How to Snowboard 101: Switching Edges

Lesson 3/12
Sometimes, you will find that you are on the wrong edge while learning how to snowboard. Most people need to unfasten their snowboard from their feet, turn around, and then re-attach it so that they will have the right edge facing forward, but did you know that there is a much easier method of switching edges than this? It involves rolling on your side so that you can switch it up… but it is a fairly complex move that takes some practice! Here is a step by step tutorial on how to do it.

Step 1
First, drop down on your knees, putting your hands in the snow (if you’re facing the other way you should still read this as it applies). To give yourself more support, drop down even further, onto your elbows. This will make the move easier to pull off.

Step 2
Now, lower your right shoulder down towards the snow. This is the beginning of your roll. You will now need to get your snowboard up in the air, and gradually turn it so that the new edge will be facing out.

Step 3
Follow through with your roll, and land on your back. Your snowboard should not have turned, and you can rest it back down in the snow. As you can see, you started face down, and you are now on your back. You have successfully switched from toe to heel edge!

The Other Side
Switching from heel to toe edge is pretty much the same thing, but in reverse. You will start by sitting on the slope, with your knees just slightly bent. Next, you will lay on the ground with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your hands up and put them behind your knees. You will now lift your snowboard into the air. Once it is, start to turn it. Plant one end of it in the snow, and continue rolling in that direction until you end up with your snowboard on its toe side with you facing up the hill. Just use your hands for support as you get up, and you are done! Just make sure to keep away from other snowboarders while performing this maneuver, as it is easy to whack someone in the face while your board is in the air.