A neutral, relaxed snowboard stance is the foundation of success. Without a solid stance in snowboarding, it is difficult to improve and develop new skills and techniques. Riding ability is influenced directly by how you stand on the board.

What you'll learn in this post:

The top 4 snowboard stance issues that can cause problems in your riding

• On the back foot
• Out of alignment / Counter-rotated
• Broken at the waist / looking down
• Knock-kneed

The best position to snowboard in

• Neutral/ready position

4 Snowboard Stance Issues

On the back foot:

• Weight shifted onto the back foot
• Lead leg is straightened
• Reduced ability to steer, balance and adapt to the terrain
• Lower body will feel "locked out"
• Hard to control speed

Out of Alignment / Counter-rotated:

• Upper and lower body out of alignment
• Poor mobility through the hips and lower joints
• Reduced ability to steer, balance and adapt to the terrain
• Difficult to direct the board across the hill and engage the toe edge sidecut
• Turning will be difficult and not smooth. Encourages kicking with the back foot

Broken at the waist / looking down:

• Head down with the eyes looking at the snow or nose of the snowboard
• Bent over in the upper body
• Difficult to tip your body weight to the inside of the turns
• Will get bucked around in bumpy terrain and possibly unable to carve
• Hard to balance and be stable, making it easier to catch an edge

Knock-Kneed:

• Knees collapsed in towards each other
• Unable to use legs independently
• Bending and extending the lower joints will be difficult
• Reduced ability to steer, balance and adapt to the terrain
• Lower body will feel "locked out" 

Neutral, Ready Snowboard Stance

This is the snowboard stance you want to be in. It makes everything easier! A neutral, relaxed and ready stance is the optimal position to be in. This stable base will allow free movement in the body and make you feel more comfortable and confident on top of the board. A strong snowboard stance allows you to manage all terrain as well as continually balance and adapt as you ride. This is your safety position. If the going gets tough, stop and reset to this position then carry on.

What a neutral, ready snowboard stance looks like:

• Head up looking in the direction of travel
• Good posture in the upper body
• Shoulders aligned with your hips and the board
• Centred position on the board
• Equal weight on both feet and equal bend in key joints - hips, knees, ankles
• Relaxed lower and upper body

At Watch & Ride, we believe there are no right and wrongs in snowboarding, only consequences. If you develop a stable snowboard stance these consequences will be increasingly more positive. You will be able to ride more challenging and steeper terrain while at the same time feel more confident and comfortable on top of the snowboard. Ride hard and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!