Navigating the curves of the slopes on a snowboard can be daunting, but with the proper technique you can approach a difficult turn with confidence and ease. Simply rotate your lead knee and hip to switch the direction of your board. By using the correct body position, you can look like a pro and avoid potential injury.
Step 1
Approach the turn at a fairly comfortable speed. Bend your knees at a 45-degree angle to help keep your center of gravity low and balanced.
Step 2
Initiate the turn by rotating your front hip in one smooth motion. Your lead knee should stay perpendicular to the board as you turn. During high-speed turns, it is especially important to keep your front knee and hip aligned with the board through the turn in order to maintain balance.
Step 3
Rotate your lead hip again in the opposite direction to change your route. Try not to twist your front knee as you turn, or you could end up with a torn ligament or minor injury. To keep your upper body balanced, rotate your shoulders in the direction of the turn.
Step 4
Complete the turn by moving your lead hip until it is perpendicular to the snowboard. To turn the board 180 degrees, put your opposite hip in the lead.
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Writer Bio
Joelle Dedalus began writing professionally for websites such as PugetSoundMagazine.com in 2009. She received her B.A. in English education at Iowa State University and is currently a M.F.A. candidate in creative nonfiction writing at Emerson College in Boston, where she is developing a manuscript on literary travel. Her areas of expertise include travel and literature, the outdoors and the arts.