Snowboarding on Bumpy Terrain

Absorption in the legs for snowboarding on Bumpy Terrain

What do I mean by absorption in the legs when snowboarding on Bumpy Terrain???

In previous posts, i have mentioned flexion and extension in our riding technique but today I want to dial in the true meaning of absorption and the point I am really trying to get across!

Flexion and Extension are great for applying and releasing edge pressure from our snowboard but real absorption comes from a more conscious view of mind.

Although, You should  be using absorption in the knees and feet already when performing flexion and extension techniques, most snowboarders don’t really think about what their legs (knees and feet) are actually doing on the micro level of the movements.

This is generally why people tend to fall over on steep bumpy tracked out terrain, it is also why some people keep falling when going off jumps in the terrain park!

Snowboarding on Bumpy Terrain Tips

Here’s what it looks like:

1) Great flexion and extension

2) Knowing what your full range of movement is in your lower body (without creating any bad habits)

3) Soft knees and ankles

4) Perfect balance and control!

Flexion and Extension on Bumpy steep Terrain:

This is where you either extend up off the snowboard to release edge pressure or flex down into the snowboard edge to apply pressure.

It is extremely important that you are consistently using an up or down motion when snowboarding on bumpy terrain, never try to be static (or still) in the legs! By staying static in the legs, your COM (centre of mass) can be thrown off balance quickly and you’ll end up face planting the snow!

RELATED: Intermediate snowboarding Tips

Range of Movement to Control Balance on Bumpy Terrain:

Your range of movement on the snowboard through the lower body?

How do you figure out what your Full range of movement on the snowboard is?

Simple…

When riding on your snowboard (on a green slope and on your heel edge) I want you to keep flexing down until you can’t go any further, without breaking at the waist.

This is your maximum heel flexion…Now try it on your toes!

Same principle, keep flexing down until you can’t flex anymore, (remember to keep the pelvis strong and not break at the waist)

This is your toe edge range of movement, it won’t be as great as your heel side flexion but that’s fine, you just need to remember it and adjust your timing accordingly. (When flexing onto the toe edge)

Soft knees and Ankles to Keep COM Stable:

I really want you to start thinking (Visually) about being extremely light, flexible and super soft (like a feather) when riding your snowboard!

Your knees should be moving up or down with flexion and extension…

…but this time, I want you to think about each knee separately for a second.

Yours knees should be operating as individual joint’s but both working together to complement each other at the same time…

Think about this for an analogy…

Imagine if you were driving a car and your suspension was super  hard, stiff and it honestly felt like every single bump was amplified by the lack of cushioning in the mecanchics of the vehicle.

I guessing you could imagine that it would be a very uncomfortable drive to where ever your destination would be going with a setup like that.

Same goes for your knees and ankles, you MUST be using flexion and extension (with correct timing) and be able to stay soft in each knee while absorbing various bumps and unseen situations together at the same time.

It’s a combination of these four elements that will ultimately enable you to stay balanced and centred even when your snowboard slips out from underneath you…

You will  have the skill set and balance to quickly realign your snowboard edge before you fall.

It’s at this point that falling on snowboard becomes a very rare situation for yourself…unless you’re still pushing your riding?

Perfect balance and control when snowboarding on Bumpy Terrain

This is how you get perfect control and balance on any terrain or snow conditions on the mountain,

Everything i have outlined above will help you to improve your snowboarding on Bumpy terrain, it all takes time so be patient and enjoy the process of becoming an advanced snowboarder…

You can’t rush this stuff!

NOTE: Want to learn how to stay balanced and controlled when Riding steeps on a snowboard? Simply download this bad habits cheat sheet to gain an unfair advantage on the hill. Learn what bad habits snowboarders make so you can AVOID them to progress faster and maintain balance and control easier…check it out now!

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