Snowboarding is rapidly becoming a popular sport among teens and young adults while one of our own University of Tennessee students is working hard to improve.  

Neal Drown, a senior history major, finds time to hit the slopes when he is not studying and spending time with friends.  He also enjoys other outdoor activities such as skateboarding and wakeboarding, which help him prepare for his favorite part of the year, snowboarding season.  

Drown laughed as he recalled his first snowboarding experience by saying, "I spent most of my time on the ground, but it was fun none the less.  My pants were full of snow by the end of the day."  

Since Drown learned to ski at the age of 4, it was easier for him to make the transition.  As it happens with a large number of winter sport fans, Drown decided to move from skiing to boarding. "I decided to take the plunge and try snowboarding, and I never went back," he said.

While professional snowboarders make the sport look like a breeze, it can be very dangerous and hard to pick up on.  Drown recommends investing in water-proof clothing and a good helmet if you are interesting in learning.

Once you have made the decision to get serious about this extreme sport, you can continue on to purchasing boots, bindings and the board.  When you work up the nerves to attempt the first extreme slope, remember to do as Drown suggests and, "Act like a pro, and spread like butter."