Extreme sports evolve to fit the increasing demand of a diverse, adrenaline-obsessed demographic. Surfing didn't lead just to skateboarding; it also led to shortboards on the waves. Likewise, skiing didn't lead just to snowboarding; it led to short skis known as snowblades. The compact feel might be weird to get used to at first, but the blades will allow you to express yourself on the slopes in ways that skis cannot.
Step 1
Avoid leaning over the front of your snowblades. Your center of balance is a crucial difference between skiing and snowblading. Keep your knees bent and keep your weight over the center of your snow blades.
Step 2
Lean back slightly when entering powder. The short length of snowblades is not optimal for slicing through thick snow. Shifting your weight to the rear gives your snowblades the same feel as skis in powder.
Step 3
Turn by leaning to the left or right. If done correctly, it should feel more like in-line skating than skiing. Snowblading is designed to be easy to learn; just give it a few tries down the mountain and it should come naturally.
Step 4
Come to a stop by turning both snow blades sideways. Think of how you might do a hockey stop on ice skates and transfer that to snow blades. Do not attempt a "pizza pie" stop, which is when you point your toes inward to make a wedge with your skis; you will crash.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult your local ski shop to find the right snowblade size. If you are an adult, the skis should be at least 29.5 inches in length. Find comfortable boots that you have no trouble walking in. Remember that shorter skis mean more pressure on your feet, so the boots are key.
Things You'll Need
- Helmet
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