Improve Your Snowboarding Challenge | Part 4 – Edging

In the fourth part of the “Improve Your Snowboarding Challenge” series, SnowboardProCamp introduces a new technique called edging. This technique involves using your snowboard’s edge more aggressively to improve control and speed. By showing the base of your board to the side or top of the run and flexing your ankles, you can increase the edge angle and have a better grip on advanced terrains. The video encourages viewers to try this challenge and provide feedback on their experience. So get ready to hit the slopes and have fun experimenting with your snowboarding skills!

Hey there, snowboarding enthusiasts! In this video, SnowboardProCamp presents an exciting challenge to help you improve your riding. By focusing on your snowboard’s edge, you can enhance your control and speed. As you progress from a beginner to an intermediate rider, you’ll find yourself spraying snow at the side of each turn. However, to take it up a notch, the challenge is to use your edge earlier and show the base of your board to the side or top of the run. Flex your ankles and shift some weight to your back foot to prevent your edge from sliding out. Don’t forget to seek feedback from a friend to ensure you’re on the right track. So gear up, hit the slopes, and embrace the thrill of conquering various terrains with this edging technique.

Challenge: Use your snowboard’s edge more aggressively

Using your snowboard’s edge effectively is crucial for turning and controlling your speed while snowboarding. In this challenge, the goal is to use your edge more aggressively, particularly by getting your snowboard on edge earlier in your turns. By doing so, you’ll gain more control over your board, especially on advanced terrain. Let’s dive into some tactics to help you achieve this and explore the benefits of using your edge earlier.

Benefits of using your edge earlier in your turns

Using your edge earlier in your turns offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides you with increased control over your speed. By engaging your edge early on, you can start decelerating sooner, allowing for smoother and more controlled turns. Additionally, using your edge earlier allows you to maintain stability, especially when riding on steeper slopes or challenging terrain. It gives you a solid foundation to navigate through obstacles and maintain your balance. Overall, using your edge earlier enhances your overall riding experience and opens up possibilities for tackling more diverse terrain.

Tactic: Show the base of your snowboard to the side or top of the run

One effective tactic to get your snowboard on edge earlier is to show the base of your board to the side or top of the run. Instead of waiting for the turn to fully develop, try initiating the edge by tilting your snowboard on its side and exposing the base to the side or top of the run. This tactic helps you engage your edge earlier in the turn, allowing for better control and smoother transitions.

Tactic: Increase your edge angle with your ankles

Another tactic to improve your use of edge is to increase your edge angle by utilizing your ankles. By flexing your ankles and driving them into the snowboard, you can maximize the contact between the edge and the snow surface. This increased edge angle provides you with more grip, allowing you to carve through turns with precision and control. Pay attention to your ankle movement and consciously focus on driving them into the snowboard to enhance your edge engagement.

Getting feedback from a friend

To monitor your progress and ensure you’re effectively using your edge earlier, it’s helpful to get feedback from a friend. Have them stand at the side or top of the run and observe your riding. Ask them to check if they can see the base of your snowboard during your turns. If they can see the base consistently, it indicates that you’re successfully getting your board on edge earlier. Hearing feedback from someone else can provide valuable insights and help you stay accountable to the challenge.

Impacts of using your edge earlier

Using your edge earlier in your turns can have significant impacts on your snowboarding experience. Firstly, it allows for smoother and more controlled turns, reducing the risk of loss of control. This enhanced control translates into increased confidence, especially when riding on more challenging terrain. By engaging your edge earlier, you can navigate through steep slopes with greater ease and agility. Additionally, using your edge aggressively helps to dictate your speed, allowing you to maintain a comfortable pace while riding. Ultimately, incorporating this technique into your snowboarding style can greatly enhance your overall performance and enjoyment on the slopes.

Try the challenge and share your experience

Now that you understand the importance of using your snowboard’s edge more aggressively, it’s time to try the challenge yourself. Head out to the slopes and focus on getting your board on edge earlier in your turns. Pay attention to the tactics discussed: showing the base of your snowboard to the side or top of the run and increasing your edge angle with your ankles. Experiment with these techniques and observe how they impact your riding. Take note of any improvements in control, stability, and overall riding experience.

Once you’ve completed the challenge, don’t forget to share your experience. Let us know how it went and if you noticed any significant changes in your riding style. Sharing your feedback can inspire others to take on the challenge and provide valuable insights for fellow snowboarders.

Common questions about using your edge

1. Is it necessary to aggressively engage my edge on all types of terrain?

   • Aggressively engaging your edge is particularly important on more challenging terrain. However, you can also apply these techniques on moderate slopes to enhance your control and confidence.

2. How can I prevent my edge from sliding out while using it more aggressively?

   • Flexing your ankles and shifting some weight onto your back foot can help prevent your edge from sliding out. It provides more stability and grip, ensuring that you maintain control throughout the turn.

3. Can I still use my current turning technique while incorporating these tactics?

   • Yes, you can still use your current turning technique while incorporating the tactics to engage your edge earlier. The goal is to add these techniques as additional tools in your snowboarding arsenal, allowing for greater adaptability and control.

Conclusion

Engaging your snowboard’s edge more aggressively is a valuable skill to develop as a snowboarder. By getting your board on edge earlier in your turns, you enhance your control, stability, and overall riding experience. The tactics mentioned, such as showing the base of your board to the side or top of the run and increasing your edge angle with your ankles, can greatly assist in achieving this goal. Remember to seek feedback from a friend and share your experiences with others. Embrace the challenge, improve your snowboarding skills, and have fun exploring new possibilities on the slopes.