Freeride snowboarding allows you to incorporate a few tricks into your routine, while carving your way down the mountainside. This category of snowboarding has its own types of snowboards that are often longer and more solid than freestyle boards. Whether you want to perfect your skills to be able to compete at a professional level or simply improve your freeride snowboarding, several tips can help your performance.
Online Video Tutorials
Professional snowboarders practice indoors, in addition to working in the snow. You can take online classes in the convenience of your own home. Watching video tutorials gives you professional insight from expert snowboarders, without having to pay hefty fees for one-on-one guidance. Set up your computer in a room with plenty of floor space. Strap yourself into your board and work on balance and movement, while following along with the videos. As an added benefit, practice in front of a mirror. This way you can pay close attention to your leg and arm movements. Practicing indoors and getting used to your equipment can make your performance on the slopes more efficient.
Group Classes
Participating in a group class is one way to build your confidence and skill level, setting you up for a path of becoming a professional snowboarder. Your local slopes most likely offer group classes for snowboarding lessons. Make sure that you enroll in a class focusing on freeride snowboarding. These classes differ from freestyle snowboarding, which focuses more on complex tricks, such as spins and flips. Attending group classes also allows you to network with other people that have similar goals. You can meet someone to practice with to improve your skills.
Snowboarding Camps
Whether you are just starting out or have been freeride snowboarding for years, you can also get involved in a snowboarding camp. Take off for a long weekend or use some of your winter vacation time to enroll in a camp. Several camps across the United States provide coaching for all levels of freeride snowboarders. On your first day, you will meet with a coach. He will evaluate your skill level and put together a snowboarding regimen to fit your needs. Talk with your coach about your goals. Your camp coach will help you learn and improve on parking, pipe riding and other freeriding skills.
Practice
The most important aspect of becoming a pro freeride snowboarder is practice. During summer months, some camps have freeride lessons available or you can practice indoors. You may want to work with a trainer at your local gym. She can put together a workout regimen, focusing on cardio and leg strength, to improve your freeriding skills. As winter approaches, purchase a season pass to a nearby slope. Practicing on the slopes as much as possible is essential to maximize your skill set as a pro freerider. If you are new to the sport, make sure you talk with your doctor ahead of time. He might want to conduct a complete physical to ensure you are healthy enough for this type of exercise.
Posted in: Snowboarding