Snowboarding on the plastic

Learning to snowboard on a plastic: Disadvantages, advantages and tips for beginners

Snowboarding on plastic is a great way to start your adventure with this sport, even when there's no snow. While riding on a synthetic surface differs from being on a real slope, it’s an accessible and valuable training option. Beginners can take their first steps on plastic in a controlled environment before tackling the challenges of snowy trails. Instead of focusing on the difficulties, it’s worth recognizing the immense potential for learning and fun that plastic offers.

Why is plastic a good place to start?

1. Easier availability
   Plasctic covered slopes are available year-round, often closer to home than mountain resorts. This is a great option for those who want to start learning to snowboard before winter arrives. You don't have to wait for the first snow or invest in an expensive trip to the mountains - a visit to a local slope is enough.
2. Security of the controlled environment
   Plastic allows beginners to start learning quietly where the slope is gentle and conditions are more predictable. The lack of crowding and lower speeds help beginners focus on learning the basics - such as balance, board positioning and first turns.
3. Technique training from the ground up
   Plastic forces precision and conscious movements, which is a great introduction to snow skiing. The surface does not forgive mistakes - if you learn to turn and balance correctly here, you will feel more confident on the real slope.

How does plastic affect learning to ride?

• Slower pace
  On plastic, board doesn't reach the same speeds as on snow. For beginners, this is a huge plus - you can focus on learning to control the board without worrying about accelerating too fast.
• Stability and balance
  Unlike snow, plastic provides more resistance, which can help you learn how to maintain balance. It will help you understand how to work your body and feet to move smoothly from edge to edge.
• Strengthening the fundamentals of technology
  The transitions between edges are a bit more difficult on the plastic, but this teaches you to work your knees and hips properly. This will help you quickly master key movements that will come in handy on snow.

Advantages of riding the plastic for beginners

• Availability throughout the year - you can start learning at any time and practice regularly.
• More emphasis on technique - plastic requires accuracy, which helps to acquire correct habits faster.
• Less cost and convenience - local plastic slopes are often cheaper and more accessible than trips to the mountains.

Challenges worth tackling

• More difficult turns
  On plastic, the edges of the board do not bite into the ground as easily as on snow. It requires a harder push and a more precise body position, which can be more difficult at first.
• More friction
  The lack of natural glide means the board doesn't glide as smoothly, but it gives you a better understanding of how snowboarding works and how to control it.

Tips for beginners

1. Start with flat slopes
   To begin with, choose a gentle route to get used to the board and the surface. This is an ideal place to practice the basics, such as standing up on the board or making your first turns.
2. Work on balance
   Plastic can be less predictable than snow, so learning the right balance is key. Try to stay loose and transfer your weight evenly between your feet.
3. Practice patiently
   Don't be discouraged by the initial difficulties. Riding on plastic requires a little more work, but mastering the basics here will make riding on snow much easier for you.

Summary

Plastic is a great place to start learning to snowboard. Although different from snow, it allows you to get used to the board and master the basics of technique in controlled conditions. More difficult turns and greater resistance are not an obstacle, but a challenge that builds a solid foundation for further learning. If you approach it with patience, the igloo will become your first step to confident riding on real slopes.

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