How to Begin Snowboarding

Get boots. If you are a beginner, boots will be the most important item that you select. You need boots that fit tightly and don't allow your feet to slide up in the back or move around independently. Since you don't know if you like snowboarding yet, rent boots rather than buy. Just be sure the boots fit. Never use non-snowboarding winter boots or borrowed boots that don't quite fit.

Determine your stance. If you're not sure which foot you will lead with, have a friend push you from behind while you stand with your feet together. The foot you land on first should go in front on the snowboard.

Get a board. For your first time it's always better to rent or, better yet, borrow from a friend. Snowboard equipment is expensive, and you should try the sport before spending money on the equipment. The board should come up around your chin, if you're average weight. If you have the option, pick out a flexible, beginner-level freestyle board for the most forgiving experience. If you're over- or underweight, you'll need to adjust the size and stiffness of the board accordingly. When borrowing, aim to borrow from a friend who is also a beginner, as opposed to one who rides a stiff, advanced board.

Dress appropriately. Snowboard clothing consists of three layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, warm insulation and a waterproof outer layer. Unless you have excessive disposable income, you probably don't want to spend all kinds of money on high-tech clothing for a new sport that's already costing you $100 for a lift ticket and rental. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on all the latest clothes, use the clothes you have with a few simple rules in mind. Avoid wearing cotton (jeans in particular), especially against your skin. Layer up to give yourself enough warmth for temperatures you expect. There's no real replacement for a pair of waterproof pants; they don't have to be expensive snowboarding pants, but you'll be glad they're waterproof by the end of the day. Aim for a good jacket that at the very least provides wind protection and ideally is waterproof. Don't forget accessories like goggles or sunglasses, hat and gloves.

Go to a local resort. Resorts offer the best places to learn snowboarding. Ideally, go with a group of friends who are also just starting out. Start off on the bunny slope.

Take a lesson. Lessons are invaluable for your first time out snowboarding. Sure, they're a bit dull and you'd rather be off goofing around with your buddies, but if you really want to learn how to ride, there's no substitute for taking a lesson. Your buddy might be able to provide useful pointers, assuming he knows what he's doing, has the patience to teach you and knows how to effectively explain what to do. Chances are he doesn't have all that going for him, so a lesson is a better course of action.

Get in the right stance. When riding, be sure that your knees are bent, hips are centered over the board, arms are at your sides and shoulders are aligned with the snowboard. Keep it loose and comfortable.

Approach with confidence and learn to use your edges. In order to turn you'll lean, applying pressure to your toe edge and heel edge with your feet. The quicker you get a feel for this, the quicker you'll really start developing. You'll also use your edges to stop, which will be the most important maneuver you'll learn.