Snowboarding cannot be taught. It is a skill that a person has to possess within. Agility, balance, core strength, endurance, and perseverance are just a few key features one has to have to be able to snowboard.
        
First things first, let’s explore your snowboard. It should have two bindings, nice sharp edges, and a freshly waxed bottom. A good rule of thumb for determining perfect board length is by standing with your face to one end. If the board comes to above your chin and below your nose it is a good fit, otherwise it is too short or too long and will make it harder for you to ride.

Next let’s talk about stance. Regular stance, which most people use, is with your left foot in front. Goofy stance, if you couldn't figure it out already, is with your right foot in front. A simple way of knowing which stance you should use is to have someone push you from behind while standing with your feet together. Whichever foot you step forward with to catch yourself is the foot that should lead on your snowboard. Once you have your board picked out and your stance set up—remember renting is always a great first option—it’s time for some snowboarding!
        
Welcome to the bunny hill. Once you are strapped into your bindings, get to the top of the hill and get ready to fall. This is something you will be doing over and over and over again. It is okay and is expected because falling is the only way you will learn what works and what doesn't. Snowboarding is not easy and it takes much patience. The most common problem first time snowboarders run into is called "catching an edge.” This happens when the weight is shifted too much forward and the front edge of the board sticks into the ground. However, thanks to the physics of inertia, your body will stay in motion down the hill until acted on by an outside force— the outside force being the mountain coming in contact with your face. This would be a good time to talk about snowboarding safety. However, that is a whole other article.
        
Unlike skiers who move down the slopes by shifting their weight from side to side, snowboarders move down the mountain by shifting their weight from heel to toe, much like surfers and skateboarders. By shifting your weight forward you will make the board go faster. To slow down your weight must shift backward, digging your heels down so the board edge drags. Carving is a technique used by snowboarders to keep control of their speed down the hill. To carve you must shift your weight from toe side to heel side, front foot to back foot, making an S shape down the mountain. While you ride your knees should be slightly bent to absorb terrain and your weight should be centered over your board, this will allow for the most comfortable ride and will make your legs less tired so you can enjoy maximum shredding time on the slopes. You should also be using your hips to turn and your core muscles for balance, which will take the strain off of your knees and prevent a twisting injury.
        
If you try implementing these techniques on the mountain, snowboarding will become easier. You will be sore and you will have bruises. If you are lucky, that will be the extent of your injuries. However, if you make it through a grueling 3 or 4 days and stick with snowboarding, you will experience a thrill and freedom that words cannot express. You will also no longer be a poser, allowing you to use awesome snowboarding terms like, wicked, gnarly, dude, sketch, steezy, stellar, and many more.