Japan Ski Guide powered by SURF&SNOW

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Stand the heel side edge up while facing downhill, and direct the left side of the snowboard tip downhill. Once you start moving, adjust your speed with the edge. Once you have progressed some distance, slow down and put your hands forward to stop. Next, direct the right side of the snowboard tip downhill to move forward. Then, slow down and stretch your hands out forward to stop. Repeat these motions to snowboard down the slope.

Points for smooth snowboarding

While side-slipping, pointing the tip slightly downhill in the direction you want to go makes you move in that direction. Use the edge to control your speed, and stop before facing the snowboard tip downhill on the opposite side, and move forward in that direction. Repeatedly perform these movements to do the falling leaf.

Falling leaf with the heel edge

Stand the heel side edge up while facing downhill, and direct the left side of the snowboard tip downhill. Once you start moving, adjust your speed with the edge. Once you have progressed some distance, slow down and put your hands forward to stop. Next, direct the right side of the snowboard tip downhill to move forward. Then, slow down and stretch your hands out forward to stop. Repeat these motions to snowboard down the slope.

Points for smooth snowboarding

Rather than swinging your feet and body about, you should be able to smoothly control the snowboard with some small adjustments. It's important to be aware of the direction in which you want to go. Face your arms in the direction that you want to go and put your weight on the foot in the direction that you want to go in order to snowboard smoothly. Also make sure that your line of sight is in your desired direction of travel.

Points of caution

If your body's movement is too slow, the snowboard tip might not point downhill, making control difficult. Relax your body and keep your center of gravity on the center of the snowboard.
photo & text : Chiho Kuriyama