Snowboarding taster session - in the middle of a Norwich summer

Success for reporter Marc Betts' first attempt at the snowboarding taster session at the Norfolk Snowsports Club. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Tucked away, a mile south of Norwich city centre, in Trowse, is the Norfolk Snowsports Club which offers tubing, skiing and snowboarding on the dry slopes of Norfolk.

I went along to find out if the dry slopes can really match that of the real white stuff by taking part in a snowboarding taster session.

Driving down the country lane to the centre, there is no clue that the slopes are there until you enter the car park to be greeted by a 170 meter long slope.

Joining a group of seasoned skiers and the instructors, who were coming along to try snowboarding with me, I was ready to make a complete fool of myself.

Reporter Marc Betts, 3rd left, ready for the snowboarding taster session at the Norfolk Snowsports Club, with instructor Jesse Graves, centre, and from left, Emma Smith, trainee instructor Charlie Storey, Georgie Oliver, Ella Howman, and Fran Utting. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

But before we started shredding we had to be shown how to fall over. If we fell forward, go onto our arms and backwards onto our bums.

Luckily the skateboarding I have done in my younger life seems to have paid off as my first run down the slope was slow and steady. The instructors explained everything and took each step slowly so I never felt out of comfort.

It was setting up for the next go that saw me first hit the deck as I lost balance and fell flat on my face.

This is when I found out that the slope, made out of a synthetic material, is sprayed with water through sprinklers, which I then got a face full of, but it was all good fun.

Reporter Marc Betts, left, and Ella Howman race down the slope on their boards at the end of the snowboarding taster session at the Norfolk Snowsports Club. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

With each run we were challenged to try something new including turning and even a jump. Fortunately for me I was able to stay on my board for the remainder of the day.

At the end of the session instructor Jesse Graves said we would be going from the top of the slope which, to her surprise, we accepted with glee, until she told us we be having a sit down race, which I lost.

The Snowboarding taster session is a fun, easy and safe way to get into the sport.

With little preparation or skill requirement it caters for everyone and is a great stepping stone to the slopes.

Instructor Jesse Graves, front, leads the group through some exercises at the snowboarding taster session at the Norfolk Snowsports Club. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Instructor Jesse Graves shows the group the right way at the snowboarding taster session at the Norfolk Snowsports Club. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)