Connecting turns

The next step in snowboarding to learning how to connect turns, so that you don’t just stick to one edge the whole time. It is common for most people to be much more comfortable on one edge than the other. One important tip that you much keep in mind while riding is to try and stay as centered on the board as possible. This stance is the same as the “triple threat” position used in basketball. This stance is balanced on the center of the board with your knees bent.

Another way to get use to making turns on your snowboard is making what is called a “C” turn. The “C” turn and the “J” turn are called so because you want your turn to make the shape of the letter. A “C” turn is more of a swooping turn than the “J” turn.

In my previous blog I told you how to skate and make the “J” turn. Now you need to learn how to twist the board to make your turns flow together. A twist on the board is when you have your toes pulling up on one foot placing weight on your heel, and pushing your toes down on your other foot. Doing this vice versa is also performing a twist.

Now once you have the previously mentioned “J” turn down pat it is time to link turns together. Once you reach the end of the “J” you want to make a twist to start the turn going to other way. So, if you have made a toe side turn and want to transition to a heel side turn make a twist in the board where you pick up your toes and keep your heel pushed down. Then as the board starts coming around pull up your toes on your back foot. Once you have this down you are ready to keep practicing and linking turns.