How I Learned to Snowboard

Ok, so I am the last person that anyone would have thought they would catch snowboarding. I am really more of a sit on the sidelines and drink beer, while watching the sports kind of girl. As it turns out, learning to snowboard was one of the best things I have ever done.

My husband came home for leave this February. He loves to snowboard and it pretty good. I have always stayed home with the kids whenever he went because I didn't want to slow him down, or have to get someone to watch the kids. But, because of the leave time and our anniversary falling within it, we decided to go on a mini romantic vacation.

Well, I can't say that the actual learning how to snowboard was anywhere near romantic. It was painful, difficult and frustrating. I actually thought that I would quit after the first day.

We were to spend two nights and three days at the resort. This would be our first real vacation ever, including a honeymoon. I was concerned that being without my kids would distract me from having a good time, but still, we set out very early the first morning of our trip.

The first step in my learning to snowboard was for me to have a lesson. By the time we got there we were running a bit late, so we hurried on to get my gear and check in. I kissed my hubby and told him I would be fine as he set off for the lifts, and then I headed over to start my lesson.

I didn't know what to expect from a snowboarding lesson at all. My instructor proved to be very patient and positive. The first thing I had to learn was to set my board down upside down when I wasn't using it.

Then I had to learn how to fall. Sounds easy right, think again. Always fall backwards onto your butt if you can, and not on your wrists or you'll be sorry later.

Next, I had to learn how to step into it, which turned out to be something I couldn't even do the first few times without falling on my butt. By the time we moved off the flat area and onto the beginners level one, I was already sweating.

The next step was for me to learn how to move forward with my board across the slope, which is also how you slow down. Basically it's a matter balancing your weight and lifting your toes.