Renting will also allow you to try different models and brands before you drop your paycheck on costly gear. Avoiding pain Don't think that after one day on the slopes you are going to master the art of snowboarding. Many experienced skiers return from their first snowboarding attempts with more than just their pride bruised. Personal instruction, either privately or in a group, is the key to a good, safe start. It's the best insurance for taking the pain out of those first few days.
Professional instruction is worthwhile and highly recommended for the beginner.
Instructors can start you off with a solid foundation, correct any early mistakes and prevent bad habits from forming. Try to plan to learn over two or three weekends, dividing your time between lessons in the morning and free-riding in the afternoon. If you are an experienced skier, alternating your slope time to include both activities can break the monotony of being a beginner and help prevent the same muscles from being overused. It's smart to begin with snowboarding, rather than waiting until the end of the day when fatigue can make you more prone to injury. There are no shortcuts to mastering sound techniques.