Comment by marklubi
16 days ago
I've taught several snowboarders how to ride and the teaching process is about putting them in a position where they forget about the distracting things.
Always start them on a blue (or blue-black) slope, because it forces them to learn to use the edge of the board. Lot of easy drills like side slipping and simply turning your head to control direction.
If you start a snow boarder on a green run, it always results in them catching an edge and eventually face planting. Not a fun experience.
A bit like skateboarding - on typical pavement, it's easier to fall just going straight if you go ~3 mph than if you go ~6 mph.
> Always start them on a blue (or blue-black) slope
Surely you can't be serious?
You can doubt me all you want, but it works. (I've been boarding for more than 30 years, you'll usually find me on the double-blacks)
Obviously can't start them on a slope with moguls, but it needs to be a steeper slope that forces learning how to use the edges.
The slope rating is different between resorts. A blue at Arapahoe Basin is likely a blue-black at most others which is why I made that distinction.
Once they learn to properly use their edge, and commit to using it, they will progress quite rapidly.
After that, it's just about fitness and the risks that you're willing to take.