Snowboarding is quite a popular sport that is practiced mainly for recreational purposes, although it is also practiced professionally. It is estimated that about 3.4 million people in the United States snowboard. There are three basic styles of snowboarding:

free ride snowboard

This is the best style to start with if you are a beginner snowboarder. Basically, it involves standing on the board and going down the mountain or down the hill. The snowboards used here are longer and narrower.

alpine snowboarding

This is snowboarding made with the goal of making clean, curvy turns.

freestyle snowboarding

It is the most popular style of snowboarding in which the snowboarder performs jumps, turns, and other stunts. It is mainly used in competitive snowboarding.

How to dress for snowboarding

It is vital to dress appropriately before you start snowboarding, as this helps prevent injury. Warm clothing is essential to protect yourself from the cold. Make sure you have a snow coat, snow pants, and thermal layers. Clothing must be insulating, light and waterproof. The snow coat should be long enough to cover your stomach, and the snow pants should fit loosely so that you can move your legs easily. Snow gloves are also needed. Some snowboarders may prefer mittens over gloves, but whatever your preference, it should have insulating linings to wick away moisture and perspiration, and it should be waterproof. Beginners can especially wear wrist guards under gloves so that in case they fall, they are protected from injury. Snow goggles are essential to protect the eyes from direct sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, wind and particles. It is also mandatory to wear a protective helmet, whether you are a beginner or an expert, to protect your head. Most snowboard helmets have built-in insulation to keep your head warm. Make sure your helmet fits you well.

freestyle snowboarding equipment

The actual snowboarding equipment consists of the boots, bindings, and snowboard. There are specially designed snowboard boots with step or strap bindings that are used to attach the boots to snowboards. One must make sure to wear the boots correctly. Boots can be hard or soft.

Soft boots are preferred for this style as they provide the rider with comfort, great support and more flexibility in the ankles. Freestyle boards are shorter, wider, more flexible, and more stable, allowing the snowboarder to jump, spin, or try any other trick he wants.

How to approach and practice freestyle snowboarding

Before you can freestyle snowboard, it’s important to train yourself mentally and physically. Before you can try a trick, visualize it. When you train, train with a specific trick in mind. Physical training will ensure that you are in good shape and that your muscles are flexible. You can go to the gym, run, walk, bike, squat, push up, or stretch your entire body to make it stronger and more flexible to perform your tricks.

Most importantly, believe in yourself!