As you seek to step up your snowboarding skills, you need to learn how to make an inch-perfect turn. Timing your turn along with the right body movements will make this essential skill a walk in the park. Your shoulders, feet, knees, head, and hips all have to be in line for the right turn. The techniques for each of these parts are unique, and with enough practice, your turns may give the pros a run for their money. The snow sports experts from ASO Mammoth, the premium destination for Mammoth snowboard rentals, gear, and service, offer this advice to help you perfect this act and have the time of your life every time you go snowboarding.
Shoulders
Your snowboard will more often than not follow the rotation of your shoulders when you make a turn. Along with your head, the shoulders serve as a steering wheel. Make sure to rein in your shoulders’ turning speed, as this affects the overall speed of your turns. If you’re a beginner, you’ll probably want to slow down before making a turn. The risk of toppling over when making high-speed turns is reduced only when you’ve mastered the art on your snowboard. Also, make the most of your core muscles to complete the turn.
Head
Failure to keep tabs on your head movements could result in unpleasant falls. Before making any turn, you need to plan it out, and that’s only possible if you fix your eyes on your riding direction. Once you get to a turn, begin by turning your head in the direction you wish to take, as this will make the whole turn less taxing, and you’re more likely to ace all your turns. Also, make a point of keeping your head up even when the temptation to stare at your snowboard is high.
Feet
With the movements of your head and shoulders in check, you need to watch how you work with your feet. Given they’re always in contact with your snowboard, you’ll have to do a lot of paddling practice. On every turn, apply pressure on the front foot and slowly shift the pressure toward the back foot as you progress. Whether you’re making the turn on your heel side or toe side, the application of pressure should be maintained.
Hips and Knees
Your hips and knees may not be directly linked to the snowboard, but your turns largely depend on their movements. As you practice your turns, try to ensure your hips maintain a rotational motion. They should also remain over the board’s center to facilitate smooth turns. Precise knee movements influence the speed and direction of turns. You can use your knees to initiate the turns and turn the knees toward either the nose or tail of the snowboard, depending on the direction of your turn.
If you want more advice on snowboarding or you need to add some gear before you hit the slopes, drop in and see us at ASO Mammoth. While you’re here, you can register for a tour, get your board repaired, or take advantage of our snowboard rentals in Mammoth. No matter what you need, we’ll do our best to make your experience memorable. Stop by to say hello or give us a call at 760-965-3444.