I've been snowboarding for around 4-5 years now. I know all the basics, turning, sharp ones, slow ones,etc. The only troubles I run into is riding down slick and steep hills. How do I get over that fear and just ride down it straight? It gets even more scarier when I try to turn heal side when I'm riding down a steep slope. How do I control my board on icey terrain? How can I improve on my turning? I believe I can do it well, but whats the potential improvement level where it is done like the pros? Is there any difference? And could I possibly start doing tricks, even without a freestyle board? or do I absolutely need a freestyle board to get into the more spins and tricks?
Well, snowboards usually don't do as well on icy terrain. Boarders tend to stick to the powder or park for that reason. You gotta get used to making sliding turns without setting your edges... just let the edges go and try to slide through your turns. Get an edger or have a shop put a nice edge on your board... sharp edges are the only way to get a grip on ice (it helps in the powder too.) But everyone has trouble with the ice. But just try to set those edges as much as possible... 'heels and toes.' As far as overcoming the fear of bombing it straight down the hill... just do it. Boards and skis are usually more stable the faster you go. You don't need a freestyle board to start doing tricks. You can start doing basic things with just about any board... a bigger board would actually give you more platform to land on. As you get better you can decide if a freestyle board is right for you as they are lighter and more turny for doing more tricks. Lots of people have a park board and a powder board. Usually park riders like more dull edges so they don't catch on rails and can slide easier if they don't land perfectly.
Practice. Haven't snowboarded before, but people generally get better at shit with practice. Just sayin'.
i've been boarding for 1 year and can fly down a hill no problem. If you're older then that could be a reason for the slow learning process but otherwise, maybe get some friends to teach your or even higher a trainer for an advanced lesson. Snowboarding aint for everyone.
1)Watch trick tips on Youtube 2)Find terrain park 3)Practice, Practice, Practice Everything gets easier with practice. You will develop a style that's comfortable and then just go with it. Have fun and never let fear get in the way of you doing something you know you can do. Good luck to you bro.