The Basics Of Improving Your Intermediate Riding

What constitutes intermediate riding? While there may be many definitions of intermediate riding, here we see it as when you have progressed from linking turns and are looking to improve your body position, stability, and style while you're ripping down the mountain.

Feel confident with your body position? Maybe it's time to hit the park and try Jumping.

We're going to start out by talking about Ideal Turns & Filming. 

(Narrating/Riding: Nev Lapwood. Film/Edit: Vince Emond. Filmed At: Whistler Blackcomb)

The ideal turn is what we're all striving for in snowboarding but sometime you hit a roadblock in your riding. While you could just sit there and wait for the construction to finish, filming yourself riding (or more accurately having a friend film you) could be the detour you need. So what are you waiting for? Get out your GoPro, phone, or whatever filming device you have and get eyes on your riding. Chances are you'll know what you're doing wrong, you just don't even know you're doing it, until you see it. 

(Narrating/Riding: Nev Lapwood Filming/Edit: Vince Emond. Filmed at Whistler Blackcomb)

With your two feet fixed to your snowboard, you would think it would be hard to NOT centre your weight over your board. Think again. Not having your weight centred over your board is a bad habit when you first start riding. It's bad style and will stall your progression if you don't nip it in the bud early. Bending your knees and engaging even pressure over your edges is key. You can also check out our full run down of getting your Weight Over Your Board. The trick is to push your hips forward.

(Narrating/Riding: Nev Lapwood. Film/Edit: Vince Emond. Filmed At: Whistler Blackcomb)

Now that you've filmed your riding and zeroed in on where you're going wrong and gotten your weight centred over your board, it's time to talk about alignment. Alignment can be the difference between laying into a carve and fighting your way down the slopes. Riding in alignment not only looks rad, it's also more efficient and will help you withstand long days on the mountain. See all of our tips on Getting In Alignment while you ride.

Hannah Paquette
Snowboard Addiction
Our Goal Is To Improve Your Riding