What is the difference between sliding and carving in snowboarding?

Question

I need to know what I am doing currently. If someone is sliding, how do they progress to carving? By going faster?

Answer 1

The beginner turn is a "skidded" turn. A more advance turn is a carved turn in which the board does not skid down the hill but instead the entire edge follows the same line leaving a thin line in the snow.

It is true that a carved turn will be faster, but that isn't HOW you carve - it is the result. In order to carve a turn, you need to get more angle between the board and the snow - bend your knees more. When there is a 30 to 45 degree angle between the board and the snow, the board will flex in the center and the natural arc of the edge will define the arc of the turn. This is WHY your snowboard edge has an arc.

So more pressure on the edge, a larger angle to the snow by bending your knees more (and leaning into the turn more), NO skidding the board down the hill and letting the board follow its natural turn radius - these are the beginnings of a carved turn.

Good Luck

Answer 2

A carved turn has you riding on your edge for the whole turn. There is no sliding going on at all. As a result you will be able to ride faster while still under complete control.

Carving requires more skill. You need to have a more centered balance between your front foot and black foot. You need to keep your body more over the edge that you are riding. You also need to be able to get more edge into the snow. You can't learn it by reading about it... and it is not just going faster.

To progress from sliding turns to carved turns, start by practicing traversing the hill on an edge.   When you can do that, try this: on a wide beginner run, get a bit of speed going down hill, then get up on edge and hold that edge letting the board turn where it wants to (called a sidecut turn).  If you hold it long enough the board will carve around up the hill and you will stop naturally.  Once you can do this on both edges with no sliding, you are ready to start carved turns on beginner runs.  

It is much easier to learn when you can see it done - even easier if you take lessons from a certified instructor!

Answer 3

If you are carving your tracks will be narrow - a couple of inches wide max, depending on the type of snow.  If you are skidding the track will be much wider.

Answer 4

sliding side ways on your board carving is turnig

Answer 5

sliding is going down the hill on your edge and your pushing snow with your board.  Carving is digging your edge into the snow and making a cut.  I've always said that the key to learning how to carve is to practice your edge control by sliding on your heel and toe edge equally.  Once you've progressed try to link your heel and toe edges. eventually it should come together and you'll start carving.  also ask other riders for tips on the slopes most are willing to help.  balance is also key to staying on your edge.

Answer 6

when you slide, your in the stopping position and going down on your edge, carving is turning and weaving down the mtn