10 Tips to Improve Intermediate Snowboard Turns – Regular Version

In the video “10 Tips to Improve Intermediate Snowboard Turns – Regular Version” by SnowboardProCamp, Kevin shares his top gear picks and provides helpful tips for riding more aggressively and confidently on steep terrain. Kevin begins by emphasizing the importance of using your ankles to get your board on edge early in the turn, allowing you to control speed and quickly steer into the next turn. He also highlights the significance of using your knees to alternate pressure on the board, using your front foot to start the turn and your back foot to bring your tail around. Kevin further advises riders to engage their core to ensure their upper and lower body work together, anticipate each turn with their front arm and shoulder, and keep their back hand over the tail of the snowboard for faster steering and better balance. By following these 10 tips, intermediate snowboarders can enhance their turns and overall riding experience.

If viewers want feedback on their turns, Kevin encourages them to connect with him on Instagram and share a 15-second video of their intermediate snowboard turns using the hashtag #mysnowboardturns. Additionally, he recommends checking out the freeride snowboarding playlist for more tips. Overall, the video provides valuable insights and guidance for riders looking to improve their skills on the slopes.

Tip 1: Use Your Ankles to Get on Edge

To ride more aggressively and with more confidence on steep terrain, it’s important to use your ankles to get your snowboard on edge early in the turn. This allows you to have better control over your board and make sharper turns. By engaging your ankles, you can initiate the turn more effectively and maintain stability throughout the maneuver. This technique is especially useful for advanced riders who want to ride with more precision and control.

Tip 2: Spray Snow to Control Speed

Once you have your board on edge, you can use the snow to your advantage by spraying it to control your speed. By applying pressure with your back foot, you can create friction between your board and the snow, allowing you to slow down. This technique is particularly useful on steeper slopes where maintaining a controlled speed is crucial. By mastering the art of snow spraying, you can navigate downhill with ease and confidence.

Tip 3: Use Your Knees to Alternate Pressure

Using your knees is vital for advanced riding, and one important way to do so is by alternating pressure on your board throughout the turn. By pressing down on your front foot to start the turn and then easing off the pressure on your back foot, you can bring your tail around and maintain balance throughout the maneuver. This technique allows for smoother transitions between turns and better overall control of your snowboard.

Tip 4: Use Your Knees to Aggressively Steer

In addition to alternating pressure, your knees play a key role in aggressively steering your snowboard. By pointing your knees in the direction you want to go, you can effectively control the path of your board. For a more precise and responsive steering, it’s recommended to have a narrower stance. This allows for greater mobility and ease in changing directions. By using your knees to their full potential, you can ride with confidence and precision.

Tip 5: Narrow Stance for Easier Steering

Having a narrower stance can greatly improve your ability to steer your snowboard. By turning your knees inward for toe turns and outward for heel turns, you can achieve more precise and efficient maneuvering. A narrow stance allows you to shift your weight more easily and make quick adjustments when needed. This technique is particularly helpful when riding on challenging terrain and navigating tight spaces. By adopting a narrower stance, you’ll have better control over your board and enjoy a smoother ride.

Tip 6: Bend Your Knees to Absorb Pressure

When going through turns, it’s important to bend your knees to absorb any pressure that builds up on your board. By bending your knees more as you go around a turn, you can maintain stability and balance. This technique also allows for better shock absorption, which is particularly useful when encountering uneven or bumpy terrain. By bending your knees and staying flexible, you can ride with greater comfort and minimize the impact on your body.

Tip 7: Use Your Hips to Keep Weight Centered

To keep your weight centered over your board, it’s important to engage your hips. On toe turns, push your hips forward with your back straight to maintain balance and control. On heel turns, bend at your hips as if you’re sitting in a chair to avoid putting too much weight on your heel edge. By using your hips effectively, you can distribute your weight evenly and ensure better stability throughout your turns.

Tip 8: Engage Your Core for Better Control

Engaging your core is essential for achieving better control over your snowboard. By keeping your core stiff, you can effectively coordinate your upper and lower body movements. Your core plays a crucial role in steering your board, so it’s important to keep it strong and stable. By integrating your upper and lower body movements, you can achieve a smoother and more efficient ride. Engaging your core will help you ride more aggressively and with greater confidence.

Tip 9: Anticipate Turns with Upper Body

To make smoother and more controlled turns, it’s important to anticipate each turn with your upper body. As you approach the end of a heel turn, start moving your front arm and shoulder toward your toe edge. By initiating the turn with your upper body, your lower body will naturally follow. This technique helps maintain balance and coordination, allowing for more fluid and seamless transitions between turns. Additionally, keeping your back hand over the tail of your snowboard can aid in faster steering and better body alignment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 10 tips are designed to help intermediate snowboarders improve their turns, ride more aggressively, and gain more confidence on steep terrain. By utilizing your ankles to get on edge, spraying snow to control speed, using your knees to alternate pressure and aggressively steer, adopting a narrower stance, bending your knees to absorb pressure, engaging your hips to keep weight centered, and utilizing your core for better control, you can enhance your snowboarding skills and enjoy a more exhilarating ride. Anticipating turns with your upper body and coordinating your movements will further enhance your riding experience.

Remember to practice these tips consistently and seek feedback from experienced riders to further refine your technique. With dedication and persistence, you’ll be able to master intermediate snowboard turns and take your riding to the next level. So strap on your boots, grab your board, and hit the slopes with confidence. Happy shredding!