Beginner Snowboard Lesson – How To Turn

In this beginner snowboard video titled “Beginner Snowboard Lesson – How To Turn,” Kevin from SnowboardProCamp provides advice for those who want to learn how to turn on their snowboard. He breaks down the steps involved in making your first turn and shares the common mistakes he sees new snowboarders make. Kevin emphasizes the importance of starting off in a comfortable beginner area, controlling speed, visualizing where to make the turn, and letting the board go straight and flat down the hill before getting onto a new edge and setting up the next turn. He also discusses the significance of mastering heel and toe sliding, as it helps in setting up and stopping the board effectively. Kevin concludes by encouraging viewers to ask any questions they may have and to check out the beginner snowboard playlist on the channel for more helpful videos.

Preparing for Your First Turn

Before attempting your first turn on a snowboard, it’s important to make sure you’re well-prepared. This means choosing the right location, controlling your speed, and visualizing your turn.

Choosing the Right Location

For your first turn, it’s recommended to start off in a mellow beginner area. Find a place where you feel comfortable and confident. This will help you build your skills and increase your confidence as you progress.

Controlling Your Speed

Before attempting your turn, it’s crucial to learn how to control your speed. Practice doing speed checks and gradually increase your comfort level. This will ensure that you have enough control over your board before attempting the turn.

Visualizing Your Turn

Visualization is a key aspect of preparing for your turn. Before making the turn, take a moment to visualize where you want to go. Think about the straight path you want to take and where you want the turn to end. This mental preparation will help you feel more comfortable and in control during the turn.

Starting the Turn

Once you are fully prepared and ready to make your first turn, there are a few important steps to follow.

Letting Your Board Go Straight

To start the turn, let your board go straight and flat down the hill. This can be achieved by leaning more weight onto your front foot and pointing down the hill with your front hand. Additionally, looking down the slope will help you maintain control and stability. By doing these three things, your snowboard should point straight down the hill.

Leaning on Your Front Foot

As you let your board go straight, lean more weight onto your front foot. This shift in weight will initiate the turn and help you control your movements. By effectively leaning on your front foot, you can smoothly transition into the next phase of the turn.

Looking Down the Slope

While letting your board go straight, it’s crucial to look down the slope. This visual cue will guide your movements and help you maintain your balance. By keeping your eyes on the slope, you’ll be able to anticipate upcoming changes and react accordingly.

Getting onto Your New Edge

After starting the turn, it’s important to get onto your new edge to maintain control and transition smoothly into the next turn.

Being off Your Edge

Once your board is going straight, make sure to be off your edge and let your board run straight and flat for a moment. This will give you a brief moment of stability and prepare you for the upcoming edge transition.

Preparing for the Next Turn

As you let your board run straight and flat, start preparing for the next turn. Visualize where you want to make the next turn and control your speed accordingly. This mental preparation will ensure a smoother transition into the next turn.

Toe Turn vs. Heel Turn

There are two types of turns in snowboarding: toe turns and heel turns. For a toe turn, start pressuring your toe edge as you turn your body to face the top of the slope. This pressure will bring your board around and allow you to get onto your new edge. On the other hand, for a heel turn, start pressuring your heel edge as you turn your body to face the bottom of the slope. Once your board starts to come around, increase the pressure on your heels to control your speed and prepare for the next turn.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While learning to make your first turns, there are some common mistakes that you should be aware of and try to avoid.

Turning Too Quickly

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying to turn too quickly. If you rush the turn, you might get twisted, catch an edge, and potentially fall. To prevent this, make sure to let your board go straight for a brief moment before transitioning into the turn. Taking this extra time will allow you to get onto your new edge smoothly and make the turn more fluid.

Not Mastering Heel and Toe Sliding

Before attempting turns, it’s important to master heel and toe sliding. These sliding techniques are not only essential for setting up your turns but also for stopping yourself at the end of a turn. Practicing these sliding techniques will build your foundational skills and make your turns more controlled and stable.

Choosing the Wrong Slope

Another mistake is attempting turns on slopes that are either too flat or too steep. It’s crucial to find the right slope that matches your skill level and provides a suitable challenge. A slope that is too flat may not give you enough momentum to make a turn, while a slope that is too steep can be intimidating and overwhelming. Find a slope that makes you feel comfortable and confident in making your first turns.

Additional Tips for Learning to Snowboard

In addition to the steps outlined above, here are a few extra tips to help you on your snowboarding journey.

Practice Heel and Toe Sliding

As mentioned earlier, spending dedicated time practicing heel and toe sliding will greatly benefit your overall snowboarding skills. These sliding techniques are fundamental and mastering them will allow you to have more control over your board.

Explore Beginner Snowboard Videos

Take advantage of the vast resources available online, such as beginner snowboard videos. These videos provide visual demonstrations and step-by-step instructions that can enhance your learning experience. Explore different tutorial videos to find the ones that resonate with your learning style.

Ask for Help and Advice

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice from experienced snowboarders or instructors. They can provide valuable tips, correct any mistakes you might be making, and offer guidance tailored to your individual needs. Learning from others who have already mastered the skills you’re trying to learn can significantly accelerate your progress.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident and skilled snowboarder. Remember to be patient with yourself and enjoy the learning process. Snowboarding is a thrilling and rewarding sport, and with dedication and practice, you’ll soon be carving down the slopes with ease.