Making the transition from skateboarding to snowboarding remains a difficult task. Many riders have the misconception that if you know how to skateboard, snowboarding should come easily. While the two extreme sports share similar tricks, learning the snowboard maneuvering techniques requires practice. The snowboard has a length that more than doubles the conventional skateboard, which makes controlling the board more challenging.
Turning
Learning the turning, or carving, technique of snowboarding will seem foreign to most skateboarders. While your feet can move freely on top of the skateboard, the snowboard bindings keep your feet fastened to the top of the board. The basic turning technique on the skateboard involves shifting your body weight between your heels and toes. This technique does apply to snowboarding, yet you must exaggerate the motion. Forcefully shift your weight from your heels and toes to avoid catching the edge of your snowboard on the mountain slope.
Stopping
The method of stopping remains quite similar in both skateboarding and snowboarding. Novice skateboarders often slide their foot while advanced riders utilize a stopping technique known as the powerslide. The powerslide involves rotating the skateboard sideways on the pavement to allow the wheels to slide. Mimic the powerslide technique with your feet strapped into the snowboard. Leaning back with your snowboard in a horizontal position will slow your momentum to a stop. Practice the snowboard powerslide on a level surface before taking it to the slope.
Ollie
Skateboarders and snowboarders alike utilize a jumping technique known as the ollie. The ollie enables you to lift the smooth underside of your snowboard off the mountain slope. While the skateboard Ollie consists of three distinct motions, the snowboard Ollie involves one fluid movement. In skateboarding, the Ollie takes place as you push on the tail, jump and then slide your front foot forward. According to ABC-of-Snowboarding, the snowboard Ollie involves jumping off your back foot while raising your knees to level the board.
Gaining Speed
Skateboarders have the ability to increase the speed of the board on virtually any riding terrain. Pushing off the ground with your dominant foot will propel your skateboard forward. When making the transition to snowboarding, gaining speed can feel quite difficult. Both skateboarders and snowboarders enjoy riding on street obstacles such as handrails. While skateboarders can simply push up to the rail, snowboarders have a difficult time gaining speed on level ground. According to Transworld Snowboarding, dropping in to a small ramp will allow you to gain speed without having to take your feet out of the snowboard bindings.
Member Comments