Snowboarding basics

Snowboarding basics

BY CINDY KLEH

PROBLEM: Straight legs, leaning back SOLUTION: The rider has less leverage and less range of motion. It takes twice as much energy to lift the toes and press against the snow with the toe edge. With bent knees, the rider engages all the leg muscles against gravity instead of overusing the calf muscles.

PROBLEM: Rider leaning back, front leg straight SOLUTION: This rider’s apprehension shows in her posture. When the front leg is straight and the back leg is bent, the rider’s centre of balance is too far back. The back leg will not turn very easily if all the weight is on it. Bending both knees equally will bring her centre of balance back over the centre of the board.

PROBLEM: Bending at the waist SOLUTION: This rider is demonstrating “stinky riding.” Many beginners bend at the waist and reach for the snow, thinking that by being closer to the snow, the fall will have less impact. This takes the centre of balance away from the edge that is in contact with the snow, the toe edge. This makes his toe edge much less effective. If you reach for the snow, that’s where you’ll end up. If you think about falling, you will. Stand up tall and use your knees and ankles as shock absorbers. Your waist can’t do that job very effectively.

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Five tips to better alpine skiing

1. SEE AND BELIEVE

Visualize the ski run and feel it in your body. Imagine you’re making every turn and every jump.

2. FLOAT OVER THE CRUD

Often skiers think they have to muscle through crud (heavy wet snow that is unsuitable for skiing), but the reality is much different. Instead, lighten up and float over it. Hold your hands a little higher, get on the balls of your feet and shift your weight equal over both skis. This will help keep you off your seat as well.

3. SEE FUTURE, BE FUTURE

Even veteran skiers freak when their speed approaches the sound barrier and everything is coming at them so fast. Assuming you’re decent enough with your turns, quash this panic by focusing on what’s ahead. Look at skiers further downhill and as you approach them, adjust your focus to the next set of objects.

4. PRESS YOUR ANKLES For tighter turns, greater speeds and a bigger blast, try this: If you were turning right to left (your right skis the downhill ski) press your right ankle towards the inside of your right boot. Simultaneously focus on pressing your left ankle against the outside of your left boot. Your turns will become automatic and smooth.

5. HANDS UP, BABY, HANDS UP When telemarking into a steep section, keep your hands in front of you. Where they go, you will go, so keep them in steady and within your field of vision. Do this and you’ll glide and slide better than you ever have before.

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