Going straight on a snowboard, often referred to as riding "flat base," is a fundamental skill. According to one technique described in a beginner lesson, preparing to go straight involves starting with your board on a slight angle across the slope.
Preparing to Ride Straight
Based on the reference provided, a key preparation step before committing to riding straight downhill is to position your board at a gentle angle relative to the fall line (the most direct path down the hill).
- Start Angled: Begin with your snowboard positioned "across a little bit on an angle."
- Point Slightly Downhill: This angled position automatically points your board "a few degrees down the hill already."
- Ease the Transition: The benefit of starting this way is that "when you commit to going straight," you initiate the movement from a position already somewhat aligned with the downhill direction, meaning "You don't have as far to go" to achieve a flat-base position facing directly down the slope.
This preparatory step helps manage the transition from being angled across the hill to riding straight, making it a smoother and less abrupt change for beginner riders.
Key Takeaway from the Reference
The specific advice from the reference snippet highlights the value of a pre-commitment phase:
Across a little bit on an angle. This is going to get your board going a few degrees down the hill already. So that when you commit to going straight. You don't have as far to go.
By starting slightly angled downhill, you reduce the amount of rotation needed to square up your board with the fall line when you decide to ride straight.
