Snowboard kids: Think 'Safety, Savvy and Silly'
Snowboard kids are learning AND having a blast
When you think about snowboard kids, you may be thinking about that Nintendo video game that's so popular -- but there are other real-life snowboard kids to think about, too!
Snowboard kids are a reality on every hill and in every resort in North America. They can start to take formal lessons by the age of 6 in most places -- and snowboard kids who are really gifted have probably already been riding informally for a few years before that!
If you know some snowboard kids who want to be 'just like Mom' or 'just like Dad' here are some guidelines for getting them out on their boards and having a blast:
1. Think safety at all times. Start small, explain every move in great detail, and use the smallest slope you can find -- with LOTS of powder so that falling down is FUN, not harmful.
2. Make sure your snowboard kids have the proper attire -- a snowboard helmet is a must. In addition, make sure that their clothing -- pants, jackets, hats and mittens -- fits properly, and that nothing can snag anything anywhere. Don't forget the sun protection, as children's skin and eyes are quite vulnerable -- sunscreen and snowboard goggles are an essential addition to the list of equipment.
3. The snowboard itself needs to be the correct size for the age, size and ability of your snowboard kids. Check with experienced retail staffers or a local snowboard pro to fit your children out properly, and don't BUY a board until you know exactly what you're looking for, and until you know for sure that the child will stay interested long enough to warrant the expense. Use rentals in the interim.
4. Have small learning goals, and be prepared to adjust them depending on the particular snowboard kids -- just the basics of balance, turning and stopping are the only skills that snowboard kids need to be introduced to. They'll have plenty of time to practice, and to 'get good' at other tricks and tips.
5. Don't forget for one minute that the ultimate goal of snowboard kids is to have FUN! And if they don't have fun LEARNING to snowboard, they won't learn, period. As their teacher (and role model) it's very important that you focus on having a good time, so that your snowboard kids are eager to learn, and have a blast doing it!