How Does Momentum Apply To Snowboarding?

Snowboarders regulate their downhill momentum so they don't travel too fast. For example, if they travel in a straight line down a slope, they will gain too much speed and lose control of their descent. This is dangerous because the slightest bump could cause them to fall, which could lead to broken bones or other serious injuries.

Function

Snowboarders travel side-to-side as they descend. This arrests their momentum, allowing them to control their movements. If necessary, snowboarders can slow themselves by angling the board sideways and leaning back. The back edge of the board cuts deep into the snow, decreasing their speed.

Monitoring Incline

Snowboarders must monitor the slope to determine which areas will increase or decrease their momentum. For example, if a snowboarder wants to slow down, she might steer toward relatively flat areas. If she wants to speed up, she'll opt for steeper sections. By carefully choosing their paths, snowboarders can control their rate of descent.

Snow Type

The consistency of the snow affects your momentum. It's easy to gain speed on tight, packed snow. Loose snow, on the other hand, slows your momentum. Professionally groomed slopes, such as those at most ski resorts, are usually consistent, which allows you to predict how fast your descent is going to be. But if you ski in areas that haven't been groomed, watch for varying snow consistency, which could make it hard to control your speed.

Problem

Flat spots might be good for slowing down, but expansive flat areas make it hard for snowboarders to gain speed. Skiers don't have the same problem because they have ski poles to propel themselves across flat areas and back to steeper inclines. So snowboarders must take care to avoid large sections of flat areas, or else they will lose too much momentum.

Considerations

Advanced snowboarders can calculate on-the-fly the best path down a mountain, but beginning snowboarders must ride a slope several times to get an idea of the terrain. Start on an easy slope and try different paths to determine which is optimal. Note which areas slow you down too much or increase your speed to an unsafe level. Over time, you'll grow familiar with how the different grades of the slope affect your momentum.