At what age can you start snowboarding?

I have been snowboarding for over 30 years and an instructor for 20 years.

I was skiing before Jake Burton invented snowboarding. I know both sports well.

Both of my daughters started on skis at age 3, but that was over 20 years ago, when the shortest snowboard was 100cm and very stiff. When they turned 6, they switched to snowboards and now teach their own children how to skate.

Now that Burton offers boots, boards, bindings, and apparel for children aged 1 and up, learning to snowboard is possible with little ones! YES, with children as young as 1. In a playful way, of course, for 15 minutes at first, of course, weather permitting, and in a carefree, playful atmosphere.

For those who doubt, I recommend an analogy to riding a bicycle. Today, with the trend toward walking bikes and the abandonment of training wheels, it's no surprise to see 2-year-olds on pedalless bikes and 3-4-year-olds pedaling without the aid of training wheels.

Just a few years ago, such a sight was rare.

Coming back to learning to snowboard, I know all the false arguments that you have to start with skis, that a board is bad for your hips, etc.

The facts are as follows:

• Burton has very light and soft riding equipment for toddlers (boards from 80 cm length and 11 kg weight / shoes from size 24/13.5 cm)
• Children's boards have a slightly convex bottom so that the child does not catch the edge when sliding
• Burton boards can be equipped with a retractable rope for pulling or securing a child

• Overalls, gloves and underwear are available in sizes from 18 months (76cm tall)
• For the youngest children, there are helmets, goggles, and even back protectors available.
• Every good ski resort has separate and fenced learning areas for children with "tape" lifts.

• The child stands sideways on the board, but the feet and legs are positioned symmetrically and naturally
• The child rides with both the right and left leg forward and does not overload the musculoskeletal system unilaterally
• Children very rarely get injured, even after numerous falls, which are initially unavoidable.
• Snowboard equipment is much lighter than ski equipment, and the boots are more comfortable and warmer.
• Snowboarding gives young children a lot of joy and carefree fun, and the interest and recognition of adults is often a reason for the child's pride

In short, there are no equipment, medical or mental contraindications to starting a child to learn to skateboard as soon as he or she learns to walk!

At Fun Wind Burton Authorized Dealer, we've been taking care of kids for years. As a family-owned business, and currently with three generations successfully riding boards, we order a lot of equipment and apparel for kids because we know and understand their needs well.

Our equipment rental at Wał Miedzeszyński 377 in Warsaw also has boards from 70 cm in length and boots from 13.5 cm.

When it comes to training for the youngest, in addition to our Snow Camp, we also offer a Family Camp for children aged 6 to 10 every year, and since last season, a Kids Camp for children aged 3 to 5. In winter 2021 (January 16-23), we invite our youngest children and their parents to the Dolomites in Val di Fiemme.

In March, we're heading to Passo San Pellegrino, where we have ideal training conditions (a hotel on the slopes). Details can be found at https://funwind.com.pl/pages/wyjazdy

At our store at Wał Miedzeszyński 377 in Warsaw, we're always happy to offer advice and share photos and videos of activities with kids. We also stock boards. Riglet for activities with children at home and your child can easily practice on such a board with us.

If I've convinced you that it's worth trying to get your child on a board, I'm very happy because it's a truly beautiful sport!

 

Paweł Jędrzejewski

Snowboard enthusiast, instructor, dad and grandpa :)