Beginner 'Learn to turn' snowboarder course 

Lesson 13

Lesson 3

Side slipping on a snowboard:

By using flexion and extension to control the amount of pressure we place on the snowboard edge, we are able to control how much friction our snowboard has with the snow, this in return will enable us to control our speed in any situation

Goal:
Our goal here is to learn how to Apply and Release pressure from our snowboard edge, this will help us stop and start our slide when both feet are clicked in.

Heeledge:
Step 1: 
Start by having both feet clicked in facing across the fall line, Make sure you have a strong basic stance (Even weight on both feet), relaxed and focused.

Step 2 :
To begin sliding downhill, gently move the hips and knees towards the centre of the board and slowly lower the toes. This will flatten the board and it will start sliding. It may help to rise up slightly.

Step 3 :
To slow down and/or stop, move the hips back over the heel edge and gently lift the toes in the boots. This will lift the edge and cause it to grip on the snow. It may help to relax and bend the knees a little.

Continue to move further in this way to stop. Repeat several times to increase comfort, confidence and the sliding distance.

Do not let your toe side edge touch the snow and remember to maintain your basic stance.

Toe side:
The same Principle applies here,

Step 1 :
Flex down to apply pressure and stop, Extend up to release and slide

Step 2 :
Starting on your toe side edge in your basic stance (heels up), slowly extend yourself up, and at the same time, lowering your heel side edge down towards the snow until you start sliding. (Don not let your heels touch the snow)
Keep your hips over your toe edge to maintain good edge pressure. (dont let them drift back over the hel edge)

Step 3 :Slowly flex back down onto the toe side edge to create friction/pressure on your snowboard to stop.

The range of movements when doing this on the toe side edge is a lot different from heel side edge, Take things slower and really focus on using toes, ankles and knees to create edge tilt.

Step 4 :Keep your basic stance and make sure your head is looking back up the hill.
Don’t look down!

Practice this until you can side slip on both edges comfortably.
You should be able to slide comfortable down the hill with your snowboard facing across the hill.

If you snowboard is not remaining in a stable slide slip, you need to make sure your weight is even on both feet.
You might need a friend to hold your hands until you become confident with even weight on both feet.

Where:
Green run, beginner ski school area.

Exercise:
Practice this until you can side slip down the hill without falling over or losing control (even weight on both feet)

Lesson Resources

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