How to Snowboard Part 4

Part 1 — Theory

Part 2 — Execution

Part 3 — Fine-tuning

Part 4 — Introduction to carving *Optional

Now that you’ve learned the basics of snowboarding, let’s talk about how to carve.

Carving is not the same as what we’ve been doing before. To carve is to stay on your edge, leaving cleanpencil thin lines behind by using precise technique and edge control.

1 — THAT LEAN

Carving Theory

Carving is taking advantage of the construction of the board — letting the edges (side cut) make the turns for us, while also staying effectively stacked on top of the edge. Staying properly stacked on top of the edge will minimize skidding, leaving clean pencil lines in the snow as you carve down the trail.

The key to carving is balancing on the tiny platform of an edge. This is accomplished by a combination of how much you

• lean into the turn

2 — Example of leaning into the turn while upright — notice where his spine is aligned

• bend your lower body (knees, hips, ankles)