stimyg

I'm a pretty good free ride snowboarder. I'm usually comfortable on everything up through black diamonds (at least, the black diamonds on the east coast mountains I ride). But I'm still not comfortable on double blacks, nor going super fast anywhere... and I'd like to get more comfortable.

Problem is, I'm totally self taught, so I'm not really sure what I should be concentrating on. Like, back when I used to ski, if I was faced with a particularly gnarly steep section I'd think to myself, "choose your line, hard edge to edge, and go for it," or something to that effect, I really don't remember too well anymore.

But with snowboarding, since I taught myself, I've never been too sure what kinds of things I'm supposed to be thinking of... so when presented with something a bit beyond my skill level, I'm not sure what to visualize to help myself out.

Any suggestions? Also, any suggestions in general for getting comfortable at speed / on the super steeps?

Thanks!

lonerider

I would suggest some private lessons with a good freeride instructor. Where are you located... if you are in the PacNW I'm sure Snowolf could help you out.

orangatang

You could also try to get a group lesson during the week and hope that no one or close to no one is in it also. Happened to me once before, group lesson rate and I was the only one there..better then paying about $90 and hour.

lonerider

Looking at your post history, I see you are an East coast rider. You should look for Eric Brammer... aka PSR (Pre-School Rider)... he still frequents the Freecarve forum, he currently is at Okemo. The link I gave you has his phone number as he doesn't have email access at the moment (he is so old-school... he is pre-school ).

Donutz

That happened to me, too. Same thing exactly. 2 hour private lesson for a group rate.

To the OP, there's nothing like a private lesson. The instructor will tell you exactly what you need to work on or change, and will give you things that you can work towards. I'm planning on taking another private lesson this year, even if I have to pay private lesson rates

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stimyg

Let's say if I'm not the kind of guy to take lessons... cause I'm not. I just don't like them. So, back to my original question...?

IdahoFreshies

LESSON!!!!!!!!!! the single best way to get better. one or two lessons spaced apart a bit and you will be set to progress on those skills for a quite a while.

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lonerider

If your wallet or ego is preventing you from accepting advice from a living/breathing human face to face (which I think is best)... I guess you can try Youtube. If you haven't mastered them already... learn cross-unders, pivot/jump turns.


These two are not the best instructional videos ever, but it's what I could find with a quick search.

Cross-under


PIvot Turns


You should also video yourself and compare what you are doing to what say these guys are doing.

(Skip to around 0:45 to see actual riding)

Bones

You don't want feedback from trained instructors, but you're looking for it from untrained people here? Seems like a pretty hit and miss approach.

turbospartan

I think that you are thinking too much. Yea, pick your line somewhat and have a rough idea of where you're going, but you should be having fun too. I don't know if that helps at all, but the only way to get better is to keep riding. Start off with terrain/speed that you're comfortable with... and then the next run go a little steeper/faster. You'll get more and more comfortable each time.