You may have heard the phrase regarding learning how to snowboard it’s more difficult to master than skiing, however it’s much easier to master. How much truth to that statement is up to you. Whatever the reason you choose to take up the game, it’s a great method to experience the feeling of floating in the snow and exploring the majestic mountains in winter.
The article explains beginner will learn to balance on boards as well as how to traverse the slope and take these first steps. The steps to follow:
Proper Snowboard Stance
How do I skate?
How do I Glide
How to Make an J-Turn
How do I Traverse
How do you turn into the Turn
Linking Changes
Before you begin, you need to know the gear you are using and the way your bindings function.
Find out how to do the Proper Snowboard Stance
Learn to maintain a relaxed, comfortable body posture on a snowboard will allow you to manage your board more effectively and enjoy riding more effectively.
Here’s how you can get into the fundamental snowboard stance
Stretch your ankles and knees by keeping your knees centered across your feet.
Your hips and shoulders should all be aligned with your board.
Take your arms off to your side, and maintain an upright upper body.
How do I skate?
Once you’ve strapped yourself into the first binding on the front, you’ll discover how to skate or move about on flat terrain with your front foot strapped in , and the back foot pulling you along. This skill will help you navigate on flat surfaces and to climb the chairlift.
While your forefoot is firmly strapped to the binding, put your back foot to the heel of your snowboard. Place it slightly behind the other foot.
Make use of the back of your foot in order to propel yourself around.
Make small steps.
Don’t let your foot free pass through your back bindings, otherwise you might begin to split.
How do I Glide
Gliding allows you to glide around gently on the mountain using one foot strapped in , and the rest of your foot upon the ski. Gliding is a crucial ability to get off of a chairlift.
Once you are comfortable on smooth surfaces, put your free foot into in the middle, and put it on the back binding to provide added stability.
Try straight gliding on an easier surface. Next, try gliding on the slopes that are gentler with a smooth runout.
How to Create an J-turn
One of the most important techniques you’ll master when riding on a snowboard is the J-turn that is the way you begin shaping the turn. If you are learning to turn the J-turn, you’ll be able to glide straight before you make a slight upward turn in the form of letters J. Start by practicing the J-turn with your front foot firmly strapped to your binding, and your back foot resting on the top of the board.
Toe-side J-turn
Straighten your snowboard towards a gentle slope, then move forward.
Transfer your weight to your front foot, and then to the toes. Your hips should be positioned over the edge of your feet as you stretch your knees and ankles.
When you are able to get your weight on the edge of your toe should begin turning the board up the hill.
Repeat the procedure while practicing at a moderate slope using an even runout.
Read more on our snowboard blog.
Heel-side J-turn
Straighten your snowboard toward a gentle slope. Then slide forward.
Move your weight towards the front foot, and then over your heels. Your calf should feel and boot hitting your front highback. Your hips should be positioned over your heel as you stretch your knees and ankles.
When you are able to put your weight on that heel edge will begin to rotate the board uphill.
Repeat the procedure as you practice turning down the gentle slope.
A tip for J-turns: Do not be tall and imposing. When you’re doing your heel-side turn maintain your knees bent, as if you’re sitting on an armchair.
How do I Traverse
When you climb the slope, you’re learning how to hold your balance and maintain an edge while you traverse the slope.
Toe-side traverse
Be sure to keep your board on the slope, and also on the edge of the hill when you get up to ensure you aren’t sliding down the hill.
Move your knees to the side and maintain your weight evenly distributed over your toe’s side edge as you locate the equilibrium point.
Place your weight on your front foot, and then let your front foot flatten a little. Then you’ll begin to move towards the direction of the front of the board.
To slow down, place your weight evenly across each foot and lean more on the edge you’re standing on. An increase in the angle of the edge will reduce your speed and eventually will bring you to a halt.
Tips: Your shins are moving towards your toes. Avoid trying to balance on your tiptoes.
The traverse is on the heel.
Make sure your board is on the slope, and also on the edge of the hill when you get up, so you do not slide down the hill.
Your hips should rest over the heel edge when you reach your balance point.
Relax your knees like you’re sitting in chairs. You will feel the back of your knees to your calves.
Then slowly shift your weight towards the front foot, letting the front foot flatten out slightly. Then you’ll begin to move towards the front of your board.
For a slowing down, put your weight evenly across your feet, and then lean further on the edge you’re standing on. The more angle you increase the edge angle will slow you down , and eventually slow you down until you come to a complete stop.
Tips: Make tiny adjustments to tilt the board. Do not stand too tall or performing more sweeping movements.
How to Traverse into the Turn
Once you’ve learned to ride along the hill, now you’re ready to be able to complete your first full turn. Try it first on a soft slope. You’ll need an even runout, so that should you encounter any difficulties the terrain will stop you.
Similar to how you would do it while moving, begin shifting your weight onto your front foot.
However, this time allow the board to flatten out so that you’re directly downwards (into your fall line which is the most direct path downhill).
If you flatten the board, you can get into a an athletic, centered stance but keep more weight to your foot.
When you’re standing on a flat board in the fall line begin moving towards the new edge using an arc of J-turn (either either toe-side or heel-side).
Try to maintain a good posture with your arms to your sides and your the knees positioned over your toes. Your ankles and legs are working as your entire body stays relaxed.
Bring yourself to a stop and then practice on the opposite side.
Tips Note: If you flatten the board too fast it is possible to be able to catch an edge. Don’t overdo it on this part. If you’re unsure, try this at the end of the run to ensure you don’t increase your speed.
Linking Changes
If you’re satisfied following the steps above You can then begin to move in a continuous manner from one direction to another.
When you’ve turned the opposite direction, instead of getting to a stop proceed on the slope before beginning to take a second turning in the reverse direction.
Tips: Common mistakes include being too far to the edge of the board, or falling off the edge too quickly.