We have had the opportunity to speak with plenty of people who have come to our shop looking for snowboard rental only to second guess their decision to get into the sport. We get it. New snowboarders often feel apprehensive about tackling a sport they have never tried before. Hopefully, we can offer a little bit of encouragement that helps them follow through with their plans.

Here at Canyon Sports, we don’t just sell and service skis and snowboards. We are actually skiers and snowboarders ourselves. To the extent we can, we are happy to offer whatever wisdom we possess along with our own personal experiences. With that in mind, we think there are some key things every new snowboarder should know.

1. It’s Not Harder, Just Different

We can’t tell you the number of times we’ve arranged snowboard rental for beginners convinced that the sport is harder than skiing. We are not quite sure why this thinking prevails, but it does. The thing is that snowboarding isn’t any harder than skiing. It is just different.

Being two different sports means that skiing and snowboarding require different skill sets. They utilize different techniques and methodologies. Even the equipment is demonstrably different. So saying one is easier than the other does a disservice to both. One particular skier might find snowboarding harder, but that does not mean snowboarding is harder across the board.

2. Trying Before You Buy Is Okay

Next up, we think it’s important that every new snowboarder know that trying things out before they buy is okay. That is one of the reasons we offer snowboard rental here in Utah. We want beginners to get a good feel for the sport before they spend their hard earned money on new equipment. We would hate for them to buy a new board that ultimately doesn’t work for them.

3. Lessons Really Are Helpful

There is something about both skiing and snowboarding that leads people to think they should be able to do it without taking lessons. Do not misunderstand. It is possible to learn how to snowboard without formal instruction. But truth be told, lessons really do help.

Snowboarding is like any other sport in the sense that succeeding requires a certain amount of knowledge. Why acquire that knowledge through the school of hard knocks when you can learn it from someone who already knows how to snowboard? Taking lessons doesn’t make you weak. Quite to the contrary, lessons will make you a stronger snowboarder.

4. Size Does Matter

When we outfit a customer with a seasonal snowboard rental, one of the things we pay attention to is the person’s height and weight. Why? Because size matters. The width and length of a snowboard needs to be commensurate with the user’s height and weight. Having a board that is not the right size makes learning even basic skills more difficult.

We think it is very important to fit each snowboarder with an appropriately sized board. When a beginner’s board fits, they have an easier time mastering the skills necessary to become an expert. That is ultimately what we want for any snowboarding beginner.

5. Practicing Falling Is Necessary

Finally, one of the first things new snowboarders learn in formal lessons is how to fall. It sounds contrary to the goal of remaining upright. Still, it is necessary. Every snowboarder falls regardless of skill level. Learning how to do it properly prevents unnecessary injuries and equipment damage.

If you are a beginner, a seasonal snowboard rental represents your opportunity to try out a fantastic sport loved by millions. We wish you well on the slopes.