Basic Moves in Snowboarding
There are basic moves in snowboarding that are fundamental in learning how to have good technique. These moves are for beginners, who are just starting out and need a little help with the process. It is best to perform these moves on a gentle slope with the rear foot free from its binding. This allows the rider to regain balance with his back foot and without having to re-strap the rear foot. Make sure to have a stomp pad on your snowboard so you are able to place your rear foot on this while doing these basic moves. Without a stomp pad your foot will slip off the board and cause you to fall down.
There are a few basic moves that a beginner should master before hitting the slopes. It is important to feel comfortable with each move before moving on to the next. It may be a good idea to invest in some lessons. Most resorts offer lessons for any age level. The professionals that teach these lessons will be able to show you how to execute all of these basic moves with precision.
The first one is called edging. This is an important move that a rider will perform very often. The rider should be able to balance oneself while on the board's edge. Being able to ride on a snowboard's edge is crucial for turning and stopping. First start off by placing the rear foot on the stomp pad of the snowboard. Then move the body onto the toes and tilt the board forward onto your toe's edge. As you become more stable hold that position for a few seconds. Make sure to do this move multiple times until you feel completely steady. Then do the exact opposite by bending your knees and lifting the heel's edge. These both are very difficult to do for someone who is just starting out. Just keep at it and it will come with practice.
The next one is called skating. This is what snowboarders do in order to reach the lifts. On a flat surface place all weight on the front foot and push with the rear foot, placing the rear foot on the stomp. It is also possible to practice heel edge and toe edge skating, by tilting the snowboard and body to those sides. Being able to do this move properly will further help with balance while on the board. If you are unable to balance on the board while skating just keep trying until you feel in control.
Learn more about the moves of snowboarding in part 2 of this article.