Learning to snowboard starts here!

Welcome! This is the first video in our beginner snowboard series. We created 8 videos that outline the essential learning milestones for beginner snowboarders. Each one covers an important skill, so don’t skip ahead. It’s best to take a lesson from a certified instructor and we hope our videos can help you prepare for your first day on snow.

If you are wondering what beginner snowboard to buy, consult our recommendations on the best snowboards for your goals, style and ability: Best Beginner Snowboards

In this episode we introduce the basic concepts of snowboarding and identify terminology.

Geography of your snowboard:

The tip or nose of the snowboard will be pointing downhill if you are riding regular.
The tail is on the opposite end, at the back of the snowboard.

Edges are the metal that runs around the perimeter of the board. They grip the snow to help you turn. You’ve got two edges, your toe edge (which is under your toes) and your heel edge, which is under your heels.

A toe turn means you are turning on your toe edge. A heel turn means you are turning on your heel edge.

The base of your snowboard is the smooth bottom that will be in contact with the snow.

The top sheet usually has all the shiny graphics and screw holes (called inserts) to attach your bindings. You’ve got two bindings (a front and back).

When you skate at the bottom of the hill or ride the chairlift, you will always have your front foot strapped in and your back foot out to help you move around.

A stomp pad is a grippy sticker that helps your foot stay in place. Your stomp pad can go against your back binding.

Regular or Goofy:

Regular riders (which is most of us) have their left foot forward. And goofy riders have their right foot in front. Before you start snowboarding, you’ve got to determine which you are. The best way to tell is to slide across a slippery floor in your socks. It should feel balanced and normal if you lead with your natural leg …and very weird if you put your unnatural foot in front.

Next Steps: How to buy a snowboard and How to Snowboard, step 2 - skating and stepping