Presenter: Franco Ruffini
May the forces be with you & let it flow!!
How to take advantage of the inertial forces while snowboarding
OBJECTIVE
The approach of this workshop was based on the Argentinian Snowboard Technique (AST) foundations and the benefit of the inertial forces during riding for efficient snowboarding.
The goal for the participants is to understand and feel the direct passage, and how we reach fluency “FLOW” in our turns. Taking advantage of the board characteristics, the conditions of the slope and the existing forces.
CONCEPTS TO DEVELOP
-Foundation of the AST
-Direct passage of the mass centre
-Exercises/sensations to perceive
One of the main reasons why we teach our technique (AST), is for our students/clients to enjoy as much time as possible snowboarding without getting excessively tired. Because of that, our goal as instructors is for the students to snowboard with as much fluency “FLOW” as possible. This fluency is directly related with the beneficial use of the mechanic characteristics of the vehicle (snowboard), adapting to the conditions of the snow, and taking advantage of the external forces.
When talking about fluency and to get to know and interpret the AST two fundamental concepts while snowboarding were presented. These were the constant optimal load, and the direct passage of the centre of mass.
We focused on the direct passage of the centre of mass and efficiency for the edge change generated through anticipation, producing a projection of the centre of mass to the inside of the next turn that wants to be started. On the linked turns, this projection is eased by the acting inertial forces. When snowboarding, we try to receive benefits from these forces to achieve fluency, and this is related to the time of edge change and how we perform it. What were seeking to reach the inflection point (moment where the edge change is produced) to be balanced, centred and compensated as possible. This allows us to easily let go of the support of our “old” edge, relaxing ankles and moving our centre of mass to the new edge with the help of the acting inertial forces (Tangential inertial). For this to happen, the focus must be on the last 3⁄4 of the turn, where the objective is, through absorption and anticipation.
EXERCISES/SENSATIONS TO PERCEIVE
We started on a diagonal with medium/high speed, making the first change of direction letting go of the support relaxing ankles and allowing the centre of mass to pass into the inside of the turn. Thus, we achieved the first change of direction.
We then did skidded turns at low speed increasing the edge progressively. At the moment of edge change we let go of the support trying to find a feeling of “counter edge”, in this way, we felt how our centre of mass projects towards our new edge.
CONCLUSIONS
After revising the foundations and objectives of the AST, together with the performance of the exercises and perceived sensations during the workshop, we were able to feel the goal of our technique and understand its purpose. Knowing that its correct application will lead us to the much sought after “FLOW”. The guest achieve’s efficiency to better enjoy their snowboarding.
Written by Claire Dooney