Snowboarding has always been popular, but only in 1994 was it confirmed to be an Olympic sport. So by now, snowboarders were happy that their sport was a real competitive one and it was not anymore something of just a hobby. Now they could actually take part in competitions and become recognized. To be accepted as an Olympic sport was a big thing, and the first time this was real was in the 1998 Olympics, and from here on it was a huge success. Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding with the Canadian skilled snowboarder, Ross Rebagliati, most people thought that all snowboarders were "bad news" and they all smoked marijuana. Parents would never allow their kids to snowboard if people still believed that very untrue myth.
Snowboarding is not the easiest sport to master, it may look easy and extremely fun when you are watching it on the T.V, but it is rather difficult the first few times. If you are new to snowboarding, you might want to do some research on all the different topics snowboarding has to offer. First of all, you have to have the right board. You can’t just go out and buy any board that looks cool to ride on; it has to be the right length and width for your size and weight. The board is the most important part of learning to ride correctly and professionally.
First if all, you have to relax. Of course you are probably nervous it being your first time and all, but when you are tense and nervous, it is easier to let bad things happen. Bend your knees slightly, this will help you to stay loose and it will also help to absorb the bumps in the snow that can throw you off track. What you should do is ride around a bit on top of the hill before going down it. Practice on one foot first until you get the hang of it and then strap your other foot in. finally, get ready and go down the hill!
These are just some of the snowboarding basics, there is a lot more you need to know about the sport. If you are serious about becoming a good boarder, you might want to get yourself an instructor. They will teach you everything you need to know, after or before the basics, and that will include all the cool tricks like the bumps, jumps, steeps, spins, jibbing and of course the half pipe.
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