How to Carve Snow Boards

If you have been snowboarding for long enough to feel comfortable balancing on your board and handling a bit of speed, it is probably a good time for you to learn to carve your snowboard. Carving is the act of making sharp turns on your board while maintaining your speed. For new snowboarders, learning to carve can result in a few falls and some sore muscles, but will become second nature soon enough.

Things You'll Need

  • Snowboard, boots and bindings
  • Winter sport clothing
  • Knee pads (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a gentle slope. You will want to make sure that the slope is steep enough that you can build a bit of speed, but not so steep that you will find it difficult to retain control.

    • 2

      Board heel-side down the slope. This means that you are facing the bottom of the slope and the weight of your body is in your heels.

    • 3

      Shift the weight in your front (leading) foot to your toes, to initiate a carve. Drop and curve your lead shoulder so that the weight of the lead side of your body is completely in your front toes.

    • 4

      Shift the weight in your back foot to your toes, as your snowboard begins to turn. This will make the board curve more sharply.

    • 5

      Gain and maintain your balance. As you shift your weight to carve your board, you will feel an immediate imbalance. Anticipate and counter the imbalance by keeping your knees bent and your quadriceps tight.

    • 6

      Initiate another carve by shifting the weight of your lead food to your heel, now that you are toe-side (facing the slope). Lean slightly back with your lead shoulder, as you do so. Just as before, let your back foot follow suit until you have shifted all your weight to your heels and your board has turned completely.