I learned to snowboard as a kid myself growing up in Lake Arrowhead. Now my family never really did buy me lift tickets so I truly learned to snowboard by teaching myself. Growing up in the moutons we knew all the best spots to ride and I have the best memories from my childhood snowboarding. I originally moved to Oregon to snowboard and go to college after high school so teaching my 8 year old to snowboard here just brings it all back full circle for me.
I highly suggest just renting before you buy any gear. Especially if this is something your child is doing for the first time. This will also allow you to be properly fitted for gear from a professional. Then you’ll also know what to buy when/if you are ready to invest in gear of your own.
Money Saving Tip: If you do buy gear buy it used on Facebook marketplace to start. You don’t need brand new everything to learn to snowboard!!
I started out with Mimi just taking her to the snow and making her strap in her bindings herself. We also practiced this at home with her snowboard boots on. Start out on a conveyor and get down the basics like stopping with a heel slide before attempting any lifts. Research your local ski resorts and terrain maps to familiarize yourself. Some resorts will not have the conveyor and will have a small lift instead.
Once she was ready for more steep terrain. I started out taking Mimi up on the lifts with a snowboard harness like the MDX One. This harness is meant for smaller riders but I also know that we as parents know our children best. I felt more comfortable taking her up with a harness for safety. But she was able to control her board herself so technically she did not need this harness at all. It was more for my own peace of mind. You do not need this harness to teach your children!!!
Snowboarding really is all about consistency. The more time you spend the more you will learn skills. Mimi is now working on toe slides and carving and that’s all a profession from her first season snowboarding! I can’t believe I taught my 8 year old to snowboard!!!
