Snowboard - Fun in the snow!
If you have watched the Olympics at all in 2006, you are sure to have seen the sport on a snowboard! Both women’s and men’s version did very well representing the USA! But you may have asked, what exactly is a snowboard and why do they do it?
Being on a snowboard started by a surfing California kid in 1964 that wanted to surf in the snow of the Rocky Mountains, decided to build the first snowboard. It had a bunch of rocky years where it didn’t find its niche until sometime in the early 1980’s by a great number of pioneer kids who wouldn’t let the notion die. Since then, it has become the fastest growing sport in the world and the number one requested Christmas present.
A snowboard follows a lot of the same lines as skiing and skateboarding. It is a wide board, with an area that you slide your feet onto (like skis). The board names vary from freestyle, park and half pipe. The size and length of the snowboard is decided by a person’s weight and shoe size. They range in price from the low $100’s to the high $300’s. There is much more equipment to think about then purchasing your first snowboard. There will be goggles, snow boots, proper padding (i.e. shin, elbow and chest guards), and proper winter clothing.
The best place to start snowboarding would be your local ski resort. If you are a beginner at this sport, it is highly recommended you get instruction from a pro. You will need to develop your own personal style. This sport is not as easy as it looks. It is rough learning to balance, turn and maneuver your board.
If you have developed a skill, you may want to enter a local competition and try your hand at freestyle boarding. You may even want to join a snowboarding team.
Your skill and determination may lead you all the way to the Olympic Games some day. You may see yourself one day boarding for Team USA and get your name in the news!
If your dream isn’t the Olympics, but you would like to try your hand at this piece of equipment, there is a lot of information on the Internet about the sport and check out your local ski resort. They are very knowledgeable of the fun that can be had with this “new” invention for fun the snow!