5 Tips for Linking Beginner Snowboard Turns

In the video “5 Tips for Linking Beginner Snowboard Turns” by SnowboardProCamp, Kevin and Ryan share some valuable advice for those new to snowboarding. The first tip is to start your turn by sliding your snowboard on an angle, which allows for smoother turns and less effort. The second tip is to control your speed equally on your heels and toes, avoiding the common mistake of cutting too much speed on the heels and gaining excessive speed on the toes. The third tip is to let your snowboard run straight for a second before changing edges, ensuring a smoother transition between turns. The fourth tip emphasizes turning the snowboard with your entire body to maintain balance and smoothness. Lastly, it is important to choose a suitable slope to practice and progress at your own pace, ensuring safety as you learn.

Kevin and Ryan’s video offers practical tips that can greatly benefit beginners in improving their snowboarding skills. So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your turning technique, these five tips are worth incorporating into your snowboarding routine.

Tip 1: Start your turn on an angle

Slide on an angle to make turning easier and smoother

When learning how to link your turns as a beginner snowboarder, it’s important to start your turn on an angle. Many beginners have their boards straight across the hill, which can make turning difficult. By sliding your snowboard on an angle, you won’t have to turn as far. This makes the turn come around smoother and with less effort.

Starting your turn on an angle allows you to gradually transition from one edge to the other, making the entire process much easier. It also prevents your board from getting caught and makes your turns feel more fluid. This technique is especially helpful for beginners who may still be developing their balance and coordination on the snowboard.

To slide on an angle, focus on shifting your weight and positioning your body in alignment with the direction you want to go. This will help you initiate and maintain the turn, allowing for a smoother and more controlled ride down the hill.

Tip 2: Control speed equally on heels and toes

Avoid cutting speed only on heels

Count in your head to even out turns

One common issue beginners face when trying to link their turns is uneven speed control. Many riders tend to cut their speed solely on their heels, while neglecting to do the same on their toes. This can result in picking up excessive speed and losing control.

To overcome this problem, it’s crucial to focus on controlling your speed equally on both your heels and toes. By doing so, you’ll maintain a consistent and balanced ride throughout your turns. One helpful technique to achieve this is counting in your head. For example, count to two or three as you make each turn to ensure that your speed control is evenly distributed.

By actively managing your speed on both edges, you avoid the risk of becoming too fast or too slow during your turns. This balanced approach allows for a smoother transition between each turn and increases overall control of your ride.

Tip 3: Let your board run straight for one second

Allow board to go straight to make edge transition smoother

Control speed before letting board go straight

To further enhance your turn linking skills, it’s important to let your snowboard run straight for one second before transitioning to the next turn. This brief moment of allowing your board to go straight down the slope helps in making the edge transition smoother.

When you try to turn your snowboard too quickly without allowing it to go straight, you risk getting twisted and losing control. By giving your board that one second of straight movement, you allow the board to align itself naturally for the next turn.

However, it’s essential to control your speed before letting your board go straight. Make sure you have enough control and confidence on your heels or toes before releasing the board to go straight down the hill. This controlled speed management ensures that your turns are consistent and well-balanced throughout your run.

Tip 4: Turn your board with your entire body

Start the turn with your head, shoulders, and hips

Turning with your whole body leads to a smoother turn

To achieve fluid and smooth turns, it’s crucial to turn your snowboard with your entire body, rather than just twisting or relying solely on your lower body. Initiating the turn from your head, shoulders, and hips helps to maintain balance and stability throughout the entire turning process.

When you turn with your whole body, you create a unified motion that seamlessly transfers energy from the top down, resulting in a smoother, more controlled turn. This technique also prevents you from turning too quickly, which can lead to loss of balance and control.

To implement this tip effectively, focus on coordinating your body movements. As you begin the turn, lead with your head, followed by your shoulders, and finally your hips. This sequential movement creates a chain reaction that ensures your snowboard follows suit in a fluid and controlled manner.

By turning with your entire body, you’ll develop better control over your snowboard and experience more seamless and enjoyable turns on the slopes.

Tip 5: Choose the right terrain

Pick a run that matches your skill level

Practice linking turns on more gradual areas

In order to improve your turn linking skills efficiently, it’s important to choose the right terrain to practice on. Selecting a run that matches your current skill level ensures a safe and progressive learning experience.

As a beginner snowboarder, it’s recommended to start on more gradual slopes that allow for easier turns and better control. Practice linking your turns on these mellow areas before progressing to steeper terrain.

By gradually working your way up to more challenging slopes, you’ll build confidence and develop the necessary skills to navigate more advanced terrain. Remember to be patient and learn at your own pace, as rushing onto difficult runs can lead to frustration and potential injury.

Picking the right terrain also involves considering factors such as snow conditions, visibility, and overall comfort level. Being aware of these elements and making informed choices will contribute to a more enjoyable and successful snowboarding experience.

Conclusion

Applying these tips will help beginner snowboarders improve their turn linking skills

Be patient and practice at your own pace to stay safe and progress

By applying these five tips, beginner snowboarders can enhance their ability to link turns and improve their overall snowboarding technique. Starting turns on an angle, controlling speed equally on heels and toes, allowing the board to run straight for one second, turning with the entire body, and selecting appropriate terrain are all key factors for building confidence and skills on the slopes.

Remember to be patient and practice at your own pace. Learning to link turns takes time and effort, but with consistent practice and perseverance, progress is achievable. Stay safe by choosing appropriate terrain for your skill level and always prioritize safety. Enjoy the journey and embrace the learning process, as each turn brings you one step closer to becoming a proficient snowboarder.