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Many people ask me from time to time why I choose snowboarding as the sport that I wanted to do. Why I choose to work so hard at it, and why I managed to achieve a degree of success in doing so. The answer is simple, and it is the reason why many people do well at different sports. The answer is desire and love for the sport and that is what I had in abundance for snowboarding, before my accident.

When it came to choosing a sport, I thought long and hard when I came to a cross-road in my life. What should I do? Should I do snowboarding or skateboarding? This was really hard for me as I loved both sports, but I was having to train for both of them, and therefore wasn’t dedicating enough time to either. That is why when it came down to it, I decided that skateboarding was only going to be a hobby and that snowboarding was what I wanted to do with my life. The reasons that I preferred snowboarding were not clear cut, and to say I had anything less than love for skateboarding is also not true. But I think I loved the way that snowboarding was a whole different world. Do you know what I mean? When you choose to go skateboarding you can just jump out of bed, and skateboard down to the shop, Ollie over a step and grind down a pole. Is that fun? Yes, of course it is. But when it comes to snowboarding you are entering a completely alien environment. Let me explain. When you live in Atlanta you hardly get snow every day of the week, nor do you get hills and slaloms caked in it! That is why, whether I am boarding on snow or synthetic snow the feeling is the same. It is like, boy I am on snow!

When I choose snowboarding there was also another reason that really helped to make my mind up for me, and that was my friends! My friends who done skateboarding were not as close friends as my friends that done snowboarding and as you can imagine this had an impact. The thought of getting to spend more time with Collin, Justin and the lads was just to much to miss out on! We had such a good laugh, and had so much in common. We would always feel the same about snowboarding, and we were able to really help each other out on issues. When we noticed a flaw in each others technique we would always point it out to each other so that we could all improve together. This worked great, and was one of the reasons that I chose snowboarding over skateboarding when it came down to it!

Now I suppose I should tell you the sad part – the reason why I am no longer able to pursue a career in either, snowboarding or skateboarding. The reason for this is a terrible accident that ruptured my leg muscle, and has resulted in a six month time-out at such a crucial time. You see others will improve in fitness whilst I deteriorate and that is why my sponsor has now dropped me as well. What I am hoping to do is try my best to get back into the sport, because my love for it and my ability at it should be enough to make me come through. Collin and Justin are doing really well, but it is hard for me to spend as much time with them when they are always down the slope or working out. One of my friends called Blair, has also recently won the Junior USA championship, and although I am happy for him it makes me sad to think that I could have been their competing for that trophy. All I can do is try my best, and hopefully luck will fall on my side.

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If you are interested in taking up a new hobby, and you enjoy thrilling, fast paced action, why not consider snowboarding? Increasing in popularity year on year, snowboarding has always been highly fashionable, and is no more accessible than ever, so you really have no excuse for not giving it a go if you are interested. In this article we will look at the equipment you will need, where to get started, and the things to watch out for when snowboarding.

First thing’s first – get yourself online. Look around, and find out exactly what snowboarding involves. It is a dangerous game, and highly physically taxing. Additionally, it can be quite expensive, so you need to try to ensure it’s right for you. Next you need to look for a board to get you started, and some clothing for wearing on the slopes. First off, forget about buying a top quality board. You need to start off with something cheap and cheerful, designed for beginners. You can find these easily online, and you may also be able to come across some models in your local extreme sports shop. Alternatively, you could try to pick one up second hand from a friend, or from another snowboarder. You also want to make sure you look cool whilst your out there! Check out some of the highly fashionable snowboarding wear, and kit yourself out from hats, to sunglasses to thick socks – make sure you’re prepared for the elements before you set off.

It is worth looking around to find lessons in your local area. Lessons range in availability, quality and price, although you will often find recommendations or local adverts particularly helpful. Again you could look online for some tips to get you on your way. If you do take lessons, it is important to take on board what the instructor says from both a performance and safety perspective. Additionally, get out there and practice between lessons if you ever want to improve. If you stick at it, and work hard, you will eventually see an improvement, and find the sport significantly more enjoyable also.

It is also good to note that snowboarding is a highly dangerous activity and people do get hurt. Before you even think about snowboarding, take some lessons in safety, and make sure you are fully equipped both mentally and physically for avoiding injury to yourself and others. Snowboarding is responsible for many accidents every year, and it is an extreme sport after all – if you’re of a weak disposition, it is perhaps not the best sport for you. Having said that, snowboarding can easily be performed safely with a bit of common sense, and a bit of research, so make sure you’re prepared before you get out there.

Warnings aside, snowboarding is great fun, if you like this sort of thing. Many people adopt the mantra that you should try everything at least once, and as far as snowboarding is concerned, this is definitely true. Try snowboarding once, and join the legions of followers who enjoy snowboarding at every opportunity. Chances are there are clubs and associations in your local town, so get yourself along and join in with like minded people. Your level of experience doesn’t matter, as long as you go along and participate, you will gain a lot from it, and you will definitely have a good time in the process.

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It is a well known fact that staying active helps keep you looking and feeling young. Not many activities come close to the effect surfing has on the mind, body and spirit. According to experienced surfers, the special bond the surfer has with their surf board and the open ocean is almost impossible to explain.

Fresh Air

Fresh air does a body good! Surfers all over the world enjoy lots of cool, refreshing fresh air and sunshine. No matter if you’re surfing a remote location or something closer to the city, the ocean air smells fresh and clean. Out on the surf, there’s virtually no smog. When you are on the waves, it’s just you, the water and the fresh air.

Stress Free

Out in the swells, you can let your stress and every-day worries float away with the tide. Out there, it’s just you, the breeze, your board and the water. No one yelling for help or that report you should have handed in already. When you’re out there, you’re surrounded by total peace and relaxation. The only sounds are the sounds of the wind lightly kissing your skin and water slapping against your surfboard.

According to the majority of surfers, this type of relaxation is hard to come by anywhere else in the world. Just a few hours of surfing a week can help release the tension that builds up at home or in the workplace.

Muscle Tone

Surfing and swimming go hand in hand and are great exercise. Swimming works muscle groups you don’t always think to work at the gym. Sometimes even seasoned athletes will complain of muscle fatigue after swimming simply because of the different muscles being used.

People who surf are generally slender and well muscled toned into their 60’s and even 70’s. Surfing is a non-impact sport, meaning it’s very easy on your knees and other joints. After all, you don’t jog or jump on your surf board!

Cardiovascular Health

Surfing provides an amazing aerobic workout that not only helps burn fat but also keeps your heart, lungs and entire cardiovascular system in tip-top shape. A healthy cardiovascular system keeps your immune system healthy as well as maintaining a high level of stamina, to keep you feeling young.

Fun in the Sun

Surfers love the sunshine for a wide variety of reasons. Besides giving surfers great tans to keep that youthful glow, the sun provides vitamins that maintain healthy skin and nails. Healthy bones, skin, hair and nails assist in a more youthful appearance.

Other Advantages

Aside from the previously mentioned advantages of surfing, avid surfers understand they have to eat well and exercise. Many surfers enjoy going to the gym and practicing some type of Yoga. Yoga helps keep the surfer’s muscles toned and flexible and their mind alert. Many people who practice yoga taut it as a vehicle to peace and serenity in their mental well being.

If you’re looking to stay young and feel young, but don’t currently know how to surf and would like to learn, there is a wide variety of surf camps available. Women’s surf camps cater to the needs of women. Since they are only available to women, ladies of all shapes, sizes and ages can enjoy being themselves and learning to surf. You will also develop friendships and enjoy the fellowship of like-minded people from all over the world.

While some surf camps offer only women’s surf camps, there are camps that offer co-ed surf camps as well. They are a great way to learn to surf or learn a new skill or hobby while relaxing in the sun. Imagine returning to normal life, not only totally relaxed with a great tan, but also with pictures of you hanging ten, surfing like a pro and most importantly feeling and looking young.

Some say surfing keeps you young at heart. Seasoned surfers know surfing also helps keep them physically fit, looking and feeling much younger than their birth date declares.

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There are basic snowboarding gear that every snowboarder needs for this winter sport and wearing the best apparel would lead to better performance of different snowboarding styles and snowboarding tricks. In most cases, the best way to suit oneself for snowboarding activity is to have the right snowboarding gear and very often.

This means dressing in layers because that would allow the snowboarder to adapt to sudden changes in temperature and shed layers that are not required and avoids overheating or pushing too much the limits of endurance. The major concerns to successful layering are to stay warm, weigh the correct amount and manage moisture and pack the correct number of layers. This may mean using the three layer system which is ideal for the majority of winter sports.

One could start off with underwear and socks which is called the inner layer and this snowboarding gear helps to trap warmth against the body while at the same time wicking moisture away from the skin. This may be followed by a middle layer that consists of general apparel as well as a fleece jacket that provides added insulation as well as transfers moisture to the next layer. The outermost layer is used for protection from wind and rain and also to expel unwanted moisture. There are many variations as to what snowboarding gear to wear and the reasons for wearing it.

Socks, boots, thermal underwear and pants, jackets, beanies, hats and helmets

The base layer snowboarding gear is designed to conserve the heat of the body as well as to stay warm as well as dry and the best material for this purpose is wicking material. Woolen snowboarding gear may work all right but are less comfortable and quite itchy. Thermal body shirts are a first level item of clothing which helps the snowboarder stay warm and dry. Another snowboarding gear is the right boot and socks that fit and is vital in keeping the feet dry, warm and comfortable and also help to act as padding against hard impacts.

The second layer of snowboarding gear should be made from materials that trap warm air next to the user’s body and for this one may choose wool and fleece. Fleece jackets or sweaters are a second layer snowboarding gear and fleece is a major component that helps retain warmth and is also lightweight and so easy to breathe. Thermal pants should be on top of the base layer and should be roomy and one should ensure that there is no pinching in the crotch area. No snowboarding gear would be complete without snowboarding boots who help keep the snowboarder connected to the snowboard and choosing quality snowboard boots will last for long time to come. Finally, one may complete the snowboarding gear requirements with a beanie, hat or helmet.

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Alpine skiing is also called down hill skiing. Lengthy skis are attached with each of the foot to slide down the hills covered with snow. It is a sport liked by many people around the world. It is widely popular in the countries of North America South America East Asia Japan South Korea and Europe. Skiing is becoming increasingly popular in China also. Steep Mountain slopes combined with snows proves to be the best combination for the development of skiing at mountain resorts.

Skiers face many technological challenges like controlling the speed and direction of the descent. Skiers adopt snowplough technique accordingly to stop and turn the skis in the inward direction. Advanced skiers adopt elegant and speedy methods.

Parallel turn is the popular method of turning adopted by the advanced skiers in alpine skiing. Each of the skis is placed parallel to one another so that distribution of the weight can be altered during the turning in any particular direction. The angle of the ski is related to the slope, which is also called, the edge angle is a vital factor that is to be taken in to consideration as the friction that is created on the edges is being determined.

Carving is the advanced skiing technique used by the modern skiers. The knees of the skier are rolled on the sides so that they can be turned easily. The upper body and the hip should be placed vertically that will enable easily turning of the knees and the feet. Turning can be done smoothly with out skidding by adopting the radical properties that are involved in skiing. Parabolic ski can be maintained by leaning against the centre of the mass while turning.

The skiers can tackle steep long and slopes that are uneven easily as the gain confidence. In North America flat easy and smooth slopes are highlighted with green colour markings on the circles. Difficult and medium slopes are marked with blue squares. They are not groomed by machines and their natural state is left unaltered. The black diamond slope is comparatively steeper and it consists of double fall lines and gladed sections that are challenging.

There are two disciplines that are involved in the competitive alpine skiing. They are free style and racing. The fastest turning around the gates can be attained with the help of racing. Slalom giant slalom down hill and super giant slalom are the four popular racing disciplines. Slalom is regarded as the technical and the downhill is considered as a fast event.

The rules of the skiing sport are governed by a set of rules that are prescribed by the FIS. Some of the rules include side cuts boot heights binding risers and regulation of the ski sizes. Alpine skiing competitions are also in existence apart from free style and racing competition. Many non FIS competitions have emerged in recent years.

Big mountain and Extreme skiing contests are the recent introductions that have gained popularity. The ski routes start from the top of the mountains and include rapid turns and cliff drops. Athletes are judged based on the technical difficulty that tend to appear on their routes and the tricks that are adopted by the skiers.

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Kevin Ryan’s The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding offers one of the most useful guides to snowboarding for people from any level, whether beginners wanting to learn more about the sport and get their techniques sharpened, up to instructors and professionals seeking to further hone their skills on the slope.

Reader reviews and feedback on this book showed that it has a lot of useful drills featured that helped them improve their game immensely after repeated practise. The drills are written in a step by step fashion that seems ambiguous at first, but makes complete sense once you actually try them out. Furthermore, the book’s coverage is all-encompassing, including tips for beginning, to intermediate, to advanced skill levels.

The approach taken by the author is both humorous and scientific, employing small drawn illustrations to show drills and techniques. While there are few actual pictures involved, these hand drawn illustrations are funny to look at and yet maintain a good degree of accuracy in portraying the skills and techniques being demonstrated. The author uses a lot of jokes and quips interspersed with facts and the illustrations are likewise a mix of serious, factual ones and cute, cartoony renderings of snowboarding stuff.

Most professional instructors in snowboarding who read this book found new drills and skills they could teach their classes inside the beginner sections, so this book’s coverage is quite extensive. Furthermore, the author knows that certain skills can ONLY be conveyed though actual practice and demonstration, so he goes out of his way to state when certain skills are best acquired through a snowboarding instructor.

One of the sections that a lot of readers will probably find useful is the chapter on snowboard care and maintenance. Where most how-to books devote footnotes or at best, a few pages to the care and maintenance of equipment, Kevin Ryan actually goes out of his way to write an in depth full chapter on tips for taking proper care of your snowboard.

There is even a section on the ergonomics of skateboarding, covering the proper way to carry and ride a board to minimize the physical strain on the snowboarder. This also includes explanations on the physics and mechanics of snowboarding. While not exactly necessary for most people, this chapter is useful for people who are more technically inclined, like say, industrial designers who might be out to design a new type of snowboard.

Unlike some instructional books, this book does not seek to replace the need for an instructor, but instead seeks to augment and expand on the knowledge gained from working with a good qualified snowboarding instructor. For those who insist on learning everything from a book and doing it themselves, however, the book’s attention to detail and exhaustive explanations of the mechanics of snowboarding are actually enough to let them get by and teach themselves through practice and repetition.

This book is 336 pages long, and it’s first edition was published by the renowned book company McGraw-Hill back in 1998. Despite being published 8 years ago, to this day it remains one of the most popular and sought after instructional books for snowboarders. No matter what your skill level, it’s guaranteed that you will benefit from reading this book that is already considered a classic “encyclopedia” in the sport by avid snowboarding enthusiasts.

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The Snowboarding Vacation

Is a vacation in your plans this coming winter or spring? Perhaps you are in the mood for something other than taking the yearly trip to “someplace warm?” Maybe you would prefer not to drop another five thousand dollars on a cruise? Want a little excitement? Want to feel the wind through your hair and the mountain sun on your face? Well grab the family and head out for a snowboarding vacation!

Skiing and Resorts

There was a time when snowboarding was for the skiing outcasts. It was even difficult to find a ski area that would allow them to use their runs. Thankfully, those days are long gone. When snowboarding hit the world consciousness at the 1998 Olympic games at Nagano, Japan, well, the world changed!

Today, snowboarding is as popular (more so?) as downhill skiing and you can find that activity at any ski resort. Snowboarding resorts are a mecca for the “snow set.” They host a huge array of activities that reach far beyond just skiing down the slope. Both singles and families will find the environment entertaining and relaxing. Couples will love the intimate surroundings of forest walks and cozy fire places, and families will be able to easily entertain the children while the parents find rejuvenation of the spirit.

Some of the most well known resorts that offer both Alpine (downhill) skiing and snowboarding were listed in Ski Magazine:

Deer Valley, Utah
Vail, Colorado
Whistler/Blackcomb, BC
Aspen, Colorado
Snowmass, Colorado
Park City, Utah
Breckenridge, Colorado
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Steamboat, Colorado
Sun Valley, Idaho

Many of these locations offer package deals attractive to both those challenged with limited time and/or financial considerations. Also, there are often packages designs with the busy lives of parents in mind or those seeking a romantic retreat. There is something for all folks at these resorts.

The snowboard vacation, though, is actually much more than skiing. Many resorts are within driving distance of other attractions such as amusement parks or other outdoor activities such as hiking or rock climbing. This “critical mass” of collocated attractions and locations are what put the bargain in a snowboard vacation and make your dollars go farther.

A Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere

Perhaps it’s too much to expect that raging downhill on your snowboard is viewed as “romantic” or “cozy.” But the truth is that a snowboarding vacation is so much more than just doing the slopes. Perhaps after a long tiring day on the slopes (and one too many tumbles?), you’ll notice that river rock fireplace or that outdoor Jacuzzi at your resort cabin (yes, cabin-just as often as a conventional hotel, you can have a cabin). Mix in the right company and this suddenly becomes interesting. And lets not forget the “après-ski” or after ski party. Many resorts throw some wild parties, and while you may not see that as cozy or romantic, who knows where it will lead later.

Work at Play

Sometimes it’s a hard concept to wrap your brain around; however, think about a corporate snowboarding vacation! Many companies take sabbaticals; what could be more relaxing than working at play (playing at work?) high in the mountains? Once you get over the shock of doing something fun “at work,” it makes eminent good sense. Think about it: every resort has meeting halls and offers conferencing and catering service. When the work is done (or not!), you hit the slopes for a much deserved injection of radical…on the corporate dime no less.

The Bottom-line on the Snowboarding Vacation

Vacations at Snowboarding resorts make sense. There are a large number of activities for singles, couples, and families. Unlike “going to the beach,” there are countless places to see and do once you have had your fill with skiing. The snowboarding vacation offers excitement, solitude, romance, and relaxation all in one.

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