To glide on a snowboard, you typically keep your front foot secured in the binding while using your unstrapped back foot to push off the snow and rest on the board for momentum and balance.
Understanding Gliding on a Snowboard
Gliding, sometimes called skating, is a fundamental skill in snowboarding used to move across flat areas, through lift lines, or when getting on and off chairlifts. It involves having one foot strapped into the binding (usually your front foot) and the other foot free to maneuver.
Key Technique: Back Foot Positioning
A critical aspect of effective and stable gliding is the correct positioning of your unstrapped back foot on the snowboard. According to instructional tips, when you are gliding:
- Bring that back foot onto the board.
- Push that back foot against the back binding.
This technique is important because if your back foot is just "floating" freely on the board, it "can be very slippery." Pushing it against the back binding provides a stable point of contact, giving you more control and preventing your foot from sliding around unpredictably on the board's surface.
Basic Gliding Steps
Here are the general steps for gliding on a snowboard:
- Secure Your Front Foot: Strap into your front binding as you normally would for riding.
- Free Your Back Foot: Keep your back foot unstrapped.
- Position Your Back Foot: Place your unstrapped back foot on the board, typically near or just behind the back binding area.
- Stabilize: Push your back foot firmly against the back binding. This provides crucial stability.
- Push Off: Use your unstrapped back foot to push against the snow, similar to skateboarding, to generate forward movement.
- Rest and Glide: Once you have momentum, lift your pushing foot onto the board, maintaining its position against the back binding.
- Maintain Balance: Keep the snowboard relatively flat on the snow or with a slight angle depending on the slope and conditions. Use your arms for balance.
- Look Ahead: Direct your gaze where you want to go.
Tips for Better Gliding
- Start on flat terrain: Practice gliding in flat areas before attempting it on slight inclines.
- Keep the board flat: A flat board is less likely to catch an edge while gliding.
- Practice balance: Get comfortable resting your weight over your front foot while your back foot is on the board.
- Use small pushes: Don't try to push off too hard initially; focus on smooth, controlled movements.
By properly positioning your back foot against the binding, as suggested in instructional materials, you significantly improve your stability and control, making gliding a much easier and less "slippery" experience.
