as part of the challenge.

This is not a fact to be taken lightly, and not a sport to be taken by
amateurs. Given the speeds at which an extreme snowboarder can go, even a
casual splash on the slope an lead to broken limbs or a broken neck from impact
with the snow alone. When you factor in the presence of actual rock formations,
you can see how this sport is one that is not undertaken lightly.

Extreme snowboarder slopes actually don't have any of the usual conveniences of
a civilian ski or snowboard slope. There are no trans for uphill transport, no
waystations for shelter and relaxation. It is wilderness all the way. More
often than not, during extreme snowboard competitions, the boarders actually
ride airlifts to get to the top of the course.

Like some extreme sports, snowboarding enthusiasts have even merged their
styles with that of other extreme sports. For example, some snowboarders
actually pack parachute gliders on their backs These extreme sportsmen take a
snowboard and do a run all the way down a slope which ends at a sheer-drop
cliff, and once they fly off the cliff, trigger the chutes and hang glide all
the rest of the way down the mountainside. If that isn't an adrenaline rush, I
don't know what is!

Some of the more popular and challenging snowboard slopes are located in New
Zealand and Alaska. In the Alaskan slopes, there are 4000 foot vertical run
areas with gullies, ditches, and wind lips, as well as trees to contend with on
the slope. There is also an area with natural half-pipe formations and rolls
where freestyle exhibitions similar to that done for skateboarding can be
performed.

The New Zealand slopes are more challenging for those who enjoy absolute speed
runs. With one of the steepest and sharpest slopes around, navigating the New
Zealand snowboarding slopes requires perfect balance and control to keep from
spilling.

Given the risks of snowboarding, every professional competing extreme
snowboarder is required to learn first aid specializing in cold weather injury
treatment, as well as survival, search, and rescue techniques for winter and
mountainous terrain. On their runs, they are also required to bring avalanche
transceivers for emergency pickups in case of an avalanche or if they go off
course and get lost.

Like most extreme sports, extreme snowboarding is most definitely not for the
weak or the faint of heart. But for those who are up to the challenge, it
offers one of the most exciting blood rushes around.

Snowboarding Gear For Fun

With the winter season fast closing in on us, it's time to start getting ready
to hit the slopes. Burton Snowboarding Gear is one of the best companies to
come up with snowboarding equipment that keeps the fun-loving ones in mind.
Where other snowboard manufacturing companies tend to focus on professional
level gear that's patterned after "the equipment used by professionals" or some
other similar sales pitch, Burton's focus is on the rest of us who just want to
snowboard for fun, have a good time, and stay warm and comfortable while doing
it.

Burton's lineup involves not only snowboards, but apparel and accessories that
focus on stylish appearance, safe performance, and user comfort. While they
also have their own line of competition level gear, a vast majority of their
equipment is meant for casual enjoyment and usage. Here are some samples of
their offerings.

Kiddie and Beginner Snowboards -- these snowboards are designed like bikes with
trainer wheels, in that their balance and shape are very forgiving on the
slopes. Performance wise, don't expect to pull stunts with these boards, but if
you don't know much about snowboarding, you can expect that you'll be eating the
snow a lot less than you would with a normal board.

Intermediate to Advanced Snowboards -- these are top quality snowboards
designed for speed and agility. If you actually know what you're doing and want
to hit the slopes with a board that will let you strut your stuff, these are
good purchases. Just make sure that you really DO know your stuff, as these
boards can turn pretty quick, and it you're not quite as agile as you think you
are, you might wind up making a pretty good snowman on the slopes.

Kid's Apparel -- snowboarding is for everyone, even little kids, and Burton's
lineup takes into account high factors of both warmth and safety in their
children's clothing. Warm multi-layered socks, flashy jackets that make it easy
to spot your kids on the slope, and heat-retaining pants are just some of the
offerings. There are even additional lines for girls, featuring fleece jackets
and beanies. These are meant as much to look good as they are to keep their
wearers safe and warm.

Adult Apparel -- these are full sized regular adult snow gear that affords
warmth and protection. However, Burton's winter gear lineup for adults also
offers a greater degree of freedom of movement than some other winter gear
manufacturers. While still warms and comfy, these jackets, boots, and pants are
built light and sturdy to allow for quick and easy motions.

Gear Bags -- Burton's lineup of winter gear bags are made to mold to a
snowboarder's back during a run. Compact, light, and built with shallow
profiles that cut on wind resistance, these bags can be taken on a board with
no worries about their weight and balance throwing you off at a crucial moment.
Even the arrangement of the straps has been taken into consideration, as they
are designed to avoid binding up a person's arms and shoulders when
snowboarding.

Belt Pouches -- Burton also has a lineup of belt pouches that hold small odds
and ends if you don't want to hassle with a full backpack on a snowboarding
run. Some of these belt pouches are even specialized, like ones meant to hold
the average portable CD player so you can listen to your favorite sounds while
you're on the slopes.

Book Review: The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding

Kevin Ryan's The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding offers one of the most
useful guides to snowboarding for people from any level, whether beginners
wanting to learn more about the sport and get their techniques sharpened, up to
instructors and professionals seeking to further hone their skills on the slope.

Reader reviews and feedback on this book showed that it has a lot of useful
drills featured that helped them improve their game immensely after repeated
practise. The drills are written in a step by step fashion that seems ambiguous
at first, but makes complete sense once you actually try them out. Furthermore,
the book's coverage is all-encompassing, including tips for beginning, to
intermediate, to advanced skill levels.

The approach taken by the author is both humorous and scientific, employing
small drawn illustrations to show drills and techniques. While there are few
actual pictures involved, these hand drawn illustrations are funny to look at
and yet maintain a good degree of accuracy in portraying the skills and
techniques being demonstrated. The author uses a lot of jokes and quips
interspersed with facts and the illustrations are likewise a mix of serious,
factual ones and cute, cartoony renderings of snowboarding stuff.

Most professional instructors in snowboarding who read this book found new
drills and skills they could teach their classes inside the beginner sections,
so this book's coverage is quite extensive. Furthermore, the author knows that
certain skills can ONLY be conveyed though actual practice and demonstration,
so he goes out of his way to state when certain skills are best acquired
through a snowboarding instructor.

One of the sections that a lot of readers will probably find useful is the
chapter on snowboard care and maintenance. Where most how-to books devote
footnotes or at best, a few pages to the care and maintenance of equipment,
Kevin Ryan actually goes out of his way to write an in depth full chapter on
tips for taking proper care of your snowboard.

There is even a section on the ergonomics of skateboarding, covering the proper
way to carry and ride a board to minimize the physical strain on the
snowboarder. This also includes explanations on the physics and mechanics of
snowboarding. While not exactly necessary for most people, this chapter is
useful for people who are more technically inclined, like say, industrial
designers who might be out to design a new type of snowboard.

Unlike some instructional books, this book does not seek to replace the need
for an instructor, but instead seeks to augment and expand on the knowledge
gained from working with a good qualified snowboarding instructor. For those
who insist on learning everything from a book and doing it themselves, however,
the book's attention to detail and exhaustive explanations of the mechanics of
snowboarding are actually enough to let them get by and teach themselves
through practice and repetition.

This book is 336 pages long, and it's first edition was published by the
renowned book company McGraw-Hill back in 1998. Despite being published 8 years
ago, to this day it remains one of the most popular and sought after
instructional books for snowboarders. No matter what your skill level, it's
guaranteed that you will benefit from reading this book that is already
considered a classic "encyclopedia" in the sport by avid snowboarding
enthusiasts.

Everything You Need to Know About Snowboarding

Snowboarding is not for those who have a faint heart. This is an extreme sport
and a very risky one that needs proper training and precaution.

Before attempting to engage yourself in snowboarding, do some research first.
Try to assess, if this sport is really intended for you. Can you be a
snowboarder who slides on steep mountain slopes or would you rather stay at
home and watch others do it for you? The bottom line is you have to be fit and
not just healthy to be in this sport. It would help if you consult your health
provider first to know whether you are ready for this feat.

After doing some assessment, you still can't just hop on your snowboard right
away. Engaging in snowboarding also requires having the right gadgets and
proper apparel not only to look sheik on ice but also to ensure your safety.
Once you have all you need. you may now begin taking lessons. At least, this
time you get to do actual snowboarding even under the eye of a pro.

As a beginner, you first need to undergo a series of lessons before heading to
the mountains. Usually, the first things you need to master are about basic
safety, proper stretching, injury prevention, and maybe rules and policies of
the resort. To learn the basic skills you need to master, you can take private
lessons with an instructor but it will be more expensive. A better alternative
is to learn with a group. Aside from it's practical, you can also interact from
other snowboarders and also learn from them too.

As you advance your skills, you need to immerse yourself more in the sport. You
have to learn new skills and continuously practice what you have already
acquired especially if you are planning to compete in a tournament. Through
time you will also need better and more challenging courses so that you'll
learn how to adjust to a variety of settings while performing at the top of
your game. Learning how to adapt to any weather condition and knowing what
strategy to employ to such will also help you to be more competitive and
unaffected by things beyond your control.

But practicing on the snow with your board is not the only way to make yourself
more adept in snowboarding. You may also learn about snowboarding from
Transworld Snowboarding magazine. By doing this, you don't need to wear your
thermal gears or leave the comfort of your home. Subscribing to this will
surely qualify you as a true-blooded snowboarder.

Transworld Snowboarding was a significant catalyst for the recognition of
snowboarding as a sport. When snowboarding was still a young sport and skiing
dominated the snow, many resorts were initially closed to snowboarders. To
counteract this, Transworld Snowboarding hyped the sport by popularizing
t-shirts called "Answers," which contains answers to numerous inquiries of
curious skiers. Eventually, snowboarding was recognized as an official sport.
In 1985, the first World Cup was organized for snowboarding. Then, in 1995, the
International Snowboarding Association was founded.

This magazine owned by Time Warner, showcases everything you need to know about
snowboarding and snowboarding culture. Whether you are interested about the
latest gadgets or has news about your favorite snowboarder, Transworld
Snowboarding has it. If you are interested to learn about events or to read
just about any article on snowboarding, you'll find it here. It also contains
tricks and features great resorts that snowboarding enthusiasts will love to
consider as part of his itinerary.

Five Things You Need to Do When Buying a Snowboarding Jacket

You may want to consider investing on a snowboard jacket before hitting the
slopes on winter. Although it is important to have a good snowboard and other
snowboard clothing accessories, spending a few more cash on your snowboard
jacket will make this winter sport activity more fun and pleasurable. Remember
that your jacket creates your distinctive mark among other snowboarders on the
slopes. This also serves as your protection from the extreme cold making you
warm and dry throughout the run. Don't think twice when you're buying a good
snowboard jacket. Eventually, you will appreciate its great value making it
your best friend at the end of the season. Here are the things you should do
before making that sound investment.

Check the Price Range

When checking for the prices of jackets, you should not just be concerned on
whether it fits your budget. You need to ask yourself why it is price at that.
The big differences in the prices of jackets lie on the amount of jacket
venting and the quality of its waterproofing. These are the two factors where
the bulk of your money goes. Basically, standard jackets lack venting or added
waterproofing. On the other hand, more expensive jackets will provide more
vents and will have extra waterproofing to keep you dry.

Check for Jacket Breathability

When buying a jacket, you should want something that you can use comfortably
during extreme cold conditions and during warmer days. You can check the
flexibility of your jacket by checking for vents. The vent allows your jacket
to breath. It lets out perspiration out and it also allows the jacket to
release extra warmth. Before buying a jacket, look for zippers that open at the
arms as well as at the chest or back that will enable you to free some of the
heat.

Check the Waterproof Material

Although you can probably get a bargain by buying inexpensive jackets that has
waterproofing, these jackets usually have waterproof coating that wears off
over time. This, in turn, will require you to buy another one leaving you
spending more than what you actually thought had saved. Meanwhile expensive
jackets do not just have waterproof coating but are essentially made of a
waterproof material. Top of the line jackets will also have added features that
will help you like taped seams or insulated zippers.

Check the Insulation

Like in waterproofing, checking for insulation needs meticulous inspection. The
goal is to buy a snowboard jacket that will maintain your core temperature and
protect you from developing hypothermia. Look for a jacket that allows you to
pad several layers of clothing underneath it depending on the weather. If you
have low resistance to cold temperature, it is advisable to look for a jacket
that has a built-in insulation. However, remember that a good jacket gives you
enough insulation while at the same time giving you enough mobility.

Check for Added Features

When checking for added features, inspect the jacket for extra pockets for your
goggles, some handy tools, snack, water, etc. Check the design if it has a hood
preferably a detachable one that can be removed during good weather and can be
attached during a stormy day. Check for cuffs too. These are good for keeping
out chilly breeze from entering your sleeves.

The Time-Efficient Guide to Buying Snowboarding Gear

If you're eager to hit the slopes as soon as possible and finally learn how to
snowboard like a pro but still lack the essential snowboarding gear and
equipment to get started on your hobby, here's a quick shopping list so you can
purchase everything you need from the shop in the shortest time possible!

A List of Snowboarding Gear and Equipment for Beginners

Snowboard -- Let's start with the most obvious requirement in snowboard gear.
Your choice of snowboard will determine the quality of performance you'll
expect from yourself and from the snowboard itself. Your choice will also
determine the level of agility and speed you'll enjoy when you're snowboarding.

There are three primary types of snowboards. Freestyle snowboards are short and
most suitable for novice snowboarders such as yourself not only because of their
size but for its flexibility as well. You'll be able to control freestyle
snowboards more easily than other types of boards.

The second type is known as freeride snowboards. These are best for
snowboarders who are one or a few levels beyond the novice stage but can in no
way refer to themselves as experts: for the time being. Freeride snowboards,
incidentally, are arguably the most popular type of snowboard as it allows
people to gauge their snowboarding skills and explore their talents without
putting themselves in too much danger.

The last type is called alpine snowboards. Whereas freestyle snowboards are
known for its flexibility, alpine snowboards are known for its rigid build.
They are great for players with highly advanced snowboarding skills and enjoy
the thrills of going downhill in incredible speed. This is also the right type
of board to use if you wish to make perfect turns and curves.

Snowboard Bindings -- Although they may appear flimsy and useless, snowboard
bindings in fact play a significant role in keeping snowboarders safe while
practicing their favorite sport. There are several types of snowboard bindings
for you to choose from: strapped, flow-ins, plated, step-ins, and those without
base (baseless).

Snowboarding Boots -- Another equally overlooked factor when it comes to
increasing the level of safety and protection that a snowboarder enjoys while
he's making all sorts of turns and jumps in the slopes are snowboarding boots.
Besides offering comfort and warmth to your feet, they also prevent this area
-- which includes the ankles -- from physical injury, or at least reduce the
risk of encountering it. Again, there are several types of snowboarding boots
that you can choose from -- hard boots, soft boots, and those that mix the
features of both. When purchasing snowboarding boots, make sure that you
purchase those which are durable and you feel comfortable wearing for long
periods of time.

Snowboarding Outfit -- Just like boots, the right snowboarding outfit will keep
you safe and secure from physical harm. It will also keep you warm and lessen
the risks of getting affected by hypothermia or frostbite. When shopping for
snowboarding apparel, important factors to consider are comfort, quality, and
durability or protection against all the natural elements that it will be sure
to be exposed to!

Snowboarding Goggles -- Lastly, contrary to popular belief, snowboarding
goggles are not used for aesthetic purposes only. Rather, they are worn by
snowboarders to improve their sense of sight. It's important to see very
clearly where you're going because there are a lot of dangers that you'll
encounter when you're snowboarding.

A Primer For The Best Snowboarding Boots

The snowboarding boots are the most important equipment in the sport. The boots
serve as your connection to the snowboard itself; without a secured and
comfortable link to your board, you can be exposed to all sorts of accidents
and the chance of enjoying snowboarding is jeopardized. Therefore, choosing the
right snowboarding boots for you is of utmost importance if you ever want that
peak performance in this extreme sport.

In buying your snowboarding boots, you might deal with making a choice between
a step-in and a strap-on snowboarding boot. Step-in boots have convenient
mechanisms that lock your footing onto the snowboard. Strap -- on boots, on the
other hand, bind your footing onto the snowboard by using straps and are the
classic and standard ones.

But no matter which type of snowboarding boots you plan to buy and irrespective
of the amount of money you are willing to spend for your boots, the most
important factor in choosing your snowboarding boots is the manner in which
your feet fits inside them. Your snowboarding boots, unlike ordinary shoes,
should last for a long time and therefore you have to choose what you think is
the best and most comfortable pair for you.

Choosing the best pair of boots for you can be a challenge in itself. But the
improved performance and the unparalleled experience of a perfect slide down
snowy slopes is well worth your efforts to find the most comfortable snowboard
boots that will meet your snowboarding needs. Read on for the inside story of
finding the perfect pair of snowboarding boots.

Listen To Yourself And Yourself Alone

So what if your friend has an expensive pair of professional grade snowboarding
boots? When you are buying boots avoid being influenced by other snowboarders'
choices. Most snowboarding boots look great on the outside but can be heavy and
downright painful to wear; so never sacrifice comfort by going with what your
friends like and tell you to buy. Your feet are unique and you alone can decide
the kind of snowboarding boots that will work for you best.

Do Not Rush

Looking for the perfect snowboarding boots for you can take a chunk of your
precious time. Avoid committing the folly of rushing thru your shopping for
boots. Unlike ordinary footwear that can embody the form of your feet over
time, snowboarding boots do not easily and conveniently mold into the unique
shape of your feet. So you need to set aside ample time in choosing your boots
before making the purchase.

Try out every pair for sizes. It is also a good practice to try the boots
wearing the socks that you will use in snowboarding. If you found a pair that
you think fits, try walking around in it. If they still feel comfortable after
leaving the boots on for a few minutes, then you may have found your
snowboarding boots.

Resist The Urge To Buy Bigger Boots

The problem with snowboarding boots is that they are harder and they seem
inflexible unlike ordinary leather shoes. So some people tend to buy
snowboarding boots that are a little oversized to give more room for the feet.
Oversized boots can cause injuries like sprains and even bone fractures. If
your snowboarding boots are oversized, try wearing thick socks to compensate
for too much space inside your boots.

In buying snowboarding boots, always put in mind that comfort, while foremost
on your list, should not eliminate your control and stability on the snowboard.
These factors should be balanced in order for you to have safe and unforgettable
snowboarding.

Snowboarding on Screen

As snowboarding becomes more popular, different enthusiasts created various
channels to express their love and interest in the sport. As the years went by,
the roads paved by the pioneers of snowboarding opened the way to more
prestigious tournaments, to a category in the Olympics, and later on even to
snowboarding videos.

The progression in the world of snowboarding made snowboarding films part of
the sport's culture. Since its recognition as an official sport 1985, many
snowboarding videos have documented the events that happen each season which
are usually released in the fall just before the winter, the peak season of
snowboarding. While hobbyists were initially the only ones interested to film
the sport, over the years, the number of companies covering snowboarding events
have grown.

What initially started as something for personal use became an industry that is
filming for various purposes. Some video productions companies have seen its
commercial value and are manufacturing these specific type of films for
advertisements. In fact, most snowboarding videos usually contain footages of
famous professional snowboarders advertising their sponsors. An example where
snowboarding films were used for commercials would be the film by Dave Seone
about Shaun White called The White Album. This was sponsored by Mountain Dew,
Burton Snowboards, and even Playstation for its snowboarding game.

Snowboarding has also been a subject of interest in Hollywood films, like the
movie Out Cold released in 2001. The movie included appearances by several
famous professional riders as either stunt performers or actual characters, or
both. Out Cold is one of few major film productions that realistically depicted
snowboarding and exhibited a true understanding of the sport's real nature and
culture.

Snowboarding films have also been documented to showcase the current trends and
styles in the sport. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, watching
snowboarding videos will be a great help in developing your skills as a rider.
Although videos can never substitute actual learning from an instructor, this
may help supplement lessons that are being taught in the field. You can find
many downloadable videos from the internet and you may also order copies of
documented events from either websites or stores for snowboarding.

For those who just want to have a souvenir, don't hesitate to film yourself
while on your board. You need not climb mountains to go snowboarding since
there many other places that you can use like ski hills. And, contrary to
popular belief, you do not need large amounts of snow to do some slides. You
can take your personal snowboarding video anywhere where there is enough snow
and a nice slope. If it's hilarious enough, you can send it to America's
Funniest Home Video and who knows, you might even win.

However, for those novices who want to be discovered, you can also create your
own videos to document your talent. Though it is not necessary to have someone
professional take your footages, it may help when you intend to replicate it
and send it to different scouts looking for a rookie. But if you intend to do
this, make sure that you use a high end camera to clearly capture your moves.
This will be a good strategy to present and market your skill and style. Also
remember that it is easier to send a scout a copy of your snowboarding video
for him to see the talent in you than to wait for a scout to find while you
doing your best trick.

Capture the Perfect Snowboarding Moment Using These Tips

Another growing aspect of snowboarding is photography. Yes! Snowboarding
pictures are part of the sport's culture. Taking snowboard riders at their best
form has created a great interest for photographers. Now if you are newly
venturing into this quest, there are three things that you should consider.

Extreme Weather Condition

You should know how to handle your camera in cold conditions. The primary
problem that you will encounter with your camera is cold temperature. Batteries
most often do not work in very cold conditions. It may also affect the camera's
shutter and your film.

To keep your camera and batteries warm when dealing with cold weather, keep
them inside the parka and close to your body. Take them out only when you are
prepared to shoot. However, it will be a problem if you have a huge camera. But
if you are only taking pictures for souvenir, then a smaller camera will do.
Meanwhile, if you are taking professional pictures, then get the best camera
you can afford and try to keep it as warm as you can.

Timing and Sharp Focus

When taking a snowboarding picture, you want to capture the agility of the
rider and the illusion of speed. To capture that moment, you need great timing
and very sharp focus. You have to get yourself in the right position and be in
the right location to have a clear visual of the subject and to have a good
chance of photographing the moment. However, it will still be very difficult to
take a shot without coordinating with the snowboarder. So instead of waiting for
the right time, plan the right time.

Have an agreement with the snowboarder about simple signals, location, and the
time you will need to set up for the winning shot. Once you have this arranged,
agree on what kind of poses you are looking for. It is important to communicate
to the subject what you want to capture on film. Before choosing a location,
try to survey whether there is enough room for you to move and cover.
Meanwhile, when giving signals, it is better to use verbal signs but if that is
not possible try to have clear non-verbal signals that both you and the
snowboarder will understand.

Pay also special attention on your camera. You have to be adept in using your
camera to avoid losing a split second chance of shooting a great snowboarding
photo. Run a few shots to check if everything is working. Most importantly
check the film. You don't want to put all your efforts in vain when you find
out that your film has been exposed or you simply forgot to bring enough of
them.

Film Exposure

Another terrible problem that you might encounter when taking pictures is film
exposure. Most often than not, your camera is dealing with too much light. The
snow is bright. The sky is bright. Both these elements appear nicely on your
film but when you take a picture of your subject, he becomes a dark silhouette.
To remedy this problem, you can use a light filter to control the light of the
background as well as the subject. This will place light on where you want it
to be. You should also you fill flash, this way you will avoid having dark
silhouettes on your subject.

You may also encounter having bluish colored pictures especially when you are
in a high altitude and surrounded with snow. A good solution to these problems
is using a UV filter. It will lessen the blue light. This is very useful when
you are taking snowboarding pictures at higher altitudes.

Considering these factors will help you come up with great snowboarding photos.
Treat your camera as an extension of yourself by protecting it from cold, so
that like your body it can function well. Plan the things that you need to do
to capture the moment that you want. Lastly, invest on your camera. Add devices
that will help you immortalize the perfect moment on your film.

Tips When Buying Snowboarding Pants

Like any piece of al fresco sports' wear, snowboarding pants serves one main
purpose and that is to ensure your protection from injury, weather conditions,
and any other external force. There is generally an accepted method to maintain
your core temperature and prevent you from cooling off easily and this is known
as the Three Layer System. This system is composed of a base layer, an
insulation layer and an outer shell. The base layer is the only layer directly
in contact with your skin and its sole purpose is to turn the moisture away
from the skin. On top of the base layer lies the insulation layer which is also
intended to get rid of moisture away from the body but its more important
function is to insulate your body by confining your body heat. The outer shell
is the layer directly exposed to the environment. It is expected to be
waterproof, windproof and has also a breathable outlet for moisture.

Most snowboarding pants combine 2 or contain all the 3 layers in one piece.
Most will also have waterproofing, a thin outer shell, and an efficient
insulation layer.. During warmer conditions, you have the option to wear only
the snowboarding pants. Meanwhile, when the weather turns colder, you can add a
base layer bottom beneath your snowboarding pants. However, when the weather
goes extremely cold, have the liberty to wear all three layers while wearing a
layer of extra insulation between the base layer of your bottoms and your
snowboarding pants.

Before buying your snowboarding pants, consider these tips.

* Never make the mistake of wearing normal pants for snowboarding. You really
need to buy your snowboarding pants especially if you are just a beginner.
Remember that if you are a neophyte, you are most likely to be the one
stumbling most of the time on your knees or on your behind. Hence, if you
happen to be wearing casual jeans then the ice will melt every time you fall on
the snow and you will eventually get soaked and cold. This is not a good way to
learn.

* Although you can use ski pants as an alternative when you don't have a
snowboarding pants yet, it will not allow you to do the movements that you can
normally do using a snowboard pants. Unlike the snowboard pants, ski pants are
not intended for tricks like aerial spins or jumps. So unless you only want to
do what a skier does, stick to the ski pants. So when you're buying a snowboard
pants, look for one that does not pinch in the crotch area or one that has
enough room for you to do your tricks.

* You need to anticipate a few rough falls. So, one important aspect that you
need to look for snowboarding pants is extra padding especially on the knee and
buttocks area since these are the parts that commonly catch your plunges. Having
extra padding will not give you enough protection to minimize the chance of any
injury plus the possibility of getting your pants damaged thus losing their
waterproof capacity.

* Go for quality and not for the price. You want enough protection and
durability. Don't go for cheap pants that will be ripped off after a day of
practice. If you want to be a pro, get yourself the right snowboarding pants
that will last you until you become one.

* Choose function over fashion. Although it's good to be noticed for your cool
clothes, it's a lot better to be to be wearing something that gives you
adequate protection and provides you with great comfort.

Creating a Layout for a Snowboard-themed Myspace Webpage

We have gone a long way in terms of developing things and activities which we
can use and enjoy. Snowboarding and Myspace are two examples of such
innovations.

Why would a snowboard enthusiast want to have a Myspace account? For those who
are not that familiar with Myspace, it is a system that provides its
subscribers with webpages which they can customize according to their
specifications up to a certain extent. Al l the accounts are connected to a
single worldwide network and it proves to be a great way to be able to find
certain people and promote one's works.

A snowboarder who would like to meet other snowboarders or other people who are
snowboarding enthusiasts can use Myspace as an avenue to do so. Some people will
also use the system to be able to promote their snowboarding products and
services. Myspace is a very user-friendly system that connects people into a
single network.

What does a normal Myspace webpage contain? It usually contains general
information about the subscriber like his name, age, affiliations, occupations,
etc. However, one ca n customize his Myspace account to be able to upload other
things like animation, music or video.

So what are some of the important things that one should remember when setting
up his snowboarding-themed Myspace webpage? Here are some suggestions:

- General appeal

The first thing that you need to be able to know when customizing your Myspace
account layout is to determine the general appeal that you would like your
website to have. Do you want it to be a website which has a powerful personal
appeal or do you want to speak to your visitors in a professional tone? Knowing
this will determine the other things that you would like to do in your layout.

- Background color

In determining the background color, you should always have the general theme
of your website in mind. The colors should never clash against each other,
rather, they should complement one another. A snowboarding-themed Myspace
webpage should revolve around soothing colors such as white or blue.

- Text

The layout of Myspace accounts should maximize the readability of the text that
is contained in the said account. It's all about conveying a message to your
visitors and the text should be emphasized. The background colors should not
overpower the text color. Of course, substantive content is also important.

- Other elements

You can upload video or audio-visual presentations to your Myspace account by
customizing the layout. You might want to consider uploading footages of some
of your snowboarding escapades. It's really a great tool to attract more
visitors to your Myspace webpage.

Customizing the layout of a Myspace account can really be tricky. There are
some free Myspace layout customizing services that are available in the
Internet but they can use your account as a backlink to their own websites and
this can complicate things.

There are free tutorials on how to use the html or what we would call the
language of the internet to be able to modify the layout of a Myspace webpage.
One can simply cut and paste some of the codes that are provided in the
Internet to be able to customize the layout of the page.

However, if you find these things to be a little bit complicated, you can try
to hire a professional to do the job for you. This can cost you a little money,
but it saves you the hassle of going through all the nitty gritty details of
customizing the webpage.

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