Skiing To Snowboarding And Snowboarding To Skiing: The Trials And Tribulations!
At some stage, all snow-sports enthusiasts and fair-weather snow-lovers made the call: skiing or snowboarding! But what if you’re already an accomplished skier thinking of crossing over, or a practised boarder dreaming of two planks rather than one?
Many of us have pondered the idea of making “the switch”, whether we care to admit it or not! Unfortunately, the temptation of following through with “the switch” is surrounded by fears of failure. Not to mention the constant need to explain to anyone and everyone around on the day of your beginner’s lesson that you can actually already ski, and you’re never normally found on the baby slope!
The reality is, if we remembered that snow sports are all about progression and having fun, we might just find a new passion on the slopes!
As a born-and-bred mountain skier myself, my heart is now with my snowboard! Through sheer determination, I made “the switch” so long ago that I now think of myself as a snowboarder, before a skier!
Today, as a Snowboard Instructor at the indoor skiing and snowboarding centre, The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead, I have seen and taught many others as they make “the switch”, so here are a few hints and tips I’ve learnt along the way!
Firstly, accept that you are going to need to learn the basics; making “the switch” means you are going to be learning a completely new sport! You may excel rapidly, due to skills already learnt on the snow, such as balance, a lack of fear and an understanding of terrain, but you will still have much to learn; embrace it!
If time on mountain training slopes is a waste of your winter holiday, consider taking lessons at your local dry slope or indoor real snow slope before you go! And make sure you let your instructor know you’re making “the switch”; there are key similarities and differences between skiing and snowboarding that your instructor can use to help you progress quicker!
Don’t forget what it was like to be on your skis or snowboard before you made “the switch”! When you keep in mind how you got down the slopes prior to “the switch”, you can be more alert to other slope users, whatever their snow-sports discipline!
Finally, once you’ve progressed with your newfound snow legs, enjoy replying “both” when asked, “skier or snowboarder?” That is, until you decide where your heart lies!
Words: Jenny Bletcher