Conquering the Chairlift
I gave a speech called “Conquering the Chairlift” at a Toastmasters club on Jan. 23, 2003. The intended audience was to a group of beginner snowboarders who just completed a two-hour basic snowboarding class. I’m the last instructor before the class goes out on their own. Here are pointers on how to conquer the chairlift for the very first time.
1. With your front foot strapped in, skate to the loading area. Use your back foot (free) to push the board along as you were riding the skateboard. Make sure your leash is secure.
2. When skating, take baby steps. Don?t let your feet get too far apart which can result in an awkward split or wipeout.
3. Be sure to have a textured stomp pad or studs just in front of your rear binding. A stomped pad is not decoration. The stomp pad prevents your unbound foot from slipping off the board as you unload.
4. While on the lift, use your free foot to support the weight of the board. The board will get heavy towards the end of the day as you get tired. Don?t swing, it will just make the board heavier as the day goes on. Switch feet directions if you get tired.
5. Before offloading, position your board with the front end slightly raised and both feet ready so that when you step off the ramp, all you have to do is stand up and glide off. Try not to push off the chairlift since it will make you lose your balance. Let the chair push you. Remember, balance first.
6. Keep your unbound foot firmly planted on the board as you offload. Don?t use your free foot as a brake by dragging it in the snow. Sometimes this will work and at other times it will send you sprawling.
7. With your unbound foot firmly planted on your stomp pad. Apply gradual pressure to both heels and/or toes to stop the board.
8. Never look at your neighbors while unloading. This is a surest way to wind up in a collision.
9. Ask the attendant if you can ride alone. If you must ride with another person, make an effort to sit on the outside. A center position means you will have neighbors on both sides to worry about running over. If this is the case, ride straight as possible.
10. Clear the unloading area as quickly as you can. Another beginner could be right behind you!
11. Don?t get discourage when you fall. Even experts fall on occasions.
12. Always be in control on the hill. If you are going to fast, slow down. Again, always be in control.
With these tips, riding your snowboard for the first time on the chairlift will not be such a traumatic experience. Have fun out there!
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thats a good overview of snowboarding, im 15 and have been snowboarding for a few years now, and when I was a noob I was very confuzed about the basics, keep up the good work!