110 Intro to Edging and Turn Entry

110 Intro to edging and turn entry

Assuming the rider can side-slip and execute a decent rendition of a falling leaf on both heel and toe edge, turning is on the near horizon.

Begin by exaggerating the falling leaf, such that the trailing end of the board points into the fall-line at the moment of stall.  Repeat until facile.

Note that when the board points down the hill, the rider has the option of moving back across the hill on the same edge, or changing edges.  The change of edges is facilitated by a fairly upright posture.  If the rider is hunched over, or standing overly flexed, it will be harder to release one edge and move to the other.

Note also that the tilt of the board from one edge to the other, can be accomplished almost entirely with movements of the feet, from toe to heel and vice versa.  This type of movement and its amplitude can be introduced on a flat area, such as in a lift corral.  Movements of the feet are fairly small and can be made quite accurately, in contrast to movements of the upper body.  This is an important consideration at slow speeds, as it is very easy to move too far into a turn and thus tip over.

Suggest supporting the movements of the feet, once the edge has made contact, with movements of the knees, and then the hips.  Accuracy first, then strength.

Introduce proper timing.  At slower speeds, the board will change edges very close to the fall line.  At higher speeds, the board will change edges well before the fall line.  Moving from one edge to the other should take place at a rate that is somewhat proportional to the rate of travel.  This is to say, edge changes can happen faster at faster speeds.

Remember that turn initiation begins with turn completion.

Twisting of the board is not recommended, primarily because it is not necessary if the board has been set up properly for the rider, and because it will later be discarded.