Hi I am thinking about learning to snowboard. I learnt to ski about 8 years ago but haven't been for ages. I quite fancy snowboarding but am a bit apprehensive so let me know if it's worth it and what it's like! I'm guessing it's a good social life too?!

Cheers

Gem!

it's pretty similar to ski'ing, but you've just got one board and both feet are strapped to it.

why not give it a go at castefords snowdome.

Hi
I live near the ski village in sheff so am thinking about trying it there - am abit worried as I think I might feel restricted being strapped to one 'ski' rather than two?! have you done it and is it quite easy to learn?

Yeah its amazing!
I started back in '96 (feels old now!) And some of my best memories come from snowboarding!
I was pro for a few years before quitting, but i got to see so many different countries and some of the best views in the world!
Go for it i say, you cant beat it!!

Really, that good?!? Have you done it up at the ski village and is it any good? is it expensive?

Originally posted by Hillschick
Hi
I live near the ski village in sheff so am thinking about trying it there - am abit worried as I think I might feel restricted being strapped to one 'ski' rather than two?! have you done it and is it quite easy to learn?

The ski village is okay, but it's not really that similar to snow.
I've never ski'ed so I don't really know how it compares, but the only way you'll find out is to try it.
I don't think it's difficult to learn, and if you can already ski then i'd have thought it would be easier.

Originally posted by Hillschick
Really, that good?!? Have you done it up at the ski village and is it any good? is it expensive?

I learnt and then spent a lot of time at the ski village. It is a good place to start as when you then get on snow its soooo much easier!
Not sure how much it costs to be honest though as it was so long ago (feels even older!)

Snowboarding is AMAZING!

however, it is frustrating to learn - expect to fall over - a LOT

It's worth persevering - much better than skiing

I didn't like it when I started - love it now!

Get yourself to xscape rather than the ski village

Oh, and get yourself away and sample some powder - you'll never look back!

whats the best gear to wear

think you can hire stuff to wear at xscape - you're best in sallopettes and a ski jacket there if you have them


At the ski village - jeans, a warm jacket, and a decent pair of gloves

Hi Hillschick
I've PM'ed ya !!

:thumbsup:

i got in there before you! first lesson tomorrow!:D

Gem,
hope ur first lesson went well...snowboarding is the best..its such a buzz and dont get me started on the powder...there's nothing like it :)
T x

Hey
Well it's booked, my first lesson is tomorrow night and am nervous! I don't have a decent pair of gloves though!! Would be cool to get a group of fellow 'boarders up there for a social gathering at some point.....any takers??

Wish me luck...
Gem x

how about a forum trip to the snow! might get a group discount! :D

Hey Hillschick,

Is snowboarding any good??? Hell yeah it is!!!

It's amazing and so much cooler than skiing (awaits backlash from skiers!)

Agree with Wokky though. It can be tough to start with. Falling over lots is unavoidable and your arms will hurt too. Or at least mine did from picking myself up everytime I fell over.

Hope the lesson goes well and there's a snow n rock shop at the village that sell suitable gloves. Alternatively there is/was a shop called Big Dicks Board Shop on Langsett Road. Not sure if it's still there now.

If your instructor is called Chris your in good hands..

Good luck

Snowboarding may be cooler than skiing, but skiing is far more chic. Knees together and all that.

I ski, hubby rides (which is what boarders call snowboarding) and it works beautifully. Except you'd never catch me in a half-pipe. Well, not on me skis anyway.

Shorter learing curve so you make progress faster and 'in' clothes to wear are baggy stuff, mad hats and total wraparound bug eye shades. Big Air do good stuff cheap. Some mainstream places do ski wear too, Next for example. Wait for the sales. Or hire it in case you hate it.

Skiing holidays are just the BEST, there is always great nightlife, you get a totally original tan and you meet some totally cool people. I met my husband on a ski holiday. :clap: :clap: :clap: He looks way cool on his board.

How did you get on with your lesson Hillschick?

she did better than me! :D
its alot different to skiing i found but fun

Hey guys,

Well I still have both arms and legs in tact, but MY GOD, the foot cramps, christ, I had forgotten (from my skiing days) how painful it is!! Our instrustor (rob) was very patient and it was even blizzard-ish conditions on the evening which made for good atmosphere although the first (and only -yay) time I fell on my buut, I got sprayed in the face with water, which I couldn't get up for laughing! I enjoyed the lesson, I found going down the slope backwards actually easier than going front first, yeh, weird I know. I need to learn how to put my weight onto the board properly as I found it difficult to turn. I was petrified about falling too but the instructor goes through the safe ways to fall at the start of the lesson. I am going to book another (Sam, I'll text you, hope you're going again?!) One thing though, the instructor said it looked as though me feet were too far apart on the board so make sure the guys who sort you out with a board ensure you have the right size! I couldn't lift the bloody thing off the ground to begin with!

I think most people find toe edge easier to control (going down the slope backwards).

It gets easier though, stick with it.

Cyclone
I have just tried to PM you but your box is full! What are you doing in on a fri night?

see the friday night thread for an answer.

Look...I am not into all this lingo blingo. I dont understand

this thread (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73788) and I made room in my inbox.

now your inbox is full.

you not answering my e-mail hillschick !!??

Oops, I fogot to mention the need for arnica, before and after. Tablets are the best, and speed up muscle healing 10 fold. Or at least that's what it feels like.

looks dangerous to me but if it's what you want go for it I say

Notorious, what email?

yeah snowboardings good...but...i broke my arm whilst doing it, ive been converted to skiing now, but yeah go for it, just dont be stupid on one like i did (even though it wasnt my fault)

hillschick, when i started learning to snowboard I spent a lot of time on my ass, and that wasn't all from falling over.
It took me a while to get used to the boots and the foot cramp, but now I have my own boots its soooo much better.

PS my mate broke her wrist at Castleford trying to do a 360 trick of some sort but she is still mad keen on snowboarding ;)