What To Know
- Whether you’re a beginner seeking to conquer sidehills or an experienced rider aiming to finesse your technique, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and strategies you need to traverse with confidence and style.
- To initiate a traverse, you must first establish an edge on the board’s toe side or heel side, depending on the direction you want to go.
- To increase your speed while traversing, push down on the edge of the board and use your body to generate momentum.
Traversing, the art of snowboarding across slopes, is a fundamental skill that unlocks vast terrains and enhances your overall riding experience. Whether you’re a beginner seeking to conquer sidehills or an experienced rider aiming to finesse your technique, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and strategies you need to traverse with confidence and style.
Understanding the Basics of Traversing
Traversing involves moving across a slope perpendicular to the fall line, the steepest path down the mountain. To initiate a traverse, you must first establish an edge on the board’s toe side or heel side, depending on the direction you want to go.
Toe-Side Traversing
1. Edge Control: Engage your toe edge firmly into the snow. Keep your weight centered over the board and your body parallel to the slope.
2. Body Position: Your knees should be slightly bent, and your upper body should be slightly forward. Maintain a balanced stance to prevent the board from slipping out from under you.
3. Edge Angle: The angle of your toe edge should be slightly less than 90 degrees to the slope. This allows for a controlled and stable traverse.
Heel-Side Traversing
1. Edge Control: Dig your heel edge into the snow. Like toe-side traversing, keep your weight centered and your body parallel to the slope.
2. Body Position: Bend your knees slightly and lean your upper body slightly back. This helps maintain balance and prevents the board from catching an edge.
3. Edge Angle: The heel edge should be angled slightly less than 90 degrees to the slope for optimal stability and control.
Traversing on Different Slopes
1. Flat Slopes: On flat slopes, traversing is relatively straightforward. Maintain a slight edge angle and use small, controlled movements to adjust your direction.
2. Gentle Slopes: As the slope angle increases, you’ll need to increase your edge angle slightly. Keep your weight centered and focus on smooth, flowing movements.
3. Steep Slopes: Traversing on steep slopes requires a strong edge control and a balanced body position. Use a more aggressive edge angle and keep your weight forward to maintain stability.
Advanced Traversing Techniques
1. Traversing with Speed: To increase your speed while traversing, push down on the edge of the board and use your body to generate momentum. Maintain a balanced stance and control your speed by adjusting your edge angle.
2. Linked Turns: Combine toe-side and heel-side traverses to create linked turns. This technique allows you to traverse long distances while maintaining control and momentum.
3. Traversing on Hardpack: Hardpack snow requires a sharper edge angle for effective grip. Keep your weight centered and use quick, precise movements to maintain stability.
Safety Considerations
1. Visibility: Always check for obstacles or other riders before traversing. Maintain good visibility by keeping your head up and looking ahead.
2. Control: Traverse at a speed that you can control and adjust to changing conditions. Avoid traversing too fast or on slopes beyond your skill level.
3. Falling: If you fall while traversing, try to slide sideways to avoid rolling down the slope. Protect your head and limbs from impact.
The Bottom Line: Embracing the Thrill of Traversing
Traversing is an indispensable skill that empowers snowboarders to explore diverse terrains and enhance their riding experience. By mastering the techniques outlined in this guide, you can traverse with confidence, control, and style. Embrace the challenge of traversing and unlock the full potential of the slopes.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. What is the best way to learn how to traverse?
Practice on gentle slopes with a slight edge angle. Gradually increase the slope angle and edge angle as you gain confidence and control.
2. How can I improve my balance while traversing?
Maintain a centered body position, bend your knees slightly, and distribute your weight evenly across the board. Engage your core muscles for stability.
3. What should I do if I start to lose control while traversing?
Adjust your edge angle, shift your weight, or slow down by dragging your toes or heels in the snow. If necessary, fall safely by sliding sideways.
