Imagine it: a newbie is excited to try snowboarding for the first time and heads out for a lesson. But that initial spark fades fast as they struggle, fall, and eventually become discouraged. Most beginners don’t return after their first attempt. It’s a familiar story of bumps, bruises, dashed hopes, and a feeling that snowboarding just isn’t for them.
A Fresh Approach to Learning Snowboarding
Yurly Manuylov, a seasoned instructor and co-owner of a ski, snowboard, and kitesurfing school, believes it doesn’t have to be that way. His new book, Snowboarding Without Falls (Well, Almost), introduces a new method designed to make the sport welcoming right from the get-go.
Manuylov doesn’t promise you’ll be an instant pro. Instead, his approach celebrates the power of small, achievable wins. The main idea is to build a beginner’s confidence little by little and celebrate early successes before moving on to more complex levels.
“Each step is a small victory,” Manuylov explains. The book outlines a series of exercises that gently prepare a student’s muscles for snowboarding’s unique movements, while also highlighting important aspects to focus on and common mistakes to avoid.
Manuylov’s Snowboard Teaching Method
Manuylov spent 12 years perfecting his teaching style, often doing things differently from traditional snowboarding schools. His approach skips drills like the “rear foot unstrapped” exercise and the “falling leaf,” which he argues can lead to unnecessary tumbles and bad balance habits. Instead, his system starts students on the toe edge and builds up through a structured “ladder” of progress, with each step designed to be manageable, and each person’s learning pace being a key factor.
The book uses relatable comparisons and engaging explanations. To make learning even more effective, QR codes link directly to demonstration videos, providing a clearer and easier-to-understand experience. Manuylov is so confident in his system that he once offered beginners $5 for every fall during their first lesson, a sum he reports he never had to pay out.
A Kinder Way to Learn
Manuylov approaches lessons differently, questioning the traditional, often tough, introduction to snowboarding. He offers a blueprint for how snow sport instruction could evolve, potentially making outdoor adventures more accessible to a broader audience. This gentler and more encouraging method is particularly valuable for adults, those returning to the sport, or anyone concerned about getting hurt or feeling embarrassed.
And Manuylov brings solid credentials to his work. He graduated with honors from the University of Physical Education and Sport, has 25 years of experience in snowboarding, and 15 years as an instructor. He’s also a prizewinner at the Ukrainian Snowboarding Championship, as well as a Russian kitesurfing champion.
For Beginners…and Beyond
Snowboarding Without Falls is a good primer for a broad audience. Beginners will find practical, easy steps to get started. Friends helping friends can use it as a guide to avoid pushing too hard too fast, and instructors may discover new ways of teaching that challenge old traditions.
Ultimately, the book suggests that establishing a solid foundation for learning the sport is the key to long-term enjoyment. With realistic goals, careful preparation, and a focus on confidence, beginners can swap those bruises for smiles and discover a sport they’ll want to come back to again and again.
