Embrace the Cold: How Snowboarding Turns Winter Weather into Fun

 Do you like winter? Or, rather, do you like being outside in the cold winter weather? If so, and you're looking for a great new sport to try out this winter, consider snowboarding.

To a lot of people, the idea of snowboarding is dangerous, like it's something only crazy teenage boys do. The idea of sliding down a large mountain or hill is daunting enough and doing it on a snowboard sounds too hard to try. If these are your thoughts, you must rethink. Whether you are an avid skier or never quite made it down the mountain in the winter, snowboarding is a great way to spend winter days.

If you are a skier and are looking to transition your skills to the snowboarding realm, congratulations. The only advice I can give is to be patient. Because snowboarding is similar to skiing and yet so different, some people who are decent skiers will find that snowboarding will be a natural and easy transition while others will have a frustrating and painful learning process. Persevere because sooner or later the snowboarding tricks can come to almost anyone. 

In case you have never been a skier, never mind. A skiing background is not always necessary or even useful in learning the art of snowboarding. You, the non-ski expert, may well pick up the snowboarding moves pretty easily as opposed to your skiing friends. After some time you may find that snowboarding fits you to a T.

Allow me to offer some words of wisdom to any skiing pro or not who wishes to be part of the snowboarding ranks. First, do not attempt to get on a board and learn the skill on your own. Most will find that they fare much better taking snowboarding lessons at a bare minimum to learn the basics of the sport. So don't hesitate to book yourself up for a lesson or two prior to taking to the slopes.

A second, and perhaps more worthwhile, recommendation is simple: rent. Resist the temptation to run out and buy the latest board and snowboarding gear simply so you'll look like an old veteran on the mountain. For your initial few times out you should rent equipment and take the opportunity to find out what kind of boards are best for you. By renting you can avoid a costly mistake that will plague you later on.

So, whether you've been skiing for years or not, this winter when it comes around again make the choice to learn a new skill. Who knows, snowboarding can soon become your number one winter pleasure.