The
mechanics of motion when snowboarding
The thing that makes snowboarding possible is the range
of motion and balance that the human body naturally has. The
basics of this motion is flexing and extending in three dimensions
as well as rotating. The more we understand about how this
works and work towards improving our range of motion the better
we will become at snowboarding.
The first type of movement is vertical movement. Vertical
movement is either up or down and impacts the pressure that
we exert on the snowboard when riding. Two examples of vertical
movement are up unweighting and down unweighting. Both actions
accomplish the same thing, reducing the amount of weight being
exerted on your snowboard but in different ways. Up unweighting
is accomplished by rising up off your snowboard, such as when
you jump up, while down unweighting is caused by suddenly
lowering your body and thus taking the weight off your feet.
The next really important type of movement is lateral movement.
Lateral movement adjusts your weight to be more on your toes
or heels. Lateral movement can be accomplished by leaning
to either your front or back side or by flexing your joints
in such a way that it exerts more pressure on either side
of the snowboard.
Next comes fore and aft movement. This movement adjusts the
amount of weight that is put upon either foot. The spacing
between your feet on your snowboard usually controls fore
and aft weighting but it can also be controlled by tilting
your upper body, pushing or pulling your feet and shifting
your hips.
The last type of movement used is rotary movement. Rotary
movement is the action of twisting your body to on side or
the other. There are several types of rotary movement including
upper body rotating, lower body rotating and anticipation.
Your head controls a great deal of your twisting. When turning
a person will anticipate the motion and look where they wish
to go, twist there upper body thus creating the energy needed
to execute the turn and then follow through by rotating their
lower body to line up with their head and upper body.
The final thing to consider, while not technically a motion,
is balance. Snowboarding would not be possible without balance
and your body is constantly adjusting slightly to remain balanced.
When you find your sweet spot, the position where your body
is perfectly balanced upon the snowboard, you will be able
to control your snowboard much more accurately, you will not
fall down and you will not be nearly as tired at the end of
the day since you are exerting less force trying to stay balanced.
One key way to improving all of these motions is to be flexible
and limber. The best way to do this is to stretch regularly
is such a way that it compliments the motions you will use
when snowboarding. The safest and easiest method of stretching
is static stretching. Static stretching involves moving into
a position that lengthens your muscles and holding that position
for a short period of time. The following are some ideas of
stretches that may be helpful to you of course seek professional
advice to determine the best routine for you.
1. Calf stretching
Lean against a wall and slide your right foot about two feet
behind you. With the left leg bent and your right leg straight,
push down on your right foot until you feel it in the top
of your calf. Hold for a few seconds and switch sides.
2. Hip flexor stretching
Assume a push-up style position on the floor. Keep one leg
limply extended behind you and bring the other leg forward
so that your knee is bent at a 90' angle under you. Press
the hip on the side of your extended leg towards the floor
to stretch your flexor. You can also slide backwards without
moving the toes of your extended leg to stretch the back of
your knee.
3. Quadriceps stretch
Stand with you feet slightly apart and close to a wall for
support. Bring one leg up behind you are hold it there with
your free hand. Now pull your leg back and slightly higher
to complete the stretch.
4. Hip and lower back
Sit on the floor with your right leg straight out in front
of you. Bend you left leg and place your left foot as close
to your right knee as possible. Now bend your right arm and
rest your right elbow on your left knee and then look over
your shoulder.
5. Groin stretch
Sit on the floor with your feet together. Grab your feet
with your hands and try to push your knees to the floor.
6. Cobra pose
Lie on the floor with your palms and elbows touching the
floor. Now begin to raise your chin, shoulders and upper back
off the floor as high as you can. Do not use your arms as
levers to lift off the floor. Instead use your back muscles
to raise you up as high as you can.
By thinking about the motions that are required to control
a snowboard and actively working to improve your control over
them you will rapidly become a better and more agile snowboarder.
Also, understanding the motions that are used, and being able
to recognize them, will make learning new tricks easier and
faster. And finally, if nothing else, stretching and moving
properly will greatly reduce your risk of injury on the hill. |
