Step downs

RED TRAIL SKILLS

STEP DOWNS

Step-downs are effectively something between a jump and a drop. As the name suggests, you’re gapping down to a landing that’s lower than the take-off. The take-off can vary from completely flat (in which case the step-down is a bit like a drop-off but with a gap to clear) to quite lippy (like a jump). Because you’re falling from a height, they’re usually easier to clear than jumps, but this can sometimes make it tough to judge your speed.

1.TAKE OFF

Step-downs have less of a lip than jumps, so the timing can be harder. With an upward-curving transition you can feel the bike pushing into you, but you don’t feel this pressure as much on step-downs. Follow the same technique as you would for a jump, compressing into the face and extending your legs as you take off, just don’t expect to feel the same kick. Don’t look down at the lip as you’re taking off, though. Rely on your peripheral vision for this, so you can spot where you’re jumping to as early as possible. This will help you judge how much air you’re going to need and keep you on the right flight path.

Top tIPS

ENJOY IT

Jumping “that big step-down” at the local trails isn’t the be all and end all. People sometimes put bigger step-downs on a pedestal, building them up in their heads to be something more than they are. Learn the basics on smaller, safer features. Then when you’re ready for bigger things, you’ll be more relaxed and less likely to crash. Roll in, do it and enjoy it! Don’t beat yourself up about not jumping a feature if you don’t feel ready for it.

PUSH OR JUMP?

This one depends on how fast you’re going. In the learning stages you’re likely to not be going flat-out, so a bit of a pull-up will be essential. As your confidence and speed increase, you’ll start finding you have to pull up less and less. Faster still and you’re likely to have to do the opposite, pushing down off the take-off to not overshoot the landing. Watch pro riders at a World Cup and you’ll see this is what they’re doing – but it’s an advanced skill and one to build up to.

JUDGE YOUR SPEED

Watch someone ride the step-down before you, so you can gauge the required speed. Ask their advice or, better still, whether you can follow them in on your first go. Assess the take-off too. Does the lip fade away so you’ll need more speed? Or has it got a kick so you can go slower? Think about whether you can safely “case” the landing (come up short) and build up to clearing the gap. If it looks harsh, err on the side of caution until you’ve got the technique dialled in.

2.MID AIR

If you’re new to step-downs, then don’t go trying to style it up like Brandon Semenuk! Focus on being smooth first of all. Do this by staying calm in the mind and relaxed in the body, but still in control of the bike – it helps a lot if you’re not attempting something well out of your depth. A lot of people make movements that aren’t needed. Getting out of shape and stiffening up can result in you losing balance and crashing. When in mid-air on a step-down, less is usually more.

3.LANDING

Once you’ve spotted where you’re going to touch down, prepare yourself for landing. Staying centred in the middle of the bike will give you the most balance. This is especially helpful if you’re coming up a bit short or landing a bit deep, as you’re less likely to loop out or be pitched forwards. Looking ahead and using your peripheral vision is beneficial here too. With practice, you’ll be able to spot your landing in a split second, before focusing on what’s coming next and processing it before your wheels have even hit the dirt.