Billy Crafton Beginner’s Snowboarding Guide: Part I

Step by Step Snowboarding

The fine folks at the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) created an outstanding how-to video series for brand new snowboarders, and today I’m happy to share Part 1 of this instructional-yet-fun video sequence right here.

The first segment is hosted by Hally O’Brien and Chris Rogers, who, after hitting home how perfect this video series is for beginners, jump right into some very key basics. They focus primarily on boots and equipment basics.

In the video, they cover how to properly put on your boots, the parts of a snowboard (and how to get in and out of a snowboard), snowboard stance. and how to carry your snowboard as well.

A few notes from Billy Crafton –

First, pay special attention when, about forty-five seconds in, Chris discusses the importance of boot fit. One sock only, pulling the sock taut, these are keys to making sure you get the very first step to snowboarding, pun intended, taken care of by putting your boots on correctly.

Second, yes, you want to know how to refer to the different parts of your snowboard, especially since you’re new and will very, very likely be taking lessons right at the start — if you’re not planning to, you should!

The front of the snowboard is the “nose”, the back is called the tail, and then we have the edges. The side edge closest to your heel (when you’re strapped in of course) is the heelside edge, and the side edge closest to your toes is simply called the toeside edge.

Last of all, don’t sleep on the snowboard carrying techniques. As Chris notes at the very end of the video, carrying your snowboard across your lower back, although perfectly fine of course in wide open spaces, is not cool whatsoever in more crowded areas. Even if you’re trying to be careful, chances are you’ll get distracted and exactly clock someone with your board. Trust me, that’s no way to make friends!

I hope you enjoy the first video here. Back with more soon…

— Billy Crafton

Here’s the video link too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF2lf5RGCOw&