2008 Snowboards

For anyone who has looked at a snowboarder before and pondered just how simple it likely is to stand on a board and go down a mountain, you've never done it. Snowboarding is not simply about standing on a waxed board and sliding through snow. It might be if you are still on the bunny slopes, but at a certain point, it gets more complicated. For those beginners out there, a quick rundown of the basics of merely standing on your snowboard will suffice for showing you how even stance can be problematic.

When you first start out in snowboarding you have to make the basic decision of how you would like to stand. You cannot simply hop on and hope for the best. It's like choosing whether you're right or left handed. Simply put, you can't choose.

Basic Stance

There are two basic ways to stand on a snowboard. The first of these is to put your left foot forward. Known as a regular stance, this is the most common method as most people are right handed and feel more comfortable like this.

However, there is also a goofy stance in which your right foot is put forward. Though this is less common, some people feel they must board in this style, as it is more comfortable.

For those with any experience on a board, be it skateboarding or surfing, you probably already know exactly which style works best for you. Don't assume right off that if you're Goofy on a skateboard, you'll be goofy on a snowboard though. Occasionally these preferences change with sports.

You should try both methods first, preferably before sliding down a steep mountain face.

Practice

You might not think of it right away, but any time you do something with your feet you're likely putting one foot forward before the other. By practicing in a few everyday activities you can figure out which foot that is and use it while snowboarding. Methods for deciding might include riding your bicycle and seeing how your feet rest when coasting or comparing which foot you step off with in basketball or soccer. Anything that displays your foot preference is helpful here.

Setting the Stance

Another thing many people don't realize is that they have to set the width of their own stance. Snowboards don't come with preset dimensions that you must conform with (though they can if you'd like them to). Instead, you must choose the proper width and adjust your bindings accordingly. For this, you should make sure you are balanced and comfortable and that the width is only slightly wider than your shoulders.

Angling

Another important part of setting your stance and the bindings is the angle at which your foot sits in relation to the board. Often, this will fall between 10 and 30 degrees, but you should check to ensure that the angle you have is comfortable for you. Try it out a few times and adjust as necessary. Nearly every aspect of your feet on that board is adjustable and you should continue adjusting until you get it just right.

Finally, just remember not to copy another person's stance. Yours is unique and will feel right to you. Everyone else has their own unique stance. Snowboarding is a great outdoor sport that can be made even better if you take the time to ensure that you are comfortable on your board.