Learning how to use a balance board for snowboard training can seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, it can be easy to learn the basics.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to improve your balance and get ready for the slopes in no time.
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How to use a snowboard balance board
Using a balance board is very similar to riding a snowboard which is why they are great to use for training.
The movements are very similar to those required when on a board, so it’s easy for beginners to learn how to use the balance boards even before they have had their first lesson.
Gaining stability
One of the first things you will need to do is gain stability on your new balance board.
This is done by simply standing still with your eyes open and your feet shoulder-width apart at first.
It can be helpful to place one foot slightly in front of the other during this step if it makes it easier for you to maintain control over your body movements.
Once you are stable, try lifting one leg into the air as high as possible without causing yourself any discomfort or tipping over.
Once that is mastered, try doing it with the other leg.
You may want to use a wall at first for balance, but once you gain stability it’s time to move away from that and try using your board without the support of a wall.
This is good practice because most often when snowboarding, there is no wall nearby!
Start small
If you are new to balance board training, start with short sessions and low intensity. This will help you get the hang of things before trying anything too complicated.
Find your center
Keep your feet just slightly further apart than your shoulder width for control and leverage when learning how to use a snowboard balance board.
You may find it helpful to stand in front of a mirror so that you can see what balancing looks like when you’re performing various exercises.
Let gravity be your friend, when using a Vew-Do Snowboard Balance Board, don’t fight against the motion – instead, let yourself fall into each turn or rotation.
This will help you achieve more control over each exercise without straining any muscles.
Work out your core
A strong core is important for snowboarding and using a balance board will help you achieve that goal in no time.
There is a great range of exercises that can be performed to work the abs and hips.
Some examples include side planks, leg lifts, swiss ball crunches, and hip extensions.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to how you can use a Vew-Do Ice Skating or Snowboard Balance Board!
Circles not lines!
When using a balance board for snowboarding training, it’s best to practice circles rather than staying on one line all the time.
This is because when on the slopes there is often no one line, but rather a variety of circles you will need to perform.
Once you are comfortable on your board, try turning your head in the direction of the turn to initiate it with your upper body first.
Then rotate your hips and shoulders together at the same time until they come around naturally.
Finally, finish off with moving through your legs by flexing them slightly so that you can get maximum control over each movement.
Remember not to go too fast when just starting out as this can cause more harm than good!
Make sure you master all these tasks before trying anything new or advanced – then let the fun begin!
How long should I practce on the balance board?
Start out with 10-20 minutes.
For the first couple of weeks, do no more than this amount so that your body can develop a base level of stability and control to build upon.
There are many exercises you can perform on the balance board to achieve an effective workout in this short amount of time – it’s just up to you how far you want to take things!
Just rocking back and forth while watching TV is enough to build your balance and coordination to a certain degree.
How often should I practice?
Practice your balance board exercises every other day once you get the hang of things so that your muscles can get all the time they need to recover.
If anything hurts or doesn’t feel quite right take a step back and go through some easy exercises to get yourself back on track.
Protecting Your Knees
When standing with both feet side by side, try shifting your weight forward and backward to figure out where it is that you feel most comfortable and in control while using a Vew-Do Snowboard Balance Board.
In general, it’s easiest when shifting from front to back when performing toe turns, whereas when performing heel to toe turns, it’s easiest when shifting your weight from back to front.
If you notice that you are straining in either case, it may be best to take a step further forward or backward where you will find your center of balance.
Remember: Take it slow and steady!
You do not need to get too caught up with the speed at which you perform each exercise, just focus on keeping everything under control and don’t go too fast – this is key for injury prevention!
Which snowboard balance board will work for me?
The two main types of balance boards for snowboarding I recommend, are the Indo Board and the Slopedeck.
The IndoBoard is great for doing edgework and tricks, while the Slopedeck is even better for carving turns.
If you’re more of an aspiring snowboarder looking to learn how to carve, hold an edge, or spin, then I would recommend getting a Slopedeck High-Performance Snowskate.
It’s engineered to go 50% longer than any other snowskate on flat snow/powder conditions, giving it superior downwind performance that can’t be matched by any other snowskates on the market.
The Indo Board is probably the most popular among snowboarders and can be used indoors or on the pavement.
See our Best balance boards for snowboarding article
Final Thoughts
Snowboarding is a great way to spend a winter day, and with the use of a balance board, you can improve your skills in no time!
Just make sure to take it slow at first, and don’t strain yourself.
There are many different exercises you can do on the board to get an effective workout in a short amount of time.
Practice every other day, and before you know it you’ll be hitting the slopes like a pro!
