How to Snowboard 101: Toeside Traversing

Lesson 9/12
You can use a toeside traverse on your snowboard to travel gradually down a slope by diagonally going back and forth. This is a pretty simple concept, but one that requires a bit of instruction and practice. Here are some instructions, and coupled with a bit of practice, you should be traversing in no time!

Step 1
When treversing with the toe edge of your snowboard, remember that the front of your body will be facing up the slope. Look in the direction you want to go, and spread your arms to help keep your body balanced.

Step 2
Turn your upper body in the direction that you want to go, and gently shift your weight to your front foot so that you can gain a bit of momentum. You should be angled downhill a bit, but only slightly! Traversing is a very subtle method of moving downhill, and it will take you down slowly by diagonally moving across the fall line.

Step 3
Once you reach the opposite side, turn your head and body back the other way, and shift your weight to go that way. By following this method, you can now traverse toeside down those slopes that you would rather take it easy on! It might take some practice, but it is a good skill to learn and a necessary one for the more advanced slopes.

Related posts:

1. How to Snowboard 101: Heelside Traversing
2. How to Snowboard 101: Linking Turns
3. How to Snowboard 101: Toeside Sideslipping
4. How to Snowboard 101: Gliding on Your Board
5. How to Snowboard 101: Falling Leaf Technique