How to Snowboard 101: Heelside Sideslipping

Lesson 6/12
Sideslipping on your snowboard is a maneuver that involves sliding along the fall line of the slope (i.e. when your snowboard is perpendicular to the run/slope). You need to be able to sideslip in order to control your speed while snowboarding down the hill. This lesson specifically focuses on the heelside – when you’re back is facing the slope behind you and you’re weight is on your heel edge. Here are some instructions that you help you learn this slightly challenging maneuver.

Step 1
First, you need to find yourself a moderate slope to practice on. If it is too gentle, then you will not be able to use it… but if it is too steep, then you might have trouble at first. Both feet should be attached to your snowboard via the binding mechanisms when you get started. Next, you will need to face down the hill while sitting on the ground. Bend your legs at the knees so that your snowboard is on its heel edge. Make sure to sit so that you are balanced!

Step 2
Now, dig your heel edge into the snow a bit deeper. Doing this will give you a better hold and a more stable position while you attempt the maneuver. You should also plant your hands down into the snow so that you can support your upper body.

Step 3
Next, you will want to move your hands in toward your back. You will want to balance yourself as you begin lifting yourself gradually off of the snow. Evenly distributing the weight between your knees can help with this.

Step 4
Now, try to stand up. It might be difficult the first few times, but with practice you should be able to do it easily. Just remember to stay balanced and to keep your body upright as you keep the board standing on its heel edge.

Step 5
You can now control the speed of your snowboard by using more or less heel edge. As you reduce the amount of heel edge, more of your board will be on the snow, which means that your weight will be more evenly distributed, which means that you will move faster. However, you will also notice that as you pivot yourself to put more of an angle on the heelside of your board, you can decrease speed. If you put enough of an angle on it, you will come to a complete stop.

At this point, you can lean back, put your hands in the snow, and go back to a sitting position to keep from moving down the hill anymore. Heelside sideslipping might seem a bit in depth, but with careful practice you will be able to master it in no-time!

Related posts:

1. How to Snowboard 101: Toeside Sideslipping
2. How to Snowboard 101: Heelside Traversing
3. How to Snowboard 101: Moving Up a Slope
4. How to Snowboard 101: Switching Edges
5. How to Snowboard 101: Doing Garlands