Basic snowboarding is described as side-slipping. This refers to placing the snowboard sideways across the slope and snowboarding using the toe and heel side edges. First, try practicing side-slipping with the heel side edge.
Side-slipping stance
When side-slipping with the heel edge, face your body downhill. Stretching out your hands makes it easier to balance. As slopes that are too gentle will make it hard to move forward, it's best to practice on a moderately steep slope.
Side-slipping with the heel edge
Step into the heel edge and face your body downhill. Next, press your toes downward to flatten the edge angle and slide down the slope. Lift up your toes to brake and decrease speed. When you stop, put both of your hands forward to keep your balance.
Hand movement when stopping
When stopping, bend your knees and stretch your hands out forward. Doing this stabilizes your body core and prevents your feet from thrusting forward or your upper body from bending backward.
An example of what not to do
If you look down due to being worried about the movement of your ankles, you will have poor balance and won't be able to grasp what is going on around you. Always keep your line of sight in the direction of travel.
If you're tilting backward, it will be difficult to control the snowboard and you will feel like you are snowboarding faster. Imagine your center of gravity being in the center of the snowboard.
Use someone for support
At first, it'll be quite tiring to just stand up on a slope, so if there's someone who can offer support, have them help you. When you find side slipping difficult, having someone to hold your hands for support can make it easier to balance.
photo & text : Chiho Kuriyama
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