After discovering the joy of surfing, outdoor sports fans have carried the board from waves to almost every level or medium of nature. Windsurf, skateboard, wakeboard and finally snowboard are the outcome of this idea. Snowboarding which was initially used for transportation purposes has recently become a very popular outdoor sport world-wide.
Snowboarding combines the thrill of flying and the artistry of ballet. It is done completely with upper body movements and you must have a total balance of control. As the first step, you should determine whether you are regular or goofy, meaning whether you are comfortable with your left foot forward or your right foot forward while snowboarding.
There are two types of snowboarding depending on the kinds of boots: hard and soft snowboarding. Hard snowboarding is more appropriate for racing and soft snowboarding is better for recreational purposes.
The belief that one should know how to ski before how to snowboard is not true because snowboarding and skiing have totally different rules. You can learn snowboarding easily in a week if you have some determination and the snowboard.
The best part of snowboarding is that you can go off limits. You do not have to follow the paths of the skiers; you can go into the infinite white with wind on your face and a spray of snow behind you.
Bilkent Ski and Snowboard Club brings all winter sports lovers together. It provides the opportunity to learn and try both snowboarding and skiing. The club arranges tours during the holidays and weekends with snowboarding and skiing lessons for the new comers. Come and enjoy speeding by yourself. For further information, contact Cem at 0532 331-2266.
By Hande Yedidal (IR-IV)
