9 Basic Snowboarding Rules you must know
Basic Rules Of Snowboarding
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| 9 Basic Snowboarding Rules you must know |
Every resort has its own set of rules, which you must understand before riding their mountain. However, some basic snowboarding rules apply to all or most resorts.
The following are likely to occur whether there are obvious signs.
All of these rules apply to skiers as well.
The Rules
The following are included in this section. If you can think of any others I have missed, please let me know in the comments section at the end of the post, and I will include them.
Here are the 9 basic snowboarding rules;
- Passing Etiquette
- Responsibility for you
- Taking responsibility for others
- Safe Stopping
- Stopping rules
- Respect the sign
- Keep the boundaries in mind.
- Snowboarding leash?
- Terrain Park Regulations
let's explain them
1. Passing Etiquette
It is the responsibility of the person attempting to pass to do so safely.
If you are higher up the slope and faster than the person below, you must safely pass them. So be it if this means slowing down to allow for a better passing spot.
It is not their responsibility to move out of your way. They can't see you because you're always looking at them.
You also have responsibilities as the person lower down the mountain (see stopping rules below)
2. Responsibility for You
When you go snowboarding, you should be aware of the risks involved. It is up to you to ride within your limits and take all the necessary precautions.
You should only rely on yourself to ensure a safe riding experience. Yes, resorts will try to make things as safe as possible because they don't want any injuries in their resorts - but that's just them looking out for themselves. You must protect your interests.
3. Taking Responsibility for Others
More importantly, you must accept responsibility for the safety of others.
For example, if you go over a jump without first ensuring that the landing area is clear, you are not taking responsibility for the safety of others.
Suppose you ride beyond your limits, for example, riding too fast for your ability and being unable to stop or slow down and potentially injuring someone else. In that case, you are not taking responsibility for others.
4. Safe Stopping
Before you start riding too fast, make sure you can stop comfortably. Of course, when you're learning, you'll fall and lose control sometimes - but don't ride at high speeds if you can't stop yourself or maneuver around obstacles.
If riding slowly, you can always do a crash stop (intentionally take a tumble) to avoid danger. But if you run too fast and do a crash stop, you will have too much momentum and likely won't stop in time.
5. Stopping Rules
You could stop partway down a slope to wait for a friend, rest, or adjust some gear. But when you stop, there are some simple things to consider.
Ensure you don't come to a sudden halt in front of others. Before you stop, make sure no one is following you. If there is, move to the side or wait until they pass you before stopping.
Stopping around a blind corner, on the other side of a jump or lip, or anywhere else where other riders or skiers can't see you clearly from a good distance away is not a good idea. To put it another way, stop where you can be seen.
Only stop where you will not obstruct others.
When you restart from a stop, give way to riders already moving. It is your responsibility to re-enter the slope without disturbing anyone else, which applies to riders and skiers!
6. Respect the Signs
If a sign says "do not enter," it is most likely there for a reason, so pay attention to it.
If there is a sign that says "slow area" or something similar, obey it; these are usually in areas where beginners are riding or skiing, and hurtling through there at 100 miles per hour may make you feel cool, but everyone else thinks you're a jerk!
There are numerous places on the mountain where you can satisfy your need for speed.
This is true for any other sign. The signs are generally there for a reason; even if you can't think of one, you may be unaware of other factors.
7. Keep the Boundaries in mind.
Going beyond those boundaries may lead you into dangerous terrain or down a path that prevents you from returning to the lifts or the resort base.
Backcountry (off-piste) areas are designated in many resorts. Use these areas only if you are an experienced backcountry rider or accompanied by a guide - and only if you follow the resort's specific backcountry guidelines.
8. Snowboarding Leash
There are very few resorts that require a snowboard leash, and even fewer that enforce it. I have never seen it or experienced it.
I've never used a leash and believe it's unnecessary.
However, you should be aware that if you are not strapped into your board or holding onto it, it can be extremely dangerous if it runs free on the slopes.
If you can be distracted and let go of your board before you're strapped in, this might be a good idea - but for most people, it's not. However, remember that you are responsible for the safety of others, and this is a part of that.
9. Terrain Park Rules
Every resort has its own terrain park rules, but the following are common to the majority. When you think about it, they all make sense.
As always, you are responsible for your own and others' safety.
Know your limits and progress slowly. Only attempt tricks, jumps, obstacles, and so on that you are comfortable with.
Plan ahead of time: Park features constantly change due to snow conditions, usage, grooming, and time of day. Expect the park to be different from what it was the day before. Do a slow run through the park and even ride past the features and look at them to get to know the park for that day. Once you've identified your obstacles, plan for which ones you'll encounter before you begin your run.
Some resorts do not allow inverted aerials, so check your resort's inverted aerial policy.
Look before you leap: Before riding jumps, make sure the landing zones are clear.
Keep an eye on your surroundings: Never stop immediately after a jump or obstacle, and never stop in any landing zone.
Conclusion
So those are some of the fundamental rules of snowboarding. Remember to read your resort's specific rules. If you can think of any other rules I have overlooked that you believe are important, please comment in the section below, and I will include them.
