Dear Betty,
Help! My boyfriend is taking me snowboarding over the holidays. I surf and skate, but don't know the first thing about snowboarding and I don't want to make a fool out of myself. What to do? —Leila, San Clemente
Dear Leila:
Don't fret. I am sure you will take to the mountain in no time. Plus, everyone expects beginners to look like, well, beginners. First thing: make sure that you have something warm and water-resistant to wear. You will want to layer up; make sure to have a warm thermal layer at the base and then water-resistant pants and jacket on the outside. You can add layers in between, depending on the outside temperature. Because buying the gear all at once can be expensive, see if you can borrow pieces from a pal. You may want to go ahead and splurge on the thermal layer and some socks made for snowboarders, but try to get the jacket and pants from a friend. You may also want to hit someone up for goggles and gloves, too. Don't forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and a helmet (it's a Betty rule to wear a helmet! But for your first lesson on the bunny hill, you may be able to get away with just a warm wool cap.) You can rent the rest of the equipment, board, bindings and boots at the resort. Hint: There are usually great beginner packages that include a lesson, rentals, and an all-day pass on the beginner lifts. Now here is something we are absolutely adamant about: take a lesson! You may have a well-meaning boyfriend who will offer to teach you all about how to heel-toe, but you would be better off signing up for the group lesson (trust us!). This way, you can save your dorky moments (and there will be dorky moments) for yourself and the strangers from your group of equally spazzy newbies. Later, you can impress your man with your sick moves, or at least be slightly more comfortable getting on and off of the ski lift!
Enjoy the ride,
Betty
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