when you're first starting out it seems like you're going alot faster than you actually are. it can
be quite intimidating really, and if you're on the east coast, seeing as your florida boy, you
associate falling with extreme pain (thanks ice!).

The speed is something you get used to over time. When  you first start out with freeriding,
which is kind of what you're doing now, just riding, you'll still have to think before initiating
certain moves. The "slowing down" is probably your instinct saying that you're not ready
to just rip around the next bend and you need more practice. A quick way to get over speed
is to just go ahead and get that extreme fall you're afraid of out of the way, in a controlled
environment. Catch an edge on your terms and you'll find that falling fast or slow is pretty
much the same pain, other than a cartwheel, which usually happens around the "im trying
my first jump" post.

If you're from florida, honestly I would just have my board professionally waxed. And the
amount depends on how much you go, but giving you're so far away....maybe 15 snow
days? If its around that number, I would have it waxed at the beginning of the season
right before i go, and after my last ride of the season. If you leave your base without wax,
it'll dry out. And you're really going to want to keep that board indoors if you are in florida,
or your edges are going to be rusted in a matter of days.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the advice. I guess I forgot to mention that I just moved to the North. Michigan exactly, so I am getting out there more often. Three times so far this season. Yesterday was warm here so that meant soft snow and I did feel less worried about my falls. I checked my speed less. Yeah, I have never had the opportunity to try nice powder. Also, will get my board serviced by a pro at the beginning of each season. One more question...Seeing as I am linking turns and can do all the "necessary" stuff. Would a lesson help? Would most instructors be able to help me with my fear of speed or maybe even some techniques for better control (staying on an edge)??? Or, am I at the point where I just need to get out there and get a better feel. Thanks again.

See if your home resort offers an "intermediate" lesson. They should be able to clean up your riding style pretty easily by just riding with you. I wouldnt waste the money on a private lesson though, if your resort does not offer an intermediate slot. You can learn what they'll teach you by hooking up with other riders on the mountain, and its a great way to meet people.

Now that you've moved up north, things should click alot faster for you. There wont be huge gaps in your learning curve which will speed things up nicely. It wont be so bad if you dont want to waste the money on a lesson, its one of those "practice makes perfect" things, unless you have something seriously flawed in your fundamentals. If you think you do, getting a learn to turn lift ticket might be a good option for you too, most instructors are pretty happy to help.

Also, since you live in Michigan, check your edges often. Theres alot of ice on this coast, and I find that I re-sharpen wayyy more than I wax. I've actually dulled a toeside edge in 1 day, its not hard to do here.
So keep an eye out for that and I think you'll catch on great. The edges will probably be the biggest thing to affect your riding now that you get to do it so often. So keep up with them!

North MI... Does that mean you are a Yooper now or are you just in the upper part of the main section?  There are a LOT of ski mountains up there.  Michigan has more than any other state!

A snowboard instructor can help you at any level.  When you schedule the lesson, ask for an upper level lesson.  My guess is you would be a level 4, maybe level 5; but they will asses you their way then.  The cool thing about upper level lessons at most mountains is you pay for a group lesson (cheaper than a private lesson) and you end up getting a private or semi-private lesson most of the time!  Sweet!

I would check out Boyne for some of the longest runs and biggest vertical drop in the entire region.

Private lessons are expensive, so unless you're really having trouble, id save the money if I were you.

And a learn to turn lift ticket is a lift ticket + beginner lesson. They usually let you take as many lessons
as you want if you have one of these without charging you. You could ask them what your problems
are.