Sideslipping (Heelside)

Mentioned previously in our Sideslipping (Toeside) segment, Sideslipping is sliding along the fall line of the slope. This exercise will teach you how to use your Snowboard’s edges to control your speed in moving downhill.

In this segment, know what Sideslipping (heelside) is all about and learn how to use the heel edge of your Snowboard in controlling your descent:

STEP 1: When beginning, start learning on a moderate slope. Your feet needs to be mounted on your Snowboard Bindings. After that, face downhill and sit down on the ground. Your legs need to be bent and your snowboard must be on its heel edge. Make sure to keep your balance.

STEP 2: Dig your heel edge deeper into the snow. This will give you a firm hold or even a stable position before you decide to continue on. Seed both hands into the snow to support your upper body.

STEP 3: Move your hands toward your body. Use them to balance yourself as you lift yourself gradually from the ground. Spread your weight evenly to your knees to help keep your balance.

STEP 4: Finally, attempt to stand up. This is quite a difficult position to make however it can be mastered through practice. Just find your balance and hold your upright position while the snowboard is on its heel edge.

STEP 5: Know how to control your Snowboard and the speed of your descent using your heel edge. Your speed in heading downhill will increase as you reduce your edge angle. Push your Snowboard further down for more speed.

STEP 6: In the previous step, you found out that you will obtain more speed if you decrease your edge angle. This time around, increase the edge angle of your Snowboard. You will see that there’s a reduction in your speed. Continue slowing down by continuously increasing the angle of your Snowboard heel edge. Soon, you’ll come to a halt.

STEP 7: You’ve eventually reached the last step of the exercise. Keep your board on its heel edge while gradually lowering your body. Put your hands on the ground to support your body.

At this time, you now know how to control your Snowboard (heelside and toeside). In general, this doesn’t really matter if you learn Sideslipping on the heel edge or toe edge first, because you will find out both as you go on with the Snowboarding Course. Practice Snowboard control and make use of your edges in controlling your speed down the slope.