How to Determine a Heel Edge and Toe Edge on a Snowboard

The opposing edges of the snowboard are often referred to as the heel and toe edge. The sharpened design allows the heel and toe edge to penetrate the snow during hairpin turns and high-velocity maneuvers. The heel edge of the snowboard is the edge that sits closest to the heels of your snowboarding boots. According to Mechanics of Sport, the heel edge of the snowboard often wears down more quickly that the toe edge as it is commonly used for the braking technique.

Things You'll Need

  • Snowboard boots
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert your feet into a pair of properly fitting snowboard boots, and tie the laces. Lower your lead foot into the binding located toward the front of the snowboard. Place your back foot into the binding located at the rear.

    • 2

      Tighten the ratcheted binding straps to secure your feet in place. Bend your knees to a 45 degree angle to lower your center of gravity. Hold your arms parallel to the floor to avoid losing balance.

    • 3

      Shift your body weight forward to balance on your toes. Lower your eyes to the ground to identify the toe edge of the snowboard. Transfer your body weight onto your heels to determine the heel edge of the snowboard.