Crosstraining To Be A Better SnowBoarder

By Gregg Hall

In all sports you will be able to obtain optimal performance levels by including cross-training in your regimen. Snowboarding is no exception to this and we would like to give you some suggestions that will help you to cross-train and become a better snowboarder.

The first cross-training sport for a snowboarder is skateboarding. It is the easiest and most obvious transition for a snowboarder to make. Snowboarding actually kind of owes its very existence to the sport of skateboarding and they offer many similarities and movements. The great thing about skateboarding is that you don't need snow or mountains to be able to train.

Skateboards come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. The ones I recommend are those ridden by surfers who cross-train with skateboards.

They are the "longboard" or "carveboard" style of skateboard and come with oversize wheels as well. You can even get an off-road version that will allow you to carve down large hills giving you a very similar experience to snowboarding.

The next options are wakeboarding and surfing. Both of these sports will keep you in great shape for snowboarding but for most snowboarders wakeboarding will probably be the easier of the two to realize just because of geographical issues. In most cases snowboarders will have much easier access to a lake or large pond on which to do wakeboarding than they will to surfing, unless they live on the west coast and have the beaches within a couple of hours drive. Wakeboarding has some similar movements to snowboarding but it also brings the upper body into the equation as well, something many snowboarders are sorely lacking. The major issue you will have to deal with is having access to a boat.

The next sport we want to look at is surfing. Surfing is a great sport with many similar muscles being used as used is snowboarding. Like wakeboarding though, surfing also requires the development of upper body strength due to the paddling involved in getting out to the waves.

If you really get into the sport and get into the big wave riding that has been popularized of late by guys like Laird Hamilton you will definitely get the same adrenaline rush that you get snowboarding down a mountain. Actually, it is more like snowboarding with an avalanche behind you!

Another sport you can get into that is fairly easy for snowboarders due to their location is mountain biking. It doesn't offer the similarities in movement but it will keep you in shape physically and aerobically for the snowboarding season.

About the author:

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives with his 16 year old surfer/skater son in Navarre Florida.

Check out http://www.skateandsnowshop.com

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Backcountry Snowboarding Gear necessities

By Tamara Williams

The out-of-bounds, Backcountry experience presents the most amazing challenges and adventures you'll ever have in this sport. But Before You Go remember safety is #1. You'll need the whole kit of safety equipment and be aware on how they are to be used.

These Following items are essential for that out of the ordinary experience you are sure to have in the backcountry.

1. Transceiver (Beacon) This is your most important item for your backcountry safety. It enables yourself or others that you are with to be found in case of a detrimental avalanche.

2. Shovel This will come in handy for designing snow board jumps as well as making a snow bench for times of relaxing and taking in the beauty of creation around you while you eat lunch. For Safety a shovel is best for digging to find those caught in an avalanche.

3. Probe This will help locate people trapped under the snow.

4. Slope Meter These help detect the snow pack stability and angle of the slope.

5. Map/Plan/Compass A map with planned route should be taken with you and a copy left with people who know were you are going and know when you plan to return. As routes are not always follow able in uncharted territory the compass is very valuable.

6. Poles Poles are helpful when you must climb or just to help you maintain balance.

7. Snow Shoes If you are taking a step into new territory, or creating a new trail. These keep you on top of The Snow.

8. Sunscreen As Sun Reflects strongly off the snow, wearing sunscreen is a must if you want to avoid the burn or raccoon eyes made by goggles!

9. Small Repair Kit On the occasion of a break in equipment it is good to be able to fix these while on the mountain.

10.Water/Food It is vital to stay Hydrated and have the proper nourishment to help stand up to the efforts you are putting in to the adventure.

11. Travel Buddy It is so important to venture out with another experienced buddy who as well knows how to safely get through the backcountry.

12. Proper Apparel Staying warm and dry is a must. Clothing companies that specialize in clothing for the backcountry are good to check out. Stay safe and Avoid frostbite and Hypothermia!

13.Skins These are helpful for traveling up hill when using skis or a split board.

14. Snowboard Last but not least.... You've got to have this to ride on the way down (faster than walking and more exciting!)

About the author:

Tamara Williams is a successful author and writer for Snowboards Gear site dedicated to helping snowboarders get the most out of their equipment and time
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Never too old to shred - snowboarding!

By Silent One

More and more adult boarders are appearing on the slopes of Western ski resorts, joining the legions of brash young skate-and-surf types who have popularized snowboarding since its arrival on the alpine scene a decade ago. Most adult snowboarders are learning to "shred" through ski schools, where they discover that it's not as difficult as it looks. In fact, most professional ski instructors say that snowboarding is easier to learn than skiing. If you've ever been curious about snowboarding, it's worth signing up for a lesson or two, no matter what your age or experience on snow. Armed with an open mind and some patience, you'll soon get a feel for snowboarding's rhythmic moves, which are downright liberating. No hard boots, no poles, no crossed tips: just you, the board, and a giant frozen wave.

Once you're proficient enough to roam the slopes, you'll discover the free-flowing sensation of the snowboard in powder and ungroomed snow. Snowboards also excel in warm conditions that can be difficult or even hazardous for skiers.

LEARNING THE BASICS

Most Western ski areas now allow and encourage snowboarding (Alpine Meadows in California and Park City in Utah are two notable exceptions). In addition to classes for children and mixed ages, many areas offer ones for adults or women only. Novice packages are often reasonably priced (expect to pay about $50) and usually include board and boot rental, a 1 1/2- to 2 1/2-hour lesson, and a lift ticket.

In a typical group lesson (usually four to eight people--many fewer than a typical ski class), you start on a gently sloping beginner area where, after stretching exercises and a safety talk, you strap your front foot (left or right, depending on your natural inclination) into the binding. Your instructor will have you shuffle around, skateboard-style, just to get used to the board underfoot.

Next, you practice side-slipping to get a sense of holding an edge. After that, you're ready to assume the proper forward-leaning, bent-knees, outstretched-arms stance and ride the board in a slow, straight line for a short distance. Once you feel comfortable with standing on the board while it's moving, you strap in the rear foot and practice turning by leaning hard on the heel- and toe-side edges. Finally, you learn to link turns, using sinking and rising body movements to help pivot the nose of your board across the fall line. By the end of the session, you may be ready to ride a chairlift to the top of the bunny hill for some serious shredding.

About the author:

http://www.a1-snowboarding-4u.info/

Snowboarding Tips - For Beginners And Advanced Alike

By Mike Singh

Snowboarding is a great way to get the benefits of exercise and enjoy the great outdoors in the winter months. Whether you are an experienced or a first time snowboarder it is important to consider several factors when planning your next trip. Using proper equipment, safety practices and general common sense will ensure a trouble-free outing. Below are some snowboarding tips to make sure you get the most out of your day:

* Check the weather before starting out. Make sure that the conditions are favourable for the day or plan to be back down to the bottom of the slopes prior to the expected beginning of bad weather.

* Wear the proper clothing. As there is a lot of movement needed to snowboard, it is important to wear loose fitting clothes. Dressing in layers with an outer layer of water resistant lightweight fabric will help keep you dry and warm the whole day.

* Make sure the board you are using is the correct size and that it is in good condition. The edges of the board should be sharp especially on hard or packed snow conditions. If the edges are not sharp, you will not have control over the board leading to safety issues for both yourself and other snowboarders.

* Know your limits. Don't try to snowboard in areas that are too difficult for your level of experiences. Likewise, don't snowboard faster than you feel comfortable going.

* Learn how to fall. Make sure your fingers are curled under and your arms are bent when falling. Try to land with your weight on your fore arms, not on your fingers, wrists or hands to prevent breaks.

* Make sure that you are well rested and have no physical injuries prior to snowboarding. When you notice that your legs are starting to tire stop and rest. Over exerting your muscles will only lead to injury.

* Wear safety equipment such as helmets, elbow and kneepads, and protective gear for those falls that may lead to tailbone injury.

* Make sure all gear is in good condition and fits correctly. These snowboarding tips are designed to help you plan for your snowboarding outing. Safety and protection is key for enjoying your day and for getting the most out of your snowboarding experience.

About the author:

On http://www.winter-sportz.com/ you will find ski or snowboard clothing and canada ski vacations.

Snowboarding - Selecting The Right Snowboard

By Mike Singh

There are several aspects to consider when selecting your snowboard. Beginners have fewer options than more advanced snowboarders. Novices should start snowboarding using a shorter rather than longer board. This will provide easier control until they become more experienced and competent. Determining what style of snowboarding you enjoy will also make a difference when selecting your snowboard.

Length

* The snowboard should come to between your chest and your nose when stood up on its end. The newer the boarder, the shorter the board should be. For tricks like spins a grabs selecting a snowboard that is shorter will be more beneficial than a longer board. Adult boards are usually 130 to 160 cm and children's boards are typically 110 to 140 cm. More advanced boarders can opt for longer boards that increase speed and stability on rougher terrain.

* Generally, the more you weight the longer the board should be. This aspect should be kept in mind when selecting your snowboard. People weighing 100 pounds should stay with the shorter boards, and those weighing over 200 lbs should select a longer board.

Width

* It is crucial to make sure that your toes or heels do not hang over the edges of the snowboard. If they do they will increase drag and make controlling the board very difficult. If your feet are larger than a size 11 or over you will have to go with a wider board. These are available at most retailers or can be special ordered.

Core

* The core of the snowboard can be made of several different materials ranging from wood to composite materials. There may be a difference in price based on the composition of the core. Wood is generally considered the best core for beginning snowboarders as it is more durable.

It is advisable to get some reviews on different boards before deciding which one to buy. Asking friends and other snowboarders their opinions before buying is a good option. Contact local retailers and ask questions. Some ski and snowboard areas rent equipment by the day. Renting a variety of boards is one way of trying them out prior to selecting the right one for you.

About the author:

Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.winter-sportz.com/ On his website, he provides additional articles about the s ki vacations in colorado and snowboard protective gear.

Snowboarding Gear - What Do I Need?

By Mike Singh

The right snowboarding gear is essential to having a great day on the slopes. Below are a few pointers for picking what's right for you:

Head Gear

* Choose a helmet that fits your head snugly. Some helmets have more insulation than others, so make sure if there is little insulation you can fit a thin cap underneath for warmth. * Make sure the helmet is comfortable and you can easily move your head when wearing the helmet.

Warm Clothing

* The best way to stay warm and dry is to dress in layers. Cotton or natural fabrics against the skin allow for moisture to be kept away from the skin providing warmth. A nylon or other water resistant outer layer will prevent outside moisture for getting in against the skin. Clothing should be loose to allow movement.

Protective Wear

* Snowboarding gear would not be complete without some extra padding for those sure to happen falls. Elbow pad and kneepads can help reduce the shock of impact to the joints. Padded lightweight pants are available to help protect the tailbone and hips from backward falls.

Bindings

* Bindings may step-in or strapped. Beginner snowboarders generally favour the step-in bindings, as they are easier to manage. They may not be practical for more advanced users as they tend to allow the foot to be released to easily.

* Strapped bindings may have two or three straps to hold the foot to the board. They tighten using a ratchet method to hold the foot snug.

Boots

* Boots, like all snowboard gear, need to fit correctly. Make sure you try on several styles to find the one that is most comfortable. Your heels should fit tightly in the boot but there should be no rubbing or discomfort when the boots are laced up. Walk around and bend in the boots to test their fit before choosing a pair.

Board

* The board should be the correct length and width based on your body size. It should come to the bottom of your chin and be wide enough to fit your feet.

About the author:

Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.winter-sportz.com/ On his website, he provides additional articles about ski or snowboard clothing and other snowboarding gear.

Snowboarding Tricks A-D

By Dane Lyons

360 - The board is rotated 360 degrees (1 complete turn) in the air and lands facing forward. 540 - The board is rotated 540 degrees (1.5 complete turns) in the air and lands riding fakie. 720 Spin - The board is rotated 720 degrees (2 complete turns) in the air and lands facing forward. Air-to-Fakie - Any halfpipe trick where there is not at least a 180 degree turn.

Andrecht - As soon as the snowboard leaves the lip of the super pipe the rider plants the backhand on the lip and grabs the snowboard with the front hand.

Bonk - A trick where the rider hits a no-snow object with the snowboard. Burger Flip - A trick by Todd Richards where the rider approaches the backside wall riding fakie then rotates 180 degrees then reenters the halfpipe while doing a McTwist. Caballerial (Cab) - The rider begins this trick riding fakie, spins 360 degrees and lands riding forward. (Named after Steve Caballero) Canadian Bacon Air - While in the air the rider grabs the toe edge between the bindings with the rear leg boned. Chicken Salad Air - While in the air the rider grabs the heel edge between the bindings with the rear hand while the front leg is boned. The wrist must also be rotated inward. Crail Air - While in the air the rider grabs the toe edge of the front foot with the rear hand. The rear leg must also be boned. Crippler Air - A trick where the rider approaches a wall becomes airborne, makes a 90 degree rotation, flips, finishes the rotation and lands facing forward. Double Grab - This is a trick where the rider simply makes to separate grabs while in the air. Double Handed Grab - While in the air the rider performs this trick with a two-handed grab.

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Snowboarding Reaches Critical Mass at Slopes

By Silent One

More and more kids will be navigating the mountainside on snowboards, not skis, according to the third annual TransWorld Snowboarding Business/National Ski Areas Association survey, released in October. The poll of 232 resorts revealed that nearly one-quarter (22.4 percent) of their visitors in the 1997-98 winter season were snowboarders. Within five years, that figure is expected to increase to more than one-third (34.8 percent). And the group most responsible for growth in the snowboarding market are teens: overall, 59 percent of the snowboarding newcomers were teens who said they had "never-ever" been skiing and snowboarding, compared to only 4 percent of people over 20 who "never-ever" tried either sport. Another 26 percent of teens "crossed over from skiing," compared to 12 percent of people over 20.

With more snowboarders on the slopes, resorts are courting these new customers in a more aggressive, targeted way. Nearly all resort executives responding to the survey said their venues now offer rentals, lessons, repairs, and events related to snowboarding. More are starting to open snowboard shops and snowboard-specific trails.

Resort owners have also realized snowboarding's importance to the bottom line. More than three out of four resorts said snowboarding was important to their overall profitability. "Resort owners would be in a world of hurt if not for the dramatic growth in popularity of snowboarding," says Sean O'Brien, managing editor of TransWorld Snowboarding Business, which cosponsored the survey.

Women are taking to the boards in a big way. The study reveals that female snowboarders are expected to comprise 38.4 percent of all resort snowboarders in five years, compared with 29.5 percent in 1997-98. The largest resorts in the Rockies and the Pacific West are expecting the greatest rise in visits by women boarders.

About the author:

http://www.a1-snowboarding-4u.info/