SNOWBOARDING FOR WOMEN a guide for the Betty Shred
wannabe
and
SNOWBOARDING FOR MEN a guide for guys
By Chickie Rosenberg, Level II Certified
Snowboard Instructor
Reviewer: Karen Rabin, Santa Barbara, CA, May 2005
When I first saw the books, I thought to myself: "oh no, not another
"beginners snowboarding guide!" But as soon as I started reading CHICKIE
ROSENBERG'S "SNOWBOARDING FOR WOMEN a guide for the Betty Shred
wannabe" and her newer book "SNOWBOARDING FOR MEN a guide for guys"
I knew these were going to be fun. They didn't let me down.
Chickie is hugely qualified to write a book for beginners about
snowboarding. She is a Level II certified snowboard instructor, and has been
teaching snowboarding since 1990 in Killington, VT. She has taught many
people to snowboard, she leads snowboard clinics, and she also writes for
and contributes to various snowboard publications. This experience shows in
her lively, informative and funny books written for the beginning
snowboarder.
For the "BETTY SHRED WANNABE'S" Chickie covers the topic of shopping for
clothing and equipment in such detail that for the beginner, itıs worth the
cost of the book just to read this chapter. It really covers every aspect of
what you will need out there to be comfortable, and not get cold
which as the author points out if IMPERATIVE if you are to have fun.
She also covers the topic of FEAR in both volumes, she discusses what many
beginners fear the most (injury, riding the lifts, whatever it is) and she
talks about how to not just overcome the fear, but HOW TO AVOID DOING WHAT
YOU ARE AFRAID OF DOING. She manages to talk about the topic in her typical
funny and straightforward style, and even I learned a thing or two about
safety. I recommend everyone read this part (even more experienced
shredders).
The books are very similar in content, although the book for "Betty's" deals
a little more thoroughly with shopping, style, and typical fear that many
women who many not have always been athletic might have about starting a new
sport. The "guys" book has a section on Park and Pipe that wasnıt in the
earlier girls guideı, but other than that, they have a lot of the same
information.
If you have the time and the bucks, it doesnıt hurt to read both although
itıs not strictly necessary to get a lot out of what Chickie has to offer
the beginner.
These books are not intended to replace lessons with a qualified snowboard
instructor, as a matter of fact, Chickie points out that trying to figure it
out yourself, or learning from friends as you try to keep up with them is
NOT the way to learn to snowboard. The books are meant to augment your time
spent learning the basics in lessons.
Donıt read these books if youıre looking for pointers on doing any fancy
shmancy jibbin', but if you are just getting started READING THIS BOOK IS
THE FIRST THING YOU SHOULD DO ONCE YOU COMMIT.
I wish I had read these books when I was getting started. They are an
invaluable guide to prepare you for the excitement of learning to shred.
In the book, Chickie describes snowboarding like this: Snowboarding is all
about fun: "the enjoyment of a sport which gives you a sense of liberation
and escape. Itıs a social activity which you can enjoy with your friends.
It brings you outdoors, provides a personal challenge, and gives in return
for the effort, a feeling of excitement and a refreshing break with the
everyday routine."
If youıre just getting started snowboarding, if you are just thinking about
it or if you know someone who you think might want to give it a try and
you donıt want to just get out there and figure it all out the hard way --
get these books, read 'em and pass 'em on.
Have you read a book that you would like to
tell our readers about, and see your review published here? Drop a line to
us at
Lauren@snowboardsecrets.com
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