While careening through the snow on a board looks easy it takes some knowledge and lots of practice to become an expert. Fortunately the practice part is every bit as fun as looks. The first steps are to find a snowboard that is the right size for you - as a beginner, then finding the right gear, and of course learning the best stance, tips on getting to the snow and how to change direction is very important.

Getting your gear together for the first time does not mean getting a completely new outfit to start. You might want to take your time and find out more about the sport and how you move before making any big clothing changes. What you wear should be fitted enough not to be sliding off at a bad time, but not too tight and constricting. The jacket and footwear should be warm, waterproof and let your skin breathe.

When getting the board, try renting at first. Check out the board by trying a stance. Stances are right foot forward or left foot forward and one will 'feel' more natural than the other. If your stance is the right foot forward you are referred as a 'goofy' if your stance is to the left you are a 'regular'. The stance you have on a snowboard is the same you will have on a surf board or using a skateboard. A fair indicator of the size board you will want is when standing the board in front of you on one end does the other come up to your chin or your nose? This is where you want the board to be. It should not be higher than your nose. When you are learning you can go for a board a little shorter than your chin, but not by too much. Placing the board on the ground check to make sure the width does not have the toes or heels hanging over the side while wear the foot gear you will have on during your time on the snow.

If you have never been on a ski lift before remember to hop on with one foot committed to the board and one free. When you want to get off aim the board in the direction you want to go and push off with the free foot.

When you get to the snow then place the board flat on the ground and try out some stances. Place one foot on the board and the foot you feel is the dominate foot on the start pad. Work on keeping your knees slightly flexed and your spine straight. Keep your arms at your sides and slightly away from your body. This is the stance you want when landing and riding the board.

Start in this stance and aim the board so it faces the bottom of the hill. Flex the toes up and press down with heel and begin to glide slowly forward. To change direction stay in the stance and use the same maneuvering as with a start only this time very slightly angling the body in the new direction. Do not try to do any big changes or big hills until you have done some practice.