While going fast on a snowboard might get your adrenaline pumping, one false move could send you tumbling across the mountain slope. Downhill racers use a specialized snowboard model to maintain control at breakneck speeds. Racing boards often feature a flattened tail and a rounded nose. Compared to more recreational models, snowboards built for speed feature an elongated deck and a narrow design. Learning to effectively distribute your body weight will help to keep you stabilized during high-speed maneuvers.
Step 1
Lower a full-face snowboarding helmet onto your head and fasten the safety straps under your chin. Select a snowboard that features a rigid deck for increased stability at high speeds. Choose a finely groomed downhill slope with a low traffic flow.
Step 2
Secure the adjustable binding straps snugly around your riding boots. Point your non-dominant foot toward the bottom of the slope. Bend your knees slightly as your board slides forward.
Step 3
Lean onto your back foot while extending your front leg. Bend your back knee to a 45-degree angle to focus your body weight over the tail of the snowboard. Keep the nose of the snowboard slightly elevated as your momentum increases.
Step 4
Spread your arms while keeping your shoulders parallel with the snowboard. Lean onto the toe edge of your snowboard to perform a high-velocity turn. Lower your hands toward the ground to maintain control of the maneuver.
Step 5
Lean onto the heel edge of your snowboard to repeat the balancing technique. Connect your toe-side and heel-side turns to maintain your speed. Rotate your snowboard horizontally as you reach the bottom of the slope, to avoid collisions with fellow riders.
Things You'll Need
- Snowboarding helmet
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