Falling when changing edges when snowboarding
A common problem area for most snowboarders when learning how to carve is at the point of changing edges. (falling when changing edges)
Higher speeds combined with greater edge angles can quickly create a situation where changing from one edge onto the other can become Scary, frustrating and very painful.
Most riders tend to struggle with changing from the heel edge onto the toe edge when carving on the snowboard and today we are going to talk about what the main forces that are contributing to why you are falling at edge change.
The first question you should be asking yourself is:
What does my Basic stance look like?
Are you riding with a correct basic stance (see basic stance) that complements your snowboarding and board performance?
This is the first major problem we need to fix.
I see a lot of snowboarders start to break at the waist when trying to carve (Especially when changing onto the Toe Edge).
By breaking at the waist, you are essentially transferring the weight from the snowboard onto the snow (Dont do this)….and we need that pressure centered and over our snowboard…
…especially when carving on the snow
When you don’t have a strong Basic stance, you dont have good edge pressure and it becomes a lot harder to create the correct edge angle needed to carve correctly.
Below, I have outlined 4 more Topics that could potentially make you lose control and help you fall at edge change when carving.
3 other Reasons why you are falling when changing edges when snowboarding
1) ANGULATION When changing edges
So what is angulation on the snowboard?
This is where we start to open the shoulders up a littlemore when anticipating the new turn, essentially your stance is more open towards the direction of travel, and the lead shoulder sits over the heel edge of the snowboard while the rear shoulder aligns over the toe edge.
We can use this upper body position to create another point of angulation between the hips and shoulders.
Your Upper body angulation balances the COM (center of mass) over the contact edge and It is used to drive the pressures and forces of the turn down into the edge. This allows you to hold a stronger edge, rather than having the forces directed down the fall-line creating skid or drift at the completion of the turn.
2) FOOT PEDALING When changing edges
This Is what we call, becoming more assertive through the ankles and feet when riding? By focusing on the ankles consciously and applying more pressure through this region of the legs you can hold a stronger edge and add another 15% of strong edge pressure!
Here’s a tip:
When carving on your toe edge, focus on pushing your toes hard into the snow…when on your heels, focus on pointing your toes to the sky!
Consciously become more aware of what your feet are doing!
3) HIGH BACKS When changing edges
Another reason you might be falling and not able to generate good edge angle and pressure is because your high backs on your bindings might not be set correctly.
Adjust the high back to naturally force you to bend your knees and create good edge angle.
Remember you must have a strong basic stance that supports a greater arch in the high back when riding. You can’t carve on the snowboard with straight legs and no flexion and extension… Get the full video tutorials by clicking here: EP ‘Carving Like A Pro’ Snowboarding execution plan
CONCLUSION
I can pretty much guarantee that if you are struggling to change edges smoothly when carving, it is your basic stance that is out of alignment.
Remember to keep a closed turn shape to help control speed and Start thinking about being more assertive in the feet, always wash your excess speed away before committing into the new turn.
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