Learning to control the momentum of the snowboard will help to prevent painful slide outs at breakneck speeds. The momentum formula for snowboarding requires advanced balance and edge control. Practice these techniques on a mellow slope to get comfortable with the necessary body movements. Wearing a polycarbonate snowboarding helmet will keep you safe throughout the learning process.
Gaining Momentum
The key to gaining momentum on a snowboard involves maintaining an aerodynamic stance while riding down the mountain slope. For increased balance, ride forward with your non-dominant foot in the lead position. Keep your weight centered towards the nose of the snowboard to create forward momentum. Lift your front foot slightly to prevent the nose of the board from digging into the snow. Bend your knees to a 45-degree angle to lower your center of gravity. Place your hands behind your back to decrease the amount of wind resistance.
Heel Side Turn
While turning allows you to navigate around any hazards embedded in the mountain slope, it will decrease your momentum slightly. To maintain as much speed as possible, avoid dragging the underside of your board across the snow during the turning technique. Lean onto the heel edge of your snowboard to traverse the mountain slope. ABC-of-Snowboarding recommends keeping your shoulders parallel with your board while performing a heel side carve. Look over your shoulder to avoid collisions with fellow riders.
Toeside Turn
Compared to the heel side carve, the toe side turn allows you to steer your snowboard in the opposing direction. Many novice riders are intimidated by this technique as it requires you to keep your back pointed down the mountain. As you begin to lose the momentum of your heel side turn, shift your body weight onto the toe edge of the snowboard. Lean forward to regain any lost momentum. Make sure the coast is clear as you begin to traverse the mountain slope.
Decreasing Momentum
Learning the braking technique will allow you to adjust your momentum while approaching a hairpin turn on the snowboarding slope. Many beginners prefer the heel side stop as it allows you to keep your chest facing forward. Rotate your snowboard to a horizontal position while leaning onto your heels. Apply downward pressure to dig the heel edge of your snowboard into the riding terrain. Snowboarding Essentials recommends pushing your back foot forward to quickly reduce the momentum of your board.
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