What age to start Snowboarding?

Hi Guys and Gals.

Asked my 8 Year Old boy what he wants for Christmas, He told me a Snowboard.

He has never been on a pair of Skis but enjoys Roller Blading and Skateboarding.

Is 8 to Young.

If not where can I take him for Lessons by Train from Munich ?

Thanks

Dave

The Ismaning Ski School (www.skischule-ismaning.de) on the east side of town has snowboarding courses (click on "Winterkurse at the top of their homepage, then "snowboard" on the left) for ages "8-88" - day courses, weekend courses and holiday courses. They have a good reputation for teaching children and include buses to/from Munich/Ismaning to the resort... They have "normal" Ski courses for children from 3 years (click on "Zwergel")

YL6

Just about the correct age I believe. They reckon before the age of 7 the kids are not strong enough to physically make the board move enough.

My 8 year started skiing last year, and is going on weekend courses this year. Given the choice I think he would prefer to board "like Dad" (or ideally better than Dad!), but it is easier for them to learn to ski first...and of course I want him to be bi-lingual in snowsports - so he is skiing first.

Maybe you could sell it to your one that once he cracks the skiing he can start boarding?

I agree with skiing first. Go with those funky ski shoes. That is "rad" enough for an 8 year old. Besides, they can still do tricks with those that they can't on the longer skis. For their size, I don't think it is so much a strength issue as it is a weight issue.

You are never too young - however, I agree with the person who said he was probably too small to move the board. But, at eight, he's fine. I've seen much younger kids on snow boards(small boards). However, skiing - if they're walking, they're old enough. Although most ski schools will not take the kids unless they are potty trained(they really do start early!).

I didn't start until I was 10, but a lot of my friends started when they were 3.

if he can't ski or snowboard yet, but he can skateboard, and he wants to snowboard, I see no reason to make him waste his time skiing (unless he's easily frustrated - the first few times on a board can be a nightmare).

two words to live by though: WRIST GUARDS

the rule i've been told is skis at four and boards at eight.

you get 'em on skis from around 18 months...they just shuffle about and go down slopes with 1:1000 gradient etc.

Carried my 3 year old down some slopes last year whilst boarding - bit dangerous but he liked it!