Beginner-friendly tricks for snowboarding in the park

When you head into the snowboard park, having the right gear is everything. After all, you don’t want to look like a beginner rolling around on an old plank from the ’90s, do you? So let’s talk about the board.

The right board for the park

A park board is usually shorter and more flexible than a freeride board. That gives you more control when you ride over rails and boxes. I remember my first day in the park, when I turned up with a board that was far too long. I felt like a fish out of water and kept falling over.

So make sure you choose a board that suits your riding style and helps you learn the tricks you have in mind. But the board is only the beginning!

The right boots and bindings

You also need the right boots and bindings. Your boots should be comfortable and fit well, so you don’t feel like you’re standing on a block of wood. I once wore the wrong boots – they were far too tight – and after an hour I felt like my feet were about to fall off.

Your bindings should also be set up properly so you stay in control of your board. When everything fits, you’ll notice you have much more fun in the park and spend less time getting back up after a fall.

Basic snowboarding techniques

Before you throw yourself into exciting tricks, it’s important to master the basic snowboarding techniques. You should be comfortable riding on your edge. That means learning to shift your weight properly so you can use your board’s edge effectively.

If you don’t, you’ll soon find yourself spending more time on the ground than on your board. I remember a mate of mine who kept trying to use his edge but ended up sliding around like a penguin on ice instead. It takes a bit of practice, but once you’ve got it, you’ll feel like a pro.

Learning to carve

Another important skill is carving. Carving is like dancing on snow – it doesn’t just look cool, it also helps you ride faster and with more control. You need to learn how to shift your weight from one edge to the other while making nice, round turns.

Once you’ve cracked it, you won’t just ride faster, you’ll have much more fun too. Remember: practice makes perfect! Grab your board and get ready for a few laps on the piste.

Safety in the park

Safety should always come first, especially in the park. Always wear a helmet – it’s not a fashion accessory, it’s a lifesaver! I once had a small fall and banged my head on the ground. Luckily I was wearing my helmet and could just get up and carry on riding.

Don’t forget other protective gear such as wrist guards or knee pads. They might not be as stylish as your new board, but they can save you a lot of pain. It’s also important to know and respect the park rules.

Always keep an eye on what’s around you and give other riders plenty of space. If you’re trying a trick and someone comes up behind you, it could lead to an unwanted collision. Be considerate and stick to the rules – that way the park stays a safe place to ride for everyone.

Simple tricks to get started

Let’s talk about a few simple tricks you can try in the park. A good place to start is the ollie – it’s the building block for many other tricks.

Put simply, the ollie is a jump without the help of a feature. You shift your weight towards the tail and then quickly spring forward to get into the air. It feels like a little magic trick! I remember my first attempts – I looked like a rabbit on a trampoline! But with a bit of practice you’ll quickly get better and even be able to jump over small obstacles.

The 180

Another simple trick is the 180. It’s basically a jump in which you rotate 180 degrees in the air. It might sound complicated, but once you’ve mastered the ollie, the 180 will feel like child’s play. Make sure you have enough speed and can shift your weight properly.

And hey, if you fall – no stress! Everyone has a bad day in the park now and then. The most important thing is to have fun and not give up!

Why the right speed matters

The right speed is crucial for success in the park. If you go too fast, you could lose control and crash into the next box or rail – something you really want to avoid! On the other hand, it can be frustrating if you’re too slow and can’t build up enough momentum for your tricks.

To find the right speed, start by riding a few laps of the park to get a feel for it. Watch how fast other riders are going and try to match their pace.

Choosing the right features

There are lots of features in the park – rails, boxes and jumps – but not all of them are suitable for beginners. If you’re just starting out, begin with the easier features. A flat box or a small rail are perfect options to get going.

I remember my first attempts on a box – I was so nervous! But when I finally managed it, I felt like a superstar! Start small and work your way up!

Tips for improving your balance

Balance is the key to snowboarding – without it you’ll spend more time on the ground than on your board! A good way to improve your balance is with simple exercises away from the slopes. For example, stand on one leg or try balancing with your eyes closed – it sounds easy, but it really does help!

Have fun and be patient

At the end of the day, snowboarding is all about having fun! Don’t let setbacks discourage you or let other riders put you under pressure. Everyone has their own learning curve – I’ve cursed and fallen over plenty of times too!

But it’s exactly those moments that make the best stories – take them with a smile! If you’re patient with yourself and take your time, you’ll see your skills improve.

Further resources

If you’re just getting started with snowboarding in the park and are looking for more tips, the Learn2Ride Oberhof website could be just what you need. Why not take a look at the snowboard courses in Thuringia – you’ll find special courses for beginners there!

FAQs

What is park snowboarding?

Park snowboarding means riding in specially built areas of ski resorts with various features such as rails, boxes and kickers.

What gear do you need for snowboarding in the park?

For snowboarding in the park you need a snowboard, park bindings, a helmet, goggles and wrist guards, and possibly back and tailbone protectors.

Which basic tricks are suitable for beginners?

Simple tricks include ollies, nollies, boardslides, 50-50s and small jumps over kickers.

How can you improve your skills in the park?

To improve your skills, practise regularly, get inspired by experienced riders or consider taking lessons.

What are the most important safety tips for the park?

Safety tips include wearing protective gear, following the park rules and judging your own ability honestly.