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Expert Snowboarding

By User:AllieCashel @timeAndDate(1280939022) In the snowboarding world, technique is a strange word. In its early stages (which was only about 15 years ago) the top snowboarders didn't have the same obsession with technique and mechanics that skiers had, they just rode. As the years have passed, the outlines of this concept have become clearer to riders, but they are still opaque enough to make the definition of "an expert" hard to find. For the most part, expert boarders can handle anything a mountain throws at them, negotiating through the most extreme terrain with grace and ease. They can handle steeps, consistently create dynamic carved turns and perform a variety of tricks. This, however, is where the lines blur. In every participant's career, he or she starts to focus on one of two styles: freeride (all mountain) or freestyle (that is, you mostly spend time in the park). Personally, I feel that whether or not you focus on tricks shouldn't matter. A rider who has focused on freeride may not be able to do much in the terrain park, but that doesn't mean he or she they isn't still an expert, and vice versa. But don't pigeonhole yourself: if you tend to favor one style, why not push yourself to the other extreme?

Improving Your Freestyling

First things first, if you're a newbie in the parkshorts'>padded shorts.  Sure, you may look dorky, but when you don't look like one giant bruise, you'll be thanking us. If it's the offboard'>Indo board for home use. These exercises will keep you sharp, balanced, and strong until the flakes start to fall.

Improving Your Freeriding

For more tips on honing your skills, check out this article from MensHealth.com.

Gear Up

Obviously, before you can start improving your skills, you're going to need several different pieces of equipment.  If you're looking to upgrade or just wanting something new this season, you'll want to check out items that are meant for advanced to expert levels.  Below you will find a selection of products to suit you.

Boards

Bindings

Boots

Where to Ride

Related Guides

* Snowboards * Snowboarding Boots * Snowboarding Bindings * Snowboarding * Snow Skis vs. Snowboards