Surfing the snow

Snowboarding in powder gives you the sensation of floating

submitted photo

Snowboarder Scott Martin rides some sweet British Columbia powder.

There are a few sports that provide you with the feeling of floating along the snow and carving turns like you are on a big ocean wave. Snowboarding in powder is something I wish everyone could have the opportunity to try. It is the reason why when it dumps on the local mountains, I am the first one out of bed heading off into the mountains with my board in tow. Here’s how you can join me.

If you have been craving to try snowboarding over the last few years but have just not stepped up to the plate, then this is the season to get out there. The local mountains have an incredible snow base and it will be here long into April. All three local mountains offer excellent snowboard lessons that include everything from awesome instructors, rentals and specific ladies-only clinics to ensure you learn in a positive environment.

I tell most beginners to take their lessons on Grouse Mountain. The Cut run on Grouse provides a gentle slope on which to learn how to carve turns without the fear of gaining too much speed. The incredible backdrop of the city also makes it one of the coolest places in the world to snowboard.

Grouse offers adult lessons and guarantees that you will be dialing in your turns in four easy two-hour lessons. The program also includes video analysis to help you see your initial mistakes and correct them faster. Prices start at $135 for just the lessons or $298 for lessons, lift tickets and rentals. Lessons are available on Saturday/Sunday or on Wednesday evenings. Monday evenings are reserved for the ladies-only lessons. Details are available at www.grousemountain.com.

If you are linking turns and consider yourself an intermediate to advanced rider but still need some help to hone in your park skills, jumping, or general freeriding, then check out the North Shore Snowboard Team Coaching. NSST provides high-end coaching to groups or individuals on Grouse or Seymour Mountain. They provide coaching and camps to youth, adults and offer cool ladies-only clinics all at reasonable prices. Check them out online at www.nsst.ca.

If you’ve taken some lessons and are addicted and looking for your own gear, check out any of the wicked shops that litter Vancouver. A good store will ask you questions about what type of riding you like to do and let you know all the options. As with most sports, spend the most time and money getting a proper pair of comfortable boots. When checking out bindings look at their ease of getting in and out of them and how they transfer your movements to the board. Lastly, choose a board that mimics your riding style. Of course we would like powder all the time, however, most resort boarding is done on groomed or icy slopes so make sure you buy the right gear that can handle those conditions as well. This will ensure you have fun every day that you’re out!

DAVE NORONA for Metro Vancouver