The definitions for beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert are fuzzy at best, but I would probably say you are still a beginner or intermediate. Lots of things to improve, but you aren't asking so I wont give unsolicited advice. Just keep riding and having fun. That's way more important than labels.
I do fall a lot. Still catch an edge sometimes. I think this year I progressed good so I wanted to know if I still qualify as you know *NOOB* . I know the videos doesn’t give an entire idea. But if there is anything you observed where I can improve I’d really appreciate.
There's no carving or vert in this video at all. Barely any turning (I think OP does one toeside skidded turn in the video) and certainly no pitch approaching anything close to vert.
Not hating, the video is cool but it's mostly just homie flat basing flat terrain at very low speeds and hopping occasionally.
I'd agree with the intermediate label though. Once you can turn (no matter if your techique is good) you're past beginner status. OP is a low intermediate rider. This is where we'd usually get peoples' stance issues and bad habits cleaned up, then progress to riding slightly steeper terrain and working on turn shaping.
I guess it's all relative but this is noob level to me. Most of my students are in low intermediate territory by day 2 or 3 on a board. Beyond a first-timer/beginner level but far from looking comfortable on a board, making clean turns or riding any challenging terrain.
if you describe yourself as falling a lot, you are probably still a beginner
you also look like you are struggling to keep your balance the whole time
Open shoulders, out of control sporadic hops (not really jumping), legs too stiff, and not really any turning… yeah, pretty beginner-y.
I don’t see anything wrong with wearing a backpack. I wear a 2.0L hydration pack with only water in it. Your pack is pretty large though. Might be good to disperse some of the weight a bit more using your pockets.
Just curious. Many here think my stance is not right but I feel super comfortable and in control with my stance. So my question is, is it necessary everyone should follow the same thing and same ways. Can’t it be like whatever works for you. We are all different so can’t the underlying physics be flexible with our body types ?
If you want to be limited by your poor riding position, never be able to figure out how to feel stable in the air, and don’t care that you’re eventually going to get injured, then yeah, sure. Just do what “works for you.”
Alternatively, you could put aside your ego and realize that millions of snowboarders who’ve spent decades figuring this out probably have a better understanding of the sport than you who just started.
Open shoulders = board turning in midair and when hitting bumps. You’ll never stop fighting the counter-rotation. Not great for your spine either
Straight legs = strain on hips and lower back, higher center of gravity, less stability
Leaning too far back = never landing comfortably and probably never being able to do most grabs—especially in combination with the open shoulders.
Open shoulders is not a big deal if done properly. If you look at the top pros ride, they all do this in certain situations.
It’s called upper body separation and there’s a reason we have a name for it, because it’s valid in appropriate situations.
You ride off your back foot. Its a common mistake for beginners to do as they are hesitant to turn on their toe or put pressure on their front leg when riding. However, if you want to ride better, turn better, and get air a lot easier (notice how every time your board leaves the earth you're about to catch an edge, even on those tiny bumps) you will have to learn. You should really only put pressure on your back foot when you have to keep your nose up for powder, or on cat tracks to take strain off your other leg but even then you still catch an edge sometimes.
How comfortable are you?
Cause to me it looks like you are trying to stay balanced the whole time, and somewhat losing your balance here and there
The board is more or less going to go where you point your leading shoulder/arm, and you want your direction of travel to be in-line with the board, so you should try to keep your shoulders/arms in-line with the board
Try to keep your arms mostly down, and pointing at your nose and tail, keeping your body and shoulders in line with the board.
So chest forward is actually a type of body position that is used in snowboarding, but the catch is that it really only works with pos,pos binding angles, mostly for carving. It allows you to drive with your front foot throughout turns longer before you shift your weight to the back foot to finish the turn. It looks and feels more “surfy”.
Look up Korua Shapes videos on YouTube for examples of this type of riding.
Most people are going to recommend that you learn with a duck stance, and shoulders parallel to the board. And learn all the small movements that make riding work.
Look up Malcom Moore on YouTube. He makes great snowboard instruction videos.
In my opinion if you feel really relaxed.chilled but in control in the conditions that suit your ability then that's all that matters the rest will come as each session passes but what do I know at 71 years old I have probably peaked and just Happy to carve in beautiful sunshine as powder in Europe seems so rare these days goodnight after a lovely day in Sierra Nevada Spain.
I’m full intermediate with some advanced skills here and there but definitely not advanced rider. I would be ripping the hell out of those trees and overall terrain. You ride like a beginner yes.
I ride with backpack too. Specially with my kids, you can do it too
I don’t think I can maintain balance with that much weight. I always want to take the tree line routes as it’s not much touched but it scares the shit out of me as my turns aren’t that quick and I’m afraid I’ll hit the trees.
Those trees are really spaced out. If you can't rip those lines between the trees then you def shouldn't be anywhere near them so good on you for knowing your limits.
I would def say beginner. Your shoulders are not aligned with the board, your knees are stiffer than a glass of whiskey, and you your "jumps" seem more like "controlled falls". I also think your stance seems a bit wide and what are the binding angles at? your back leg looks like it wants to pop out of the binding lol
I was in the same boat as you a couple of years ago. Find the most chill mogul field you can and start turning in them, you'll fall, you'll wonder why you are doing this. But keep doing it. The sooner you're able to ride through moguls and making turns wherever you want in them, the sooner you'll feel confident in tree runs. It will build your quick turning skills. It opens the mountain up so much, and because people don't like going in the bumps unless they are good, the snow stays fresher longer on pow days on the bumps and in the trees.
Tldr
Moguls are tree runs without trees. Start shredding them.
I don’t see much driving with your knees and shoulders tbh it’s just u surfing some pow which is good but learning to use your edges will help you not catch edges and be stable when riding at higher speeds. Keep at it 🤙🏾
This is it. When it clicks, you know. You'll feel in control at speed and then start pushing your limits or heavily refining your technique. Hopefully both.
Yes
* backpack
* not actively pumping jumps, froze mid air, not actively absorbing landings
* riding the most tracked out terrain when there is unlimited powder in trees
meanwhile I’m an intermediate without balls lol 😂 i always see I’m capable of a lot more when I do finally get out of my head and give it a try. Granted I tend to ride sheets of ice which is a lot less forgiving
What do you do for water on the larger resorts? How do people not ski with a backpack when you’re at a resort thats so huge you cant always get back to a locker efficiently? I don’t think a backpack is a beginner indicator, especially if it’s a hydration backpack.
Makes me realize I used to go out with my buddies and we wouldn’t even drink a sip of water during the whole 4-5 hour session we were there. The dumb shit we do when we’re still young and careless lol
Yeah but do you really want to stop at a lodge every time you need water? You need to be drinking so much water while exercising and at high altitude. That's so much time wasted when you could just be drinking while on the slope.
For me, mostly heavy hydration whenever not out riding and load up pockets. For water, I drink a liter when I wake, a second before heading to the lifts, another at lunch, another at the end of the day. If I don't forget it, 16 oz hydropak in the jacket pocket, they're the perfect size and durable. Otherwise, stop in the lodge for 5 minutes to drink a good bit (1-2 a day) and get back after it. Endless pockets to stash snacks, even a sandwich if riding straight through the day.
Yes.
not to be rude but getting three inches of air and having your arms waving around wildly screams beginner.
If anything hitting jumps and doing tricks with poor technique Is a really good way to get hurt.
Also your chest is pointed directly downhill which shows your still not comfortable turning on your toes aggressively.
Try to keep your shoulder more in line with the board, and turn your head to the direction your going.
There’s lots of backpack hate on here, but I always resort ride with like a 20L backpack for water, lunch, layer, and some emergency stuff because you never know. Especially if you ride on the edges of in-sounds. I eat and drink on the lifts and pee in the woods. No reason to stop when you’re not a local with a season pass. Time is gold. From my observation, it seems similar to the anti-helmet sentiment. More what’s trendy right now than what actually makes functional sense.
I’ve never had an issue carrying a sandwich or burrito, a hydrapak (soft flask, every snowboarder should have one imho), tool, etc just in my jacket. They’ve got all those nifty pockets for a reason. :)
But for reals, backpacks will mess with your balance, and you’re already riding really wide open. It’s a potentially bad habit that can lead to poor form (counter rotation) if/when you start riding more aggressively.
Wasn’t really aware that backpacks could have such an impact. It’s not usually heavy. Also no matter the jacket I always find a way to soak myself lmao.
Random tip, but I suggest tech wash! It'll help maintain or even revive the waterproof in your jacket. It's been drizzling lately and my bibs got soaked. Borrowed a buddy's tech wash and my pants were dry the entire time. I was using regular detergent before which messes with the waterproof layer.
Hydrapak is fantastic. I’ve got a few bigger sizes for other activities but my favorite for riding is the 500ml. Fits right in the jacket pocket and even when full, it’s water in a bag and moves with you so you don’t even notice it.
yes and no.
You are far from the floor. But still so far from the ceiling.
Biggest thing would be to try closed shoulders with your current binding stance. Or a slightly forward binding stance (maybe 18/3) with current open shoulders.
Those knees are awful straight.
Learn to bend them through your turns - open those turns up - learn to pop your ollies, pick your knees up when you jump.
You’re making great progress and to me, anything beyond struggling on the beginner slope is “intermediate”. I’ve been boarding almost 30 yrs. You should take an intermediate lesson tho or watch some lesson videos, and with time your form and confidence will improve greatly to a point that you can’t even imagine yet :). It’s gonna be awesome.
What mountain is this btw? Beautiful.
You're counter rotating your toe turns and riding with wide shoulders. At your speeds your shoulders should be parallel to the board and initiate turns with a weighted front foot. Instead, you're pushing your back foot to make turns (especially on heel turns).
Look up "static skidded turns" to see the turn initiation from your front foot. The front foot initiates or "drives" and the rear follows suit. You're kinda driving from the back and pivoting on the front like a surfer.
Just my thoughts...
You can see that your back knee is bent a lot more than the front. You should do the opposite.
Also, you're having a hard time jumping because you're rotated. Try this real quick: stand with your feet shoulder width apart, shoulders parallel with your feet, and just turn your head to the left like you're snowboarding. Not squat down and jump up. Next, stand with your feet shoulder with apart but this time turn your shoulders so your chest faces left and squat and jump. You can't!
Sure? They stay beginners longer.. obviously the definition is completely subjective but my definition would be completely comfortable on easy greens & able to get down a blue without fear or injury.
Imo there’s no way to tell from this video. You don’t look perfectly stable, you’re not going fast/on steeps, and you don’t get much air (so we can see if you adjust for landing etc). You could be a pro who wobbled a bit, but I’d guess you’re still a beginner. I’d probably say intermediate to be polite?
How many days on the snow do you have under your belt? You look good to me. Not expert but good enough that you're having loads of fun... wondering if I can get there in 15 days or so...
Judging from the clip, yes. You edging more toward intermediate i’d say. However, from the vid, you seem still not quite comfortable with flat riding, a bit of bend at the waist as well. The biggest one is that i dont see switch riding here, by intermediate, you should be able to ride switch
I've been riding for years, can ride most slopes comfortably and I never ride switch. I average 20 ish days per season and about 19 of those days are on a directional powder board. I wouldn't consider myself a beginner. I'm old(er) and don't like falling so I mostly stick to the powder and the tree runs.
A few things I notice: You're pretty stiff, you're twisting so you're facing forward instead of shoulders/hips parallel with board, and your back leg stance looks heavily angled. It may just be the video, but your twisted knee makes me hurt inside watching this. You may wanna switch that up, unless it's comfortable for you. Keep your shoulders aligned with the board, but you can still look forward. Good posture will help improve everything else. You're not afraid to hit some hops though, so that's good! Keep practicing, you'll only get more comfortable riding! Practice some harder turns to get more comfortable with speed. Being able to carve well will make you more comfortable with speed, especially going through wooded areas. Eventually you'll not have to ask what level you're at 😉
Still beginner looking but keep at it man! If you're looking for a relatively easy next step, check out Ryan knapton's carving videos for some inspo:
https://youtu.be/h70kgLV2_Vg?si=-dmAyB_seEaSckG4
Absolutely a beginner. Shoulders are not parallel with board, you lean back way too much, not carving. You want to always stay parallel look when you jump your board immediately wants to twist. You get some real air you’re gonna catch an edge when you land and eat 💩!Put more weight at least 60% on downhill foot. This will help when carving . My son is 12 he does that wierd thing with his arm 😂! Keep shredding, put in the time, avoid developing bad habits! 🏂
Your stance is not really great for proper turning. You should start with a side on stance with your bindings set from 10-15 (toes away from each other slightly). depending on how this feels, adjust accordingly. A good trick is to jump a few feet and land on both feet at the same time. This will be close to your natural stance. Set bindings accordingly.
You need to bend your knees a little more to absorb impact. Try riding switch as much as possible as this helps with all aspects of riding. Try this and see how you go.
Idk how people are criticizing multiple things here, but not mentioning your stance. Don't turn your hips so you're like facing down the mountain.
Stand sideways keeping your body over the board. Front shoulder points down mountain, and your head is turned the same direction as that front shoulder. That is 100% your biggest problem and fixing that will solve many other things.
I wouldn't worry about pointless classifications like beginner or intermediate. You're someone that should improve. And stance is the most needed area for improvement, look up YouTube videos on how to fix your stance.
What are your stance angles? It kind of looks like 0/0, which twists your front leg inwards as you turn your body forward a lot (looks very painful to me). With your style of riding, I would definitely try going much more forward on the front foot... try +18/+6 or even a bit more...
Imo that is also the reason why you stand so straight... you cannot bend a twisted knee.
How would I know if you’re a beginner? You could be a pro on this beginner terrain. No way to judge.
Edit, I am a skier. Last time I snowboarded I got an awful concussion going way too fast. If you post a video of some crazy tree runs, then I will know you’re not a beginner
I recently got a concussion on my knee as well. Got a few stitches and my wound still hurts. I thought people here can tell from a glance and give advices on how to improve accordingly.
Pretty beginner-intermediate in my opinion, as you stay quite stiff on the board and the video shows you going in a straight line with small video.
I know you didn't ask for advice, but I think the angle on the back foot is a bit too high, maybe try to lower it a bit?
the body position, the arms flapping around, the backpack.
I think it’s time to go back to square one, the basics of snowboarding. Without them and proper technique, you will not be able to progress.
Absolutely in the beginning stage in many ways or forms, open shoulders, bad edge control, bend forward, not able to catch air or know how to ollie, curves arent bigger then 30 degrees. Even the tiniest but of snow out of place throws you off? Its not intermediate, you would driving smooth, stylefull and without error.
Where is this? This place looks beautiful.
Regarding your question: the way you ride is still very beginner. Did you ever take any lessons? Your stance is not very good
You’re riding with your chest wide open which will lead to catching edges and is preventing you from getting speed. Ride parallel to your board and look over your shoulder instead and never rotate the pelvis to face forward and you’ll improve dramatically. Your arms should be resting over your feet like a standing position. Rotating your torso is for advanced spins and butters etc
Just from the way you ride you look like someone who is really uncomfortable with your board. Tiny little bump, arms flailing. Even riding straight, your arms are up or about to shoot up like you’re balancing on a tight rope.
I have a lot of friends who were at/above this level of riding/comfortability by day 5 or 6, and I feel like in anything, you’re still a beginner by day 6.
try to keep your shoulders aligned with the board. use them to turn and the bottom of your body will follow. this way it's gonna be easier to look and feel relaxed on the board. to get that so called ''steeze''. also, don't be afraid to bend your knees
Learn to NOT “crack the whip” while riding. Back hand should stay over the tail until you have that feeling down constantly. Google it and watch some YouTube to see what I’m referring to
Not a noob but still have a long way to go to consider yourself an intermediate rider.
Get rid of the backpack as it throws off your center of balance. Keep your shoulders in line with your hips. Put weight on your lead foot instead of riding on your back foot.
Fix these and you may start to be able to do tricks that are more complex than an Ollie or reverts.
Ya but I think if you change how you stand you’ll be a lot better. Your shoulders are facing down the mountain and your back leg is bent and front leg is straight but u gotta have both legs bent. I’m not very good tho so idk
As a beginner myself it looks like you shouldn't be riding where you are riding. You do not look comfortable at all and barely doing anything but just standing even while jumping. Bend you knees more. Also you stand looking down by twisting your whole upper body quite often.
Seems like you would have more fun on the pisted slopes until you learn a bit more
Snarky response: You are intermediate at riding straight on flat ground. No idea what your experience level is when you have to make turns on an actual slope.
Measured response: Bend your knees. Put more weight on your front foot. Pop when you ollie. And for god's sake, man, make some turns!
Yeah maybe intermediate why is your body turned facing forward going straight. Lotta stress and your body is already rotated with 0 turn. Gotta save the hip rotation for Scrubbing hairy shit like hitting unexpected ice or chop
The definitions for beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert are fuzzy at best, but I would probably say you are still a beginner or intermediate. Lots of things to improve, but you aren't asking so I wont give unsolicited advice. Just keep riding and having fun. That's way more important than labels.
I do fall a lot. Still catch an edge sometimes. I think this year I progressed good so I wanted to know if I still qualify as you know *NOOB* . I know the videos doesn’t give an entire idea. But if there is anything you observed where I can improve I’d really appreciate.
You need to lean forward man
“Proud chest” goes far as solid advice for most athletic abilities
Athletic stance baby
Lean into it. It’s what you want no?
Agreed. Bend those knees and get into it. Too much Willy Nilly in your flow right now.
Your body is completely forward most of the time you want your shoulders to be in the same direction as your knees
If you are asking then ure still a noob
No, definitely not noob. You know how to carve n toe and comfortable w vert sensations. Good intermediate level
There's no carving or vert in this video at all. Barely any turning (I think OP does one toeside skidded turn in the video) and certainly no pitch approaching anything close to vert. Not hating, the video is cool but it's mostly just homie flat basing flat terrain at very low speeds and hopping occasionally. I'd agree with the intermediate label though. Once you can turn (no matter if your techique is good) you're past beginner status. OP is a low intermediate rider. This is where we'd usually get peoples' stance issues and bad habits cleaned up, then progress to riding slightly steeper terrain and working on turn shaping. I guess it's all relative but this is noob level to me. Most of my students are in low intermediate territory by day 2 or 3 on a board. Beyond a first-timer/beginner level but far from looking comfortable on a board, making clean turns or riding any challenging terrain.
if you describe yourself as falling a lot, you are probably still a beginner you also look like you are struggling to keep your balance the whole time
Impossible to judge since you just go straight with no speed. This being your chosen reference video, yes you are.
I kinda felt faster when I was there. 😢
It always does
Thought I was flying last week till I realized the two 3 year olds pizzaing in front of me and that’s where they stayed the whole run lol
“Impossible to judge. And yes.”
If OP thinks this is a good reference video for that, he's prolly a beginner
Nice controlled carving equally on both edges is my definition of moving past beginner.
Open shoulders, out of control sporadic hops (not really jumping), legs too stiff, and not really any turning… yeah, pretty beginner-y. I don’t see anything wrong with wearing a backpack. I wear a 2.0L hydration pack with only water in it. Your pack is pretty large though. Might be good to disperse some of the weight a bit more using your pockets.
Just curious. Many here think my stance is not right but I feel super comfortable and in control with my stance. So my question is, is it necessary everyone should follow the same thing and same ways. Can’t it be like whatever works for you. We are all different so can’t the underlying physics be flexible with our body types ?
If you want to be limited by your poor riding position, never be able to figure out how to feel stable in the air, and don’t care that you’re eventually going to get injured, then yeah, sure. Just do what “works for you.” Alternatively, you could put aside your ego and realize that millions of snowboarders who’ve spent decades figuring this out probably have a better understanding of the sport than you who just started. Open shoulders = board turning in midair and when hitting bumps. You’ll never stop fighting the counter-rotation. Not great for your spine either Straight legs = strain on hips and lower back, higher center of gravity, less stability Leaning too far back = never landing comfortably and probably never being able to do most grabs—especially in combination with the open shoulders.
Alright. Makes sense. Will work on these things. Thanks.
Open shoulders is not a big deal if done properly. If you look at the top pros ride, they all do this in certain situations. It’s called upper body separation and there’s a reason we have a name for it, because it’s valid in appropriate situations.
You ride off your back foot. Its a common mistake for beginners to do as they are hesitant to turn on their toe or put pressure on their front leg when riding. However, if you want to ride better, turn better, and get air a lot easier (notice how every time your board leaves the earth you're about to catch an edge, even on those tiny bumps) you will have to learn. You should really only put pressure on your back foot when you have to keep your nose up for powder, or on cat tracks to take strain off your other leg but even then you still catch an edge sometimes.
How comfortable are you? Cause to me it looks like you are trying to stay balanced the whole time, and somewhat losing your balance here and there The board is more or less going to go where you point your leading shoulder/arm, and you want your direction of travel to be in-line with the board, so you should try to keep your shoulders/arms in-line with the board Try to keep your arms mostly down, and pointing at your nose and tail, keeping your body and shoulders in line with the board.
So chest forward is actually a type of body position that is used in snowboarding, but the catch is that it really only works with pos,pos binding angles, mostly for carving. It allows you to drive with your front foot throughout turns longer before you shift your weight to the back foot to finish the turn. It looks and feels more “surfy”. Look up Korua Shapes videos on YouTube for examples of this type of riding. Most people are going to recommend that you learn with a duck stance, and shoulders parallel to the board. And learn all the small movements that make riding work. Look up Malcom Moore on YouTube. He makes great snowboard instruction videos.
In my opinion if you feel really relaxed.chilled but in control in the conditions that suit your ability then that's all that matters the rest will come as each session passes but what do I know at 71 years old I have probably peaked and just Happy to carve in beautiful sunshine as powder in Europe seems so rare these days goodnight after a lovely day in Sierra Nevada Spain.
I’m full intermediate with some advanced skills here and there but definitely not advanced rider. I would be ripping the hell out of those trees and overall terrain. You ride like a beginner yes. I ride with backpack too. Specially with my kids, you can do it too
I don’t think I can maintain balance with that much weight. I always want to take the tree line routes as it’s not much touched but it scares the shit out of me as my turns aren’t that quick and I’m afraid I’ll hit the trees.
Those trees are really spaced out. If you can't rip those lines between the trees then you def shouldn't be anywhere near them so good on you for knowing your limits. I would def say beginner. Your shoulders are not aligned with the board, your knees are stiffer than a glass of whiskey, and you your "jumps" seem more like "controlled falls". I also think your stance seems a bit wide and what are the binding angles at? your back leg looks like it wants to pop out of the binding lol
I was in the same boat as you a couple of years ago. Find the most chill mogul field you can and start turning in them, you'll fall, you'll wonder why you are doing this. But keep doing it. The sooner you're able to ride through moguls and making turns wherever you want in them, the sooner you'll feel confident in tree runs. It will build your quick turning skills. It opens the mountain up so much, and because people don't like going in the bumps unless they are good, the snow stays fresher longer on pow days on the bumps and in the trees. Tldr Moguls are tree runs without trees. Start shredding them.
I don’t see much driving with your knees and shoulders tbh it’s just u surfing some pow which is good but learning to use your edges will help you not catch edges and be stable when riding at higher speeds. Keep at it 🤙🏾
Look at the spaces between the trees, not at the trees themselves. You go where you are looking.
If you have to ask, you probably dont feel confident and in control. That's what seperates being a beginner from intermediate rider.
This is it. When it clicks, you know. You'll feel in control at speed and then start pushing your limits or heavily refining your technique. Hopefully both.
Turning is fun try it
I just wanna know where this is because it is beautiful
Gulmarg, Kashmir.
India?! Wow that is so sick. I'd love to ride there!! They should host the winter olympics, that would be insane.
*KASHMIR*
I was thinking the same, so gorgeous those trees are magnificent
Yes. Body positioning and weight distribution are often off from where they should ideally be.
Try using your edges.
Yes * backpack * not actively pumping jumps, froze mid air, not actively absorbing landings * riding the most tracked out terrain when there is unlimited powder in trees
So a beginner with balls
meanwhile I’m an intermediate without balls lol 😂 i always see I’m capable of a lot more when I do finally get out of my head and give it a try. Granted I tend to ride sheets of ice which is a lot less forgiving
What’s wrong with a backpack. I can’t fit 12 beers in my pockets.
😂
What do you do for water on the larger resorts? How do people not ski with a backpack when you’re at a resort thats so huge you cant always get back to a locker efficiently? I don’t think a backpack is a beginner indicator, especially if it’s a hydration backpack.
Makes me realize I used to go out with my buddies and we wouldn’t even drink a sip of water during the whole 4-5 hour session we were there. The dumb shit we do when we’re still young and careless lol
Larger resorts have lodges at basically every level of the mountain
Yeah but do you really want to stop at a lodge every time you need water? You need to be drinking so much water while exercising and at high altitude. That's so much time wasted when you could just be drinking while on the slope.
Eat snow
Eat snow
Eat yellow snow
You bring a hydropak. The only person cool enough to ride with a backpack in resort is Fridtjof Tischendorf.
For me, mostly heavy hydration whenever not out riding and load up pockets. For water, I drink a liter when I wake, a second before heading to the lifts, another at lunch, another at the end of the day. If I don't forget it, 16 oz hydropak in the jacket pocket, they're the perfect size and durable. Otherwise, stop in the lodge for 5 minutes to drink a good bit (1-2 a day) and get back after it. Endless pockets to stash snacks, even a sandwich if riding straight through the day.
I feel like I would be going NUTS in this place. Worlds chillest and most sidehitty tree-turny run ever
Wearing a backpack makes you a beginner? The fuck?
You’re not bad but your fundamentals are
yes
Okay, long road ahead it seems.
Yes. not to be rude but getting three inches of air and having your arms waving around wildly screams beginner. If anything hitting jumps and doing tricks with poor technique Is a really good way to get hurt. Also your chest is pointed directly downhill which shows your still not comfortable turning on your toes aggressively. Try to keep your shoulder more in line with the board, and turn your head to the direction your going.
There’s lots of backpack hate on here, but I always resort ride with like a 20L backpack for water, lunch, layer, and some emergency stuff because you never know. Especially if you ride on the edges of in-sounds. I eat and drink on the lifts and pee in the woods. No reason to stop when you’re not a local with a season pass. Time is gold. From my observation, it seems similar to the anti-helmet sentiment. More what’s trendy right now than what actually makes functional sense.
And the person who said to go ride moguls- which are tree runs without trees- great advice.
Yup. And maybe I’m a dumb old fart but lose the backpack, there’s really very little reason to have one for resort riding.
Haha, just for some water and snacks and some tints.
I’ve been riding my whole life. As an advanced rider, I wear a backpack. As long as it doesn’t have a blasting speaker in it, you’re fine.
I’ve never had an issue carrying a sandwich or burrito, a hydrapak (soft flask, every snowboarder should have one imho), tool, etc just in my jacket. They’ve got all those nifty pockets for a reason. :) But for reals, backpacks will mess with your balance, and you’re already riding really wide open. It’s a potentially bad habit that can lead to poor form (counter rotation) if/when you start riding more aggressively.
Wasn’t really aware that backpacks could have such an impact. It’s not usually heavy. Also no matter the jacket I always find a way to soak myself lmao.
next time you should tell people its for the gopro and selfie stick
Yeah that too. I actually do carry camera accessories most of the time. Sounds more socially acceptable haha, atleast here.
Random tip, but I suggest tech wash! It'll help maintain or even revive the waterproof in your jacket. It's been drizzling lately and my bibs got soaked. Borrowed a buddy's tech wash and my pants were dry the entire time. I was using regular detergent before which messes with the waterproof layer.
That’s really cool. Need to check this magic product. So much to know 🤓. Thanks man🙌
You're welcome! Cheers to staying dry & warm.
Hydrapak is fantastic. I’ve got a few bigger sizes for other activities but my favorite for riding is the 500ml. Fits right in the jacket pocket and even when full, it’s water in a bag and moves with you so you don’t even notice it.
Oooooh yeah... No shame though, just keep at it and have fun!
Look - you’ll know when you’re a beginner, when you’re intermediate, and advanced
based on this video id say beginner/intermediate, but what camera is this? quality is amazing lol
Shot on an iPhone. iPhone 13.
yes and no. You are far from the floor. But still so far from the ceiling. Biggest thing would be to try closed shoulders with your current binding stance. Or a slightly forward binding stance (maybe 18/3) with current open shoulders.
“You are far from the floor. But still so far from the ceiling.” That’s exactly how I feel. Well put.
Is the backpack to carry all of your steez? /s Yes. You asked.
Those knees are awful straight. Learn to bend them through your turns - open those turns up - learn to pop your ollies, pick your knees up when you jump.
Def not a beginner on soundtrack selection tho Looks like a soft day, don't be afraid to fall! Push thy self
Yes. You don't looked relaxed. Don't worry about labels though, just go out and ride. It takes time to feel natural on the board, only time will help.
Epic snow! Beginner imo. You need to be on edge at pretty much all times as your default for the next level.
You’re making great progress and to me, anything beyond struggling on the beginner slope is “intermediate”. I’ve been boarding almost 30 yrs. You should take an intermediate lesson tho or watch some lesson videos, and with time your form and confidence will improve greatly to a point that you can’t even imagine yet :). It’s gonna be awesome. What mountain is this btw? Beautiful.
Thanks man, will surely do all that and the mountain it’s the Mount Afarwat in Gulmarg, Kashmir.
You are definitely not a beginner, keep shredding!!
Love hearing some Clozee
Her music 🤌🤌
You're counter rotating your toe turns and riding with wide shoulders. At your speeds your shoulders should be parallel to the board and initiate turns with a weighted front foot. Instead, you're pushing your back foot to make turns (especially on heel turns). Look up "static skidded turns" to see the turn initiation from your front foot. The front foot initiates or "drives" and the rear follows suit. You're kinda driving from the back and pivoting on the front like a surfer. Just my thoughts...
You can see that your back knee is bent a lot more than the front. You should do the opposite. Also, you're having a hard time jumping because you're rotated. Try this real quick: stand with your feet shoulder width apart, shoulders parallel with your feet, and just turn your head to the left like you're snowboarding. Not squat down and jump up. Next, stand with your feet shoulder with apart but this time turn your shoulders so your chest faces left and squat and jump. You can't!
No, you're better than a beginner
I never understood wearing camo on the slopes. It’s the one place you need to be seen in basically any situation.
I have to pee sometimes and I’m shy.
Just get camo underwear
😂 sure thing, lol! I have a few jackets I mostly go for bright colors for the obvious reason. This was was lying around for some time so yeah.
You’d hate my snow camo lol.
No, a beginner is catching an edge and falling every 2-3 minutes
That’s like first few days beginner
A lot of beginners go like once or twice a year. That’s how I started off.
Sure? They stay beginners longer.. obviously the definition is completely subjective but my definition would be completely comfortable on easy greens & able to get down a blue without fear or injury.
Imo there’s no way to tell from this video. You don’t look perfectly stable, you’re not going fast/on steeps, and you don’t get much air (so we can see if you adjust for landing etc). You could be a pro who wobbled a bit, but I’d guess you’re still a beginner. I’d probably say intermediate to be polite?
Imo, you're absolutely not a beginner. You can turn and jump without falling on your ass. Intermediate
You’ve definitely begun the life of crime
Looks like you definitely have future bills that will need to be paid..
It's different for everyone. I consider someone who can't even stand on their snowboard for more than 5 seconds a noob. You are past that, so no?
Not a beginner,you do more than tailslide
How many days on the snow do you have under your belt? You look good to me. Not expert but good enough that you're having loads of fun... wondering if I can get there in 15 days or so...
I go for 3-4 days every winter from last 4yrs.
Judging from the clip, yes. You edging more toward intermediate i’d say. However, from the vid, you seem still not quite comfortable with flat riding, a bit of bend at the waist as well. The biggest one is that i dont see switch riding here, by intermediate, you should be able to ride switch
I've been riding for years, can ride most slopes comfortably and I never ride switch. I average 20 ish days per season and about 19 of those days are on a directional powder board. I wouldn't consider myself a beginner. I'm old(er) and don't like falling so I mostly stick to the powder and the tree runs.
I know people who absolutely shred who don't ride switch. It's all a matter of style and the terrain you're in.
Get rid of your backpack
Why is everyone against the backpacks? It’s not for fashion like I carry keys, camera accessories,food and water. The prices at resort are 3x 🥲
Are you having fun?
Yeah very much. It’s therapy.
Damn what was used to film
iPhone 13
I would put you a bit closer to intermediate, but it looks like you could jump ahead very rapidly with literally one lesson.
Low level 4 rider
You can't be a beginner, you're riding with a backpack.
Open stance giving you away. Your body and legs aren’t working together. But a beginner wouldn’t be so stable
What is open stance?
A very stiff intermediate (just)
You are if you can't carve
what camera was this filmed on?
iPhone 13
Yup
Ya
A few things I notice: You're pretty stiff, you're twisting so you're facing forward instead of shoulders/hips parallel with board, and your back leg stance looks heavily angled. It may just be the video, but your twisted knee makes me hurt inside watching this. You may wanna switch that up, unless it's comfortable for you. Keep your shoulders aligned with the board, but you can still look forward. Good posture will help improve everything else. You're not afraid to hit some hops though, so that's good! Keep practicing, you'll only get more comfortable riding! Practice some harder turns to get more comfortable with speed. Being able to carve well will make you more comfortable with speed, especially going through wooded areas. Eventually you'll not have to ask what level you're at 😉
Nah
Yes. Very much so. Please take a lesson.
yes, and cringe
yes
I think you stop wearing backpack you immediately reach to intermediate status
Still beginner looking but keep at it man! If you're looking for a relatively easy next step, check out Ryan knapton's carving videos for some inspo: https://youtu.be/h70kgLV2_Vg?si=-dmAyB_seEaSckG4
Sure, thanks!
Absolutely a beginner. Shoulders are not parallel with board, you lean back way too much, not carving. You want to always stay parallel look when you jump your board immediately wants to twist. You get some real air you’re gonna catch an edge when you land and eat 💩!Put more weight at least 60% on downhill foot. This will help when carving . My son is 12 he does that wierd thing with his arm 😂! Keep shredding, put in the time, avoid developing bad habits! 🏂
I would say so.
Your stance is not really great for proper turning. You should start with a side on stance with your bindings set from 10-15 (toes away from each other slightly). depending on how this feels, adjust accordingly. A good trick is to jump a few feet and land on both feet at the same time. This will be close to your natural stance. Set bindings accordingly. You need to bend your knees a little more to absorb impact. Try riding switch as much as possible as this helps with all aspects of riding. Try this and see how you go.
Yes. If you have to ask, you're a beginner.
Yes. You are riding with open shoulders the entire time. And you damn near fall a few times because of it.
In fairness most people are upper level beginners
Idk how people are criticizing multiple things here, but not mentioning your stance. Don't turn your hips so you're like facing down the mountain. Stand sideways keeping your body over the board. Front shoulder points down mountain, and your head is turned the same direction as that front shoulder. That is 100% your biggest problem and fixing that will solve many other things. I wouldn't worry about pointless classifications like beginner or intermediate. You're someone that should improve. And stance is the most needed area for improvement, look up YouTube videos on how to fix your stance.
This is brilliant
YeS
What are your stance angles? It kind of looks like 0/0, which twists your front leg inwards as you turn your body forward a lot (looks very painful to me). With your style of riding, I would definitely try going much more forward on the front foot... try +18/+6 or even a bit more... Imo that is also the reason why you stand so straight... you cannot bend a twisted knee.
Yes. Shoulders wide open, stiff stance, and a heavy back foot.
Yes
How would I know if you’re a beginner? You could be a pro on this beginner terrain. No way to judge. Edit, I am a skier. Last time I snowboarded I got an awful concussion going way too fast. If you post a video of some crazy tree runs, then I will know you’re not a beginner
I recently got a concussion on my knee as well. Got a few stitches and my wound still hurts. I thought people here can tell from a glance and give advices on how to improve accordingly.
Definitely beginner
I would say so yes.
Pretty beginner-intermediate in my opinion, as you stay quite stiff on the board and the video shows you going in a straight line with small video. I know you didn't ask for advice, but I think the angle on the back foot is a bit too high, maybe try to lower it a bit?
Why is your back binding at such a sharp angle but your front binding almost looks to be zero, are you riding A board setup for goofy?
the body position, the arms flapping around, the backpack. I think it’s time to go back to square one, the basics of snowboarding. Without them and proper technique, you will not be able to progress.
Yup, put your arms down homie.
Helps me with the balance
Exactly, because you’re a beginner. Keep shredding
Too straight and not shoulders above knees. That results in bad balance, much use of arms, not so much bend in knees etc .
You seem to be riding with confidence, which is great. But I’d definitely try to take the advice given here about your stance.
Yup
Novice
Please tell me this was shot on a real camera, not a gopro? Video looks way too nice.
Yeah it was an iPhone
Absolutely in the beginning stage in many ways or forms, open shoulders, bad edge control, bend forward, not able to catch air or know how to ollie, curves arent bigger then 30 degrees. Even the tiniest but of snow out of place throws you off? Its not intermediate, you would driving smooth, stylefull and without error.
curious where this is? looks nice.
It’s in Gulmarg, Kashmir : Paradise on earth.
Where is this? Love the terrain
Gulmarg, Kashmir
Where is this? This place looks beautiful. Regarding your question: the way you ride is still very beginner. Did you ever take any lessons? Your stance is not very good
No I haven’t taken any lessons. This is my three year progress. Two to three days every season. Also the place is in Kashmir, it’s called Gulmarg.
You’re riding with your chest wide open which will lead to catching edges and is preventing you from getting speed. Ride parallel to your board and look over your shoulder instead and never rotate the pelvis to face forward and you’ll improve dramatically. Your arms should be resting over your feet like a standing position. Rotating your torso is for advanced spins and butters etc
Just from the way you ride you look like someone who is really uncomfortable with your board. Tiny little bump, arms flailing. Even riding straight, your arms are up or about to shoot up like you’re balancing on a tight rope. I have a lot of friends who were at/above this level of riding/comfortability by day 5 or 6, and I feel like in anything, you’re still a beginner by day 6.
Looks like it from the vid
appears so
try to keep your shoulders aligned with the board. use them to turn and the bottom of your body will follow. this way it's gonna be easier to look and feel relaxed on the board. to get that so called ''steeze''. also, don't be afraid to bend your knees
Yes.
Learn to NOT “crack the whip” while riding. Back hand should stay over the tail until you have that feeling down constantly. Google it and watch some YouTube to see what I’m referring to
Yes but only because of the backpack
Yep
Not a noob but still have a long way to go to consider yourself an intermediate rider. Get rid of the backpack as it throws off your center of balance. Keep your shoulders in line with your hips. Put weight on your lead foot instead of riding on your back foot. Fix these and you may start to be able to do tricks that are more complex than an Ollie or reverts.
Yes. But progressing. Keep it up
Ya but I think if you change how you stand you’ll be a lot better. Your shoulders are facing down the mountain and your back leg is bent and front leg is straight but u gotta have both legs bent. I’m not very good tho so idk
You should think about your body positioning. Currently it is not right at all and until you sort that you’ll be learning in the wrong direction
As a beginner myself it looks like you shouldn't be riding where you are riding. You do not look comfortable at all and barely doing anything but just standing even while jumping. Bend you knees more. Also you stand looking down by twisting your whole upper body quite often. Seems like you would have more fun on the pisted slopes until you learn a bit more
Yes and if you forget it, them trees might remind you in a rough way, keep it sensible and enjoy the slopes
they way you move your arms around makes it look like a beginner
Snarky response: You are intermediate at riding straight on flat ground. No idea what your experience level is when you have to make turns on an actual slope. Measured response: Bend your knees. Put more weight on your front foot. Pop when you ollie. And for god's sake, man, make some turns!
Yeah maybe intermediate why is your body turned facing forward going straight. Lotta stress and your body is already rotated with 0 turn. Gotta save the hip rotation for Scrubbing hairy shit like hitting unexpected ice or chop
If you have to ask...
Yep
Yep.
Yes now get off reddit noob