Snowboard Tip by Chris Hargrave
Making first turns is an amazing challenge for learning riders and this little thought has always made it easier for me. Build a clear connection with your students so that they understand that the lower half of the legs (knees down) is where most of the action happens. Calling them joysticks makes people get it. Torsionally twisting the board means controlling the lower legs and feet in an independent manner.
For toe-side initiation focus on moving the lower leg:
- Bend the lead ankle more than the rear, this twists the board and shifts the core forward.
- The lead joystick should tip into the tongue of the boot and be held there until reaching the fall line.
- At the fall line (the control phase) ask the rider to hold a straight run for a few feet then gently tip the rear joystick into the tongue of the boot to help finish the turn.
- Remember stay focused on flexing the ankle rather than pointing the toes down (extending the ankle).
- Ask riders to extend their hips just a little as they finish this turn.
For heel-side initiation get focused on moving the feet:
- Focus on lifting the lead toes up toward the lead shin while keeping the rear foot/ankle in its starting position.
- Bend lead knee and hip just a little in combination this coupled with the first step will twist the board and move the core forward.
- Should feel like sinking down onto the lead heel.
- Notice here that I didn’t say tip the lead joystick toward the heel-side edge. That would cause them to rotate their lead leg and the hips and extend their ankles (which actually flattens the board initially).
- Have riders hold the lead foot up until they reach the fall line.
- Ask them to ride straight for a few feet then start to lift the toes of the rear foot with the lead to start the finish.
- Have them sit just a little into the finish of this turn to support balance.
I love this focus with students as it really clears up the “what to do” questions and it will feel and work so much easier than most other approaches to twisted steering.
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