Having trouble carving on steap runs?

Question

Ok, so I can carve perfectly when I'm on a run that isn't too steap, but once I try and carve on a steap run I always end up on my @ss lol.

I can't go from my toe side to my heal side without catching my edge. I think it might be because the whole time I'm thinking about not catching my edge and not consintrating on shifting my weight right. What can I do to get over this?

Answer 1

First lets talk terminology: many novice snowboarders call sliding turns "carving."  To the experienced rider, carving is a completely different type of turn that the sliding turn that beginners and novice riders do.  From your question I know that you are not "carving" but you are linking "sliding" turns on at least beginner or perhaps intermediate terrain.

When you start going on steeper terrain, your human instincts often start to take over.  This means that you naturally start to put a lot of pressure on your back foot.  This makes it very difficult to make your turns.  

To get over this, try to push your knees apart throughout the turn.  Put more pressure on your front foot to initiate the turn and then equal pressure on both feet to complete the turn.

If that doesn't help, buy a lesson or two from a certified instructor.  They will be able to look at your riding and point out exactly what to work on to improve.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

When linking skidded turns (carving is different), you MUST wait until the board is facing straight down the hill before you transition to the other edge.

The reason this is harder on the toe edge is that you are putting pressure on the downhill side of the front foot - the toe edge - with your muscles. The heel edge you use your leg and your body weight.

To make this easier, put more weight on your front foot when starting the turn and more pressure on your shin to the top of the boot. This will press more weight to the front edge and your turn will happen faster.

Good Luck