CHAPTER 4: SKILLS CONCEPT
IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INCLINATION (LEANING) AND ANGULATION (BENDING). With inclination only, the edge angle is equal to the amount of inclining (leaning). This technique allows a very limited variety of turns to be performed in ideal snow conditions. Key points: •
Riders must incline inside the turning arc to counteract the turning forces.
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Edging purely through inclination is only achievable with a limited number of factors (snow conditions, speed, slope). • As speed and performance increases, the amount of inclination increases as well.
Angulation Edging with angulation uses the ankle, knee and hip joints to increase the edge angle while maintaining balance over a relatively small base of support (the edged board). The COM stays closer to the centre line of the board (the BOS), thus increasing stability. Using inclination and angulation together, the rider is able to increase the edge angle beyond that obtained by inclination only. With this stance, it is possible to adjust pressure along the length of the board. For effective angulation, the shoulders should be as close to parallel to the snow as possible, depending on speed and slope. Generally, as the slope increases, more angulation is needed in order to maintain edge grip. As well, at higher speeds on flatter slopes, more inclination can be used, as the forces of speed will help to hold the rider up. Effective use of inclination and angulation requires a constant adjustment, taking into account the “cues” from the terrain - steepness, snow conditions, speed travelled, intended outcome, etc. Edging may be applied progressively through the turn, using refined movements with the feet, ankles and knees to allow the forward section of edge to “hook-up” in the snow (by flexing the snowboard torsionally), while the trailing section of the board is completing the previous turn. Key points:
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Angulation allows for the increase in edge angle while maintaining the rider’s COM closer to the BOS (for stability).
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Angulation combined with inclination will provide the best results when it comes to reliable edge grip.
GENERALLY, AS THE SLOPE INCREASES, MORE ANGULATION IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN EDGE GRIP. AS WELL, AT HIGHER SPEEDS ON FLATTER SLOPES, MORE INCLINATION CAN BE USED, AS THE FORCES OF SPEED WILL HELP TO HOLD THE RIDER UP.