Have you ever had the frustrating experience of your snowboard catching an edge and crashing?
Maybe it happens when you are trying to turn or are snowboarding down a hill.
You might have wondered why this is happening and what you can do about it. This article will help answer those questions!
How to avoid catching an edge on a snowboard?
One way to do it is by standing up taller going into the turn. This will make the snowboard slide more easily over the snow, and you are less likely to catch an edge. (This essentially helps release unwanted edge pressure off your snowboard)
You can also prevent catching edges by being realistic about your skill level when making turns. It is not necessary to take a sharp turns if that’s beyond what you are capable of doing yet.
My suggestion to you is get the basics dialled in first then slowly start pushing your limits a little more.
If you are catching edges, practice your garlands, this will help with initiation and completion of each turn. It is super important you understand these movements as they will keep you a lot safer on steeper terrain.
How to snowboard fast without catching an edge
First of all it is imperative that you are competent with excess speed before you attempt to snowboard straight and not catch an edge.
If the board catches an edge, it will most likely cause your body weight to shift forward and you’ll end up hurting yourself.
You must become more assertive when snowboarding at speed, make sure your snowboard is facing down the fall line before making the edge change and always keep your basic stance in alignment.
A major problem I see snowboarders doing all the time is counter rotation…this is when your upper and lower body are fighting each other when trying to make an edge change.
You need the two to work together, you must keep your weight forward over the front foot and understand that steering comes from the lower body, but at the same time you can lead the lower body into the turn with the front shoulder.
We call this complementing the lower body. (Anticipation)
Ultimately this will make changing edges easier for you at speed.
How to snowboard straight without catching edge
The first thing you want to do is check your stance.
You want to make sure that your weight is distributed evenly over the board, and not too far back on your heels or toes.
Next, bend at the knees until you feel a good amount of pressure through them without feeling like they are about to snap. Finally, just don’t catch an edge! (Jokes)
It is vital you become more assertive through the front knee once you start slowing down, If you are trying to go straight over a long stretch, start on your toes, try and have as little edge pressure as possible, just enough so that you maintain the toe edge.
when you feel your self-twisting or find that your snowboard doesn’t want to go straight, check you upper and lower body alignment, make sure you are not twisted and that your stance is correct!
If you are snowboarding over a long patch and find yourself in this situation, I have found that it is possible to stay straight on one edge, but you have to engage the front knee more if you find yourself running out of speed and track width fast.
Remember to stay tall as you lose your speed, this will help with low edge angle as well!
Better snowboarding with stronger edge control
One way to get better at snowboarding is to develop your edge control technique, you can do this by performing edge rockers. Start on green terrain, slowly gather speed and as you start to feel the snowboard moving under your feet, start changing from one edge to the other in a rocking motion
Instead of just making the movements, start to think about what your toes are doing, not just the foot!
When you change onto your toe edge, think about pushing your toes hard in the snow and lifting the heel edge at the same time!
When you are on your heel edge, think about pointing your toes to the sky and digging your heel edge into the snow.
These small micro movements and are a game changer if you can incorporate this technique into your snowboarding.
Quick recap: If your Snowboard Keeps catching edges, Often it’s a result of not having enough control over your feet and legs, especially when you are just starting out.
You can work on developing better edge control by performing the following steps as stated above.
By creating stronger edge control when riding on green/blue terrain such as groomers or ice, you will find that it is easier and more enjoyable to make turns with less risk of catching edges before venturing off piste.
Tips to remember when changing from edge to edge on the snowboard
Here are some tips to help you along the way:
1. Make sure you have enough momentum to make the turn
2. Keep your knees bent and your weight centered/forward
3. Don’t Lean into the turn, initiate it through the front knee
4. Shift your weight slowly when changing edges
5. Keep a nice strong basic stance with correct upper and lower body alignment
And finally be more assertive in the micro movements of your feet, as you gain more confidence with speed, you must own the edge change!
What is the best snowboard for not catching an edge?
If you’re looking for the best snowboard to stay on an edge, there are a few things you should consider.
First and foremost it doesn’t really matter, it’s your weight, skill level and board size that plays into how much pressure is put down onto the board edge–the heavier you are the more power will be released when you make turns.
So what type of riding do you do?
Where can I find good information about all these factors?
One way to get some insight is by enrolling in our Master the Turns Snowboarding Program!
This program features expert instruction from professional coaches that have not only trained at an international level but also know what it takes to turn heads with their style on slopes.
You won’t want to miss this opportunity–sign up now before registration
Final word: When trying to make faster edge changes, focus on good front foot technique through the garlands exercises.
You can’t force the turn, all it does is create bad habits that slow your entire snowboarding progression down .
Take a snowboard lesson from our professional coaches and you will be on your way to mastering the turn.
Don’t give up! It takes time but when it clicks, it feels amazing!
“Snowboarding is one of the best things I have ever done in my life.” – Shaun White
Stay safe and Ride hard.
Logan
