| The
Basics of Snowboarding |
 Snowboarding
is a sport which has rapidly gained surprising popularity in the
ski centers of Chile. Introduced by young people fascinated by the
similarity with skateboarding and practiced almost exclusively by
males, today snowboarding attracts people of all ages, and each
season brings more females to the slopes riding on a single board.
Many say that snowboarding is easier to learn than skiing and that
a single board offers more freedom since you can walk with one foot
unbound and it is easier to do tricks and pirouettes. However, whatever
the motive that attracts you to try out snowboarding, there are
some things that you should know before getting your equipment.
Types and Styles of Boards
Although
the boards vary slightly between brands and are in constant development
with the introduction of new technologies, there are three categories
of universal styles.
 Freestyle
The most popular among beginners, the style of board is relatively
short and wide, flexible, is easy to use, and permits turns with
little effort. This board is also ideal for those who want to do
tricks, half-pipes and ride in snow parks. The nose and tail are
identical which allows riding forward and backward easily.
For this style of snowboard, a soft and short boot is recommended.
Freeride
Like its name, this style of board is versatile for all types of
terrain and snow, for on and off-trail riding, to go wherever you
want.
This board is semi-rigid and is longer and thinner than the Freestyle.
Within this category are two models-- the freeride and the freecarve,
which are differentiated slightly by their form and function.
When using a freeride snowboard, soft bindings and a tall and soft
boot are recommended.
Alpine
or Race boards 
This is the style used for competitions, therefore the boards have
a tip that is less curved and a tail that is almost totally flat
for maximum edge contact between the board and the snow. It is thinner
and more stable than the other boards allowing high velocities and
fast turns. The boards are ideal for packed snow, but they also
perform well in powder. In this category there are two types of
boards-- the giant slalom which is symmetrical and the slalom which
is short and can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
This type of board requires a hard boot similar to a ski boot for
the most support and control. |
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