Snowboarding is 'gnarly' and 'sik' and all those other words we do not understand, and is still considered very much an extreme sport. It may be a slightly intimidating choice for those looking to get in to winter sports, however it's avid followers say that it is surprisingly easy to get into. Here we will take a tentative step towards understanding this sport and the culture that goes along with it.
Snowboarding in its rawest form was invented in the 1920s but its modern connotations were not truly known until the 60s when engineer Sherman Poppen designed a crude toy for his daughter which consisted of two skis stuck together and a rope tied to the front to give her control. He called the new activity 'snurfing', a combination of snow and surfing. His invention became so talked about that he had to take his design to a larger market. He began holding snurfing competitions and one of the favourite competitors was Tom Sims, an avid skateboarding fan who took Poppen's idea and ran with it, creating a new design which he called the 'winterstick'. Many other people added to the design but the snowboard we know today was finally finished by two Welshman who had the idea of using lightweight plywood.
When you begin to look at what kind of gear to buy, it's very easy indeed to get caught up. In my case, there were so many choices for colour and style and it was easy for me to find something that suited me. The prices can change according to brand name but if you put in a little extra effort you can find some great deals, especially on discount sites like eBay.
Deciding where to go is the next hardest thing for would-be-snowboarders. Europe seems the obvious choice for a Brit but the resorts in America and Canada are immense and the perfect excuse to go a little further afield for a holiday. It makes such a change to sitting on a beach doing nothing all day; you can end the day feeling totally satisfied with what you've achieved. Nothing quite like a real wood fire and a hot chocolate with marshmallows in an actual snow-topped wood cabin! So picturesque!
Winter sports resorts can be found on every continent but you will have no problem finding English-speaking instructors to help get you started. There is a whole glossary of terms to learn if you want to get the lingo right but a quick Google search will help if anything gets lost in translation. Snowboarding is such an exciting sport; the search for the best slopes and most talented trainers will be never ending.
So why not try it and see if you can recapture your lost youth or even just throw yourself into middle age with a bang? It isn't just something for the young and restless, or the bold and the beautiful. It's a perfect way to relax for those who don't know how to! If you are rushed off your feet with work or children, perhaps you are used to a challenge, so this will be the perfect stepping stone from day to day life to the extreme.
Snowboarding in its rawest form was invented in the 1920s but its modern connotations were not truly known until the 60s when engineer Sherman Poppen designed a crude toy for his daughter which consisted of two skis stuck together and a rope tied to the front to give her control. He called the new activity 'snurfing', a combination of snow and surfing. His invention became so talked about that he had to take his design to a larger market. He began holding snurfing competitions and one of the favourite competitors was Tom Sims, an avid skateboarding fan who took Poppen's idea and ran with it, creating a new design which he called the 'winterstick'. Many other people added to the design but the snowboard we know today was finally finished by two Welshman who had the idea of using lightweight plywood.
When you begin to look at what kind of gear to buy, it's very easy indeed to get caught up. In my case, there were so many choices for colour and style and it was easy for me to find something that suited me. The prices can change according to brand name but if you put in a little extra effort you can find some great deals, especially on discount sites like eBay.
Deciding where to go is the next hardest thing for would-be-snowboarders. Europe seems the obvious choice for a Brit but the resorts in America and Canada are immense and the perfect excuse to go a little further afield for a holiday. It makes such a change to sitting on a beach doing nothing all day; you can end the day feeling totally satisfied with what you've achieved. Nothing quite like a real wood fire and a hot chocolate with marshmallows in an actual snow-topped wood cabin! So picturesque!
Winter sports resorts can be found on every continent but you will have no problem finding English-speaking instructors to help get you started. There is a whole glossary of terms to learn if you want to get the lingo right but a quick Google search will help if anything gets lost in translation. Snowboarding is such an exciting sport; the search for the best slopes and most talented trainers will be never ending.
So why not try it and see if you can recapture your lost youth or even just throw yourself into middle age with a bang? It isn't just something for the young and restless, or the bold and the beautiful. It's a perfect way to relax for those who don't know how to! If you are rushed off your feet with work or children, perhaps you are used to a challenge, so this will be the perfect stepping stone from day to day life to the extreme.
About the Author:
Having had a go I can confirm that it is a LOT of fun; so get your bindings, impact gear & clothing sorted and start now.
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