2.1 Sliding left and right
As soon as you can slide in a controlled manner, you should learn how to slide to the left and right. Practice this first in a children area, on medium-steep terrain with the lowest possible horizontal angle. Note that we learn to slide to the left and right on the frontside and backside edge, and we learn this also against your normal direction of travel.
Slide in the direction on the backside (heelside) edge
Stand up on the backside edge and start to slide slowly down the slope. Now look in the direction you want to go and point with your front hand in the direction of travel. Your shoulders and upper body should turn accordingly. The snowboard will now turn slightly in the desired direction. If it doesn't work, make sure you put enough weight on the front foot. In any case, avoid putting too much weight on the back foot.
Stay calm during the exercise, avoid jerky movements and give your snowboard time to react. To slow down, return to the original position by turning your upper body back again. Slow down primarily as the snowboard turns and only when the snowboard has turned can you edge up more with both feet to stop.
Sliding in one direction on the frontside (toeside) edge
Sliding in one direction on the frontside edge is exactly the same as sliding on the backside edge. Look in the direction you want to ride and point your front hand in the same direction. The snowboard will turn slightly and you will pick up speed. To brake, return to the original position. Again, don't move abruptly and always wait patiently to see what the snowboard does.
Torsion of the snowboard
By turning the upper body, we give an impulse to the snowboard via the hips, or more directly via the knees, causing the snowboard to tilt slightly at the front. The torsion of the snowboard causes it to slide faster at the front and turn. When the snowboard has turned slightly and the position is held, it moves in the corresponding direction
Is it already working?
Perfect! As soon as you can slide evenly on the frontside and backside edges to the left and right, you are ready for the next step. Next, try to ride 2.2 Ride fullbase down the hill.
Next steps
Check your skill
Following skills are required to be ready for the next module.