Trails » Snow & Ice Sports » Snowboarding » Snowboard Carving » Snowboard Carving

Snowboard Carving

Snowboard Carving
While many skiers use the the derogatory terms "shredders" and "knuckle draggers" to describe snowboarders, most do not realize that advanced riders are quite skilled in the art of carving. A snowboard carved turn involves linking a toe-side turn with a heel-side turn.

Learning this type of turn is the next step after learning the basics of snowboarding. It requires you to maintain a high edge angle and travel faster than you would for most skidded turns. The snowboard carved turn has some distinct advantages over the skidded turn. For example, on uneven terrain such as crud, a board that is on edge will provide for a smoother ride. Additionally, a carved turn is a quieter turn, so you will not be getting as many dirty looks from skiers!

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:
  • Snowboard Snowboard boots Snowboard clothing Snowboard helmet Snowboard goggles Snowboard gloves
  • Snowboard
  • Snowboard boots
  • Snowboard clothing
  • Snowboard helmet
  • Snowboard goggles
  • Snowboard gloves
Step 1
Choose a wide and relatively uncrowded slope. At first, you will be traversing across the trail. Choosing a wide and uncrowded slope will prevent you from becoming a duck in a shooting gallery.
Step 2
Lift the toes of your downhill foot, bend your knees and rock your shoulder toward the heel edge of your snowboard to initiate a heel-side carved turn.
Step 3
Maintain your heel-side edge as you traverse across the slope.
Step 4
Flatten your snowboard by relaxing your front foot when you are near the end of the line. This will cause the board to turn toward the fall line. To traverse in the opposite direction, shift your weight to the toe-side edge of your opposite foot and press the toes of your downhill foot into the snow.
Step 5
Perform the same traverse on your toe-side edge.
Step 6
Look at your tracks. If you see a thin, clean line across the snow, you have mastered the art of staying on edge, and you are ready to link your turns. However, if your tracks are messy, or if the line zigzags, you are still falling back into skid mode and need more practice.
Step 7
Increase your edge angle and point your board down the fall line. If you maintain the edge, your board will carve back up the hill. Once this happens, the uphill leg will become the new downhill leg. Link your turns together.

Tips & Warnings

 
A lesson with a certified snowboard instructor will help you improve your technique.
 
Tackling terrain that's too advanced will lead to serious injury. Always wear a helmet on the slopes. You're ready to attempt this move when you can ride on blue or intermediate terrain at a comfortable speed.
 
Tackling terrain that's too advanced will lead to serious injury.
 
Always wear a helmet on the slopes.
 
You're ready to attempt this move when you can ride on blue or intermediate terrain at a comfortable speed.

Article Written By Lisa Mercer

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword