If you want to become a snowboarder, you need to learn how to stand up on your board. It’s one of the fundamental skills that we all need to master. Sometimes this skill comes easily, and other times you might need some help.
I’m a snowboarding instructor, and I love everything about the sport. I’ve helped many different people stand up on their snowboards, and I know the best tips and advice to make this happen.
This post will show you how to stand up on a snowboard. I’ll provide you with some good information to keep in mind to help you make progress and start riding down the mountain. And it all begins with standing up.
Let’s get after it.
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Initial Thoughts
It’s important not to get too frustrated when first learning how to snowboard. This is especially true if you are with other people who seem to get the hang of things more naturally than you do.
While standing up on your snowboard isn’t a difficult skill, it’s different from anything else you may have ever done in your life. So it might take some time to figure out. Take your time, be patient, and you’ll be able to figure it out.
How to Stand Up on a Snowboard
Here are some steps and tips to help you stand up on a snowboard and start riding when you are a beginner.
1. First Things First
If you made it to the top of the bunny slope, then you’ve already technically stood up on your board. You might not have left from the ground and just slid off the chair lift. But that’s essentially the same thing.
When you get off the lift, you’ll need to find a spot away from the dismount area where you can sit down and strap in.
2. Strap In and Get Ready
Once you find a good place to sit down and get your loose fit in its binding, make sure that both feet are appropriately secured and not sliding around. This will help you control the board and get ready for movement once you stand up.
Pull on your bindings until they feel tight, and make sure that your boots are laced up and ready to go.
3. Keep Your Toe Edge Off the Ground
The easiest way to stand up will be by digging your heelside edge into the snow. This also involves keeping the toe edge of your board off the ground. I think it’s easier to think of keeping the toe side off the ground than the heel side dug into the snow.
Keeping the toe edge high will allow your heel edge to dig into the snow and keep you in place while you stand up. It’s important to start here for stability and control as you work your way from butt on the snow to standing up.
4. Focus on the Squat
It’s important to try and keep your hips and butt close to your lower legs as you start to stand up. Think of this like a squatting motion, but in reverse. You start in a squat and work your up to standing.
If you pull your hips and butt away from your knees, you will lose some control and balance, and it will generally be harder to stand up.
5. Stand Up
With your heel edge in the snow and your body in a bottom squat position, all you need to do now is stand up. It might take a few times to get it, but there really isn’t a better way to describe this step other than just standing up!
The video below will help you see all of these steps in action and might give you a better idea of the standing-up process.
How to Stand Up on a Snowboard Heelside
It’s a bit more challenging to stand up on a snowboard heelside, meaning when your toe edge is dug into the snow, and your heel side is up off of it. But the process is basically the same. Follow the same steps above, with your heel side up in the air.
I don’t recommend that complete beginners try to stand up heelside. It can be frustrating, and you’ll have your back to the downhill slope, which can cause you to panic or start sliding out of control straight away.
How to Get Up After Falling on a Snowboard
If you fall on your snowboard, getting back up is the same as standing up when you are just getting off the lift. The only difference is you don’t need to strap your loose foot into your bindings.
Take a quick breather if you had a bad fall before trying to stand up. Then gather yourself with one of your edges dug into the snow, keep your butt close to your lower legs and stand back up. It’s as easy as that.
What to do When I Can’t Get Up On My Snowboard
If you are struggling to get up on your snowboard, you might need to ask someone for a hand. A friend or passerby can reach out and arm and help pull you up on your board.
Also, make sure that you are parallel to the downhill slope, so you don’t slide downhill as you are attempting to stand up. If you know how to stand up but are struggling, it’s probably a sign to take a break because you are tired.
Final Thoughts
You need to learn how to stand up on your board, and the best way to do that is to get out on the snow and practice. While the tips listed here can help, there’s no better way than putting it all into action.
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