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Snowboard Lessons--Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck© H.D. Lail
Nov 6, 1999
Why take a snowboard lesson? Can't you just teach yourself? I recommend that you take a lesson the first time, or take several lessons back-to-back. Taking a lesson with a qualified instructor will increase your learning curve. You will learn proper techniques the first time around, instead of developing bad habits that will prevent you from becoming the rider you envision yourself being. Also, it's important to note that, because you are developing good habits, you are effectively lessening your chances of injury. If you want to remain on good terms with your best friend or significant other, never ask them to teach you how to snowboard. You need someone who is completely objective, understands your goals, and has the resources to help you reach those goals.
Now that you understand why you should take a lesson, you can concentrate on how. While most beginners will choose the resort they would like to visit and then look into the snowboard school, it may be worth your while to pick an instructor first. This may sound like a backward approach, but remember that it will be the instructor, not the resort, that most affects your training. Ask your snowboarding friends for a referral, or check the service classifieds in your local paper. If you would rather choose the resort first, then you must know how to find a qualified instructor at the resort's snowboard school. Don't be afraid to ask questions--otherwise, you might get stuck with just anyone. Instructors come in all shapes and sizes. Some teach because they love to. Others just want the perks that come along with the job (free lift tickets, for example). Some have been teaching for many years, and others just started yesterday. For the best value, you need to find an instructor who has several seasons under his belt. Experience makes a better teacher Although it's not a requirement at some resorts, most long-term instructors have taken the time and effort to become certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) organization. An alternative is to find a good snowboard program. Many top-notch resorts host programs that feature professional snowboarders. These programs usually take the form of a camp, where you purchase several days' worth of lift tickets. The environment is usually very intense. You can also find gender- and age-specific camps, to better integrate yourself with people who are like-minded and have common goals and skill levels.
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