You may be wondering how one learns to snowboard in a country with no mountains. The Dutch have come up with the perfect solution - revolving carpet. Actually the term 'perfect' is a bit off the mark, because trying to stand up on a giant white (soaking wet) treadmill while both feet are strapped to a board isn't the standard interpretation of perfection. Once you manage it (we were told) then snow will be a piece of cake. Still, it gave us a taste for the real thing and before we knew it we were turning, gliding (and, of course) falling with ease.
After a course of six lessons we couldn't wait to see a mountain. The big weekend arrived and the only thing that stood between us and some deep fresh powder was the fact that it hadn't snowed over the Alps in a month and the sun was shining gloriously over the resort. Still, thanks to the snow cannons, the nursery slopes were white enough for us!
My word of warning to any first-time snowboarder - pack knee pads and wrist guards (and possibly a cushion to stuff down the back of your trousers). If your experiences are anything like mine, you'll love boarding but your knees/wrists/bum won't. I actually lay in the snow on my stomach at one point and pummelled the ground with my fists out of pure frustration (much to the amusement of the passing line of immaculately-controlled six year olds). After two days of falling over, however, things finally 'clicked' and I was off! Unfortunately by the time this happened we had to go back to Holland. Luckily we're going back to the Alps for a whole week next month (and perhaps the bruises will be healed by then).
No comments:
Post a Comment