Carving vs. Skidded Turns

Carved turns are one of the goals for any snowboarder learning the sport. In the beginning, however, skidded turns are the method most snowboarders will use to make their way down the mountain. Learning to carve properly represents a big step forward in any snowboarder's ability and will enable him to challenge much more difficult runs.

  1. Skidded Turn Basics

    • Knowing how to turn is extremely important for snowboarding. It not only lets you control your direction down the run but also allows you more control over your speed because horizontal travel will slow you down in comparison with traveling straight down the hill. To perform a basic skidded turn, simply push out with your rear leg on your board. The board will rotate sideways, and you will turn.

    The Body in a Skidded Turn

    • One of the biggest differences between a skidded turn and a carved one lies in the rigidity in your body during a skidded turn. This basic turn doesn't involve a large amount of joint movement. Indeed, beginning snowboarders often holds most of their bodies rigid and just use one primary motion to drive the skidded turn. As a result, the board stays flatter on the surface and slides during the turn.

    Carving Basics

    • The basic premise of carving involves the need to travel along the edge of the snowboard. This facet differs greatly from skidded turns, wherein you must put most of your weight against the flat of the board while pressing it into the mountain. To start carving, bend your knees and ankles so you get up onto the lip or "edge" of the snowboard instead of the flat. Practice getting onto both edges on the board as you turn to get ready to carve.

    Carving Checks

    • Skidding in your turns will prevent you from engaging in the proper position and result when carving. First of all, once you can ride the edge, you must bend your knees farther to really carve. Don't lean away from the board, however, or you will fall over. Aside from whether or not you stay upright, the snow trail tells you whether or not you've carved properly. In the snow behind you should be a smooth, curved line not much thicker than the edge of your board. A messier or wider trail means you have more work to do.