Snowboarding beginners: what you need to know before you hit the slopes

It’s your first time snowboarding and you want to make sure you’re equipped with everything you need. Here are a few pointers for beginners on the essentials.

You might be taking a snowboard weekend excursion with your buddies but you’ve never considered what you’ll need before you hit the slopes. Here’s a checklist to ensure you have a safe and comfortable beginner experience.

Ensure you've packed the right clothing for the hill. You want to ensure you’ve packed thermal clothing and a light-weight jacket. It’s best to stay away from cotton since it can soak up your sweat and make you even colder than you already are. If you want, you can start with an extra layer earlier on in the day, but chances are, you’ll want to peel off a layer as you get more active.

You also want to make sure the jacket you are wearing is suitable for snowboarding and may even want to opt for a padded snow pant for the times you are expected to fall on your first day. Make sure your gloves or mittens are warm and water resistant.

As a beginner snowboarder, you won’t need to purchase your own equipment. You can rent equipment at any ski resort. They’ll have everything you need, including knee pads to help cushion the impact when you fall forward. Chances are, you’re going to fall — it’s inevitable for your first time. By talking to experts at the resort rental shop, you can ensure you have the right equipment for your first ride.

The funny thing about going for your first snowboard adventure is the anxiety of simply getting off the chairlift itself. Again, with practice, you’ll realize that there’s nothing to worry about and rest assured there will most likely be someone else struggling with the same task. Just make sure to keep one rule in mind: righty’s on the right and lefty’s to the left.

For any snowboard beginner, it’s going to take patience to get the hang of staying upright on your board. Everyone’s been there so don’t feel bad about taking a few spills your first time around. Take advantage of beginner lessons at the resort. It will be a lot easier once you learn the basic techniques from a professional, so do take advantage. With a few hours under your belt, you’ll realize the ease in which your muscle memory kicks in and with practice you’ll be carving down that hill in no time.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to talk to your friends and experts. Your friends will have the knowledge to give you sound advice from their own experiences and experts can provide even more guidance on the do’s and don’ts.