If you go to Appalachian State University, you're going to meet a good amount of people who snowboard. These people will convince you that it is the coolest thing ever and that it surpasses skiing in every way. You being interested in all the hype will put yourself out there and ditch your skis for a snowboard. At first it will be a very big regret, but with time you will understand why so many people love it. Here are eight thoughts you'll have while learning how to snowboard.
1. How in the heck do I even put on this stuff.
Between the boots and the board itself, you're just a ball of confusion. You're looking around, hoping that somebody, anybody, will come to your rescue. After many minutes and multiple questions later, you have everything on. You are now ready to learn how to ride.
2. Alright this won't be too hard.
You look at other people snowboarding, and they make it seem like it's a breeze. They all ride down the mountain smoothly and effortlessly. It makes you think you'll be able to learn in no time. You will learn a few minutes later how wrong you are.
3. I'll never make it past the bunny hill.
You've gone down the bunny hill so many times and even worse, you've fallen down more than you can count. You think you'll never be able to get past this obstacle. The thought that maybe snowboarding is just not for you begins to take over your mind.
4. This is the worst.
You can't feel your hands, face, feet or legs. In the morning, you know you'll wake up to bruises all down your body. You want to give up and go chill in the ski lounge with some hot chocolate. But then you remember how much you paid for the rentals and decide you better keep trying.
5. Oh my gosh I didn't fall!
Wait, did I really just make it all the way down the hill without falling? Not only are you not on the bunny hill anymore but you're taking on bigger hills without a single wipeout. Maybe you can be the next Shaun White after all. 
6. HOW DO I TOESIDE?!
You're able to make it down the mountain without dying, but you still can't figure out how to toeside. Every time you try, you fall and add a new bruise to your painful collection. This could lead you to turning left the whole time and almost falling off the mountain. Sliding down on your butt may follow.
7. This is getting easier...
With some practice (and many more falls), you've gotten the hang of toeside and heelside. You can even connect your turns, and you only have to stop occasionally. During this time, you'll reminisce to the time where you were the queen of the bunny hill.
8. Wow this is actually really fun!
Now that you have the hang of things, you can't stop getting on the ski lift. You just want to go back up and ride down. You may not be able to feel your hands still, but you're having too much fun to care. When you leave the slope, you're already counting down the minutes until you can go again. You're thankful you didn't quit in the beginning when you were terrible.
Learning how to snowboard is a long process. It has a lot of frustration, but in the end it is 100% worth it. So don't get discouraged if you are spending all your time falling on your butt riding the bunny hill. You will get better with time and really start enjoying yourself. Remember, it's okay to fall but it's never okay to not get back up!
