Traversing is one of the most essential snowboarding techniques as it allows you to navigate around any hazards in the riding terrain. Traversing involves moving from one side of slope to the other while gradually descending the mountain. Learning to use the edges of your snowboard will prevent you from sliding out during the traversing technique.
Side-Slipping
An effective training technique when learning to traverse is known as side-slipping. Side-slipping allows you to get comfortable shifting your body weight between the edges of the snowboard. Rotate your board to a horizontal position with your chest pointing down the slope. Allow your board to slide forward slowly while applying downward pressure with your heels. Dig the edge of the board into the snow to slow your speed. Repeat the process using the toe edge of your snowboard to get comfortable with the technique.
Toeside Traverse
When performing a toeside traverse, you'll use the toe edge of your snowboard to turn. Ride forward with your knees bent until you reach a comfortable speed. Lean onto your toes to allow the corresponding edge of your board to dig into the snow. ABC-of-Snowboarding recommends extending your arms during the toeside traverse for increased balance. Keep your back facing down the slope throughout the toeside maneuver. As you begin to lose momentum, shift your body weight onto your back foot to ride towards the opposing side of the slope.
Heelside Traverse
Many novice riders feel more comfortable learning the heelside traverse as it allows you to keep your chest facing down the mountain slope. Lean onto the heel edge of your snowboard as you attain a comfortable momentum. Apply downward pressure to dig the corresponding edge into the snow. Bend your knees as you begin to carve across the mountain slope. Extend your arms for increased stability. Lean onto your back foot as you lose momentum to traverse towards the opposing side of the slope.
Connecting Turns
After mastering your toeside and heelside traverse, you can combine the maneuvers into one fluid motion. Connecting your turns will allow you to traverse the mountain slope while maintaining a steady speed. Lean onto your heels to initiate the heelside traverse. Quickly shift your weight onto your toes as you begin to lose momentum. Repeat the process to execute an S-shaped turn down the mountain. Keep your shoulders parallel with the snowboard while linking your turns.
Member Comments