Snowboarding

Snowboarding is a large part of how I became interested in biomechanics in the first place. Now I am using what I have learned about biomechanics to work towards my Level 2 AASI Certification in Adaptive Snowboarding. Below I am collating the notes from our East Coast Study Crew as we prepare for Level 2/3 Adaptive Snowboard exams.

Keep it simple.

Only 2 things can move:

(1) the Board

  • tilt

  • flex

  • rotation (aka pivot)

  • twist

(2) the Body

  • flexion and extension

  • rotation

  • circumduction


I think of "rotation" as separation between the upper and lower body. You could think of this as "pivot", which could be accomplished by kicking one leg forward and pulling the other leg back. This is different from "circumduction" which I think about as what happens when the board goes by you as you're riding. These are the terms that PSIA-AASI have chosen to use to cover the motions of the body in the three anatomical planes: sagittal = flex/ext; transverse = rotation; frontal = circumduction.


The Six Fundamentals

I

Control the center of mass versus base of support to direct pressure along the length of the board.

II

Control the center of mass versus base of support to direct pressure along the width of the board.

III

Regulate the magnitude of pressure through the board surface.

IV

Control board's tilt through combination of inclination and angulation.

V

Control board's pivot through flexion/extension and rotation of the body.

VI

Control board's torsional flex through flexion/extension and rotation of the body.

I think of the six fundamentals as the snowboard being connected to ground by a free joint (6 DoF) and the rider is the controller.

Never-Ever Progression

  1. Equipment

  2. Skating/walking

  3. Straight glides

  4. Faded J-turns

  5. Get on chairlifts

  6. Traverse

  7. Garlands

  8. Start to link turns

Notes:

  • Straight glides and faded J-turns will allow you to get off the lift, so learn these skills before you get on the first lift.

  • This progression does not change for adaptive. What are the equivalencies for sit-skiers and/or stand-up snowboarders with additional equipment?

~~~ Coming Soon ~~~

Discussion of "up-to-unweight" versus "down-to-unweight" as told by stick figures.

Review of AASI Level 2 riding skills following the AASI L2 video playlist found here.

While you're waiting for more information, feel free to check out this classic video:

If you're from the Level 2 study crew, which of the six fundamentals are they using? Which should they be using to avoid the dreaded skootch leg?