How does a person stay balanced while leaning over a moving snowboard?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the dynamics of maintaining balance while snowboarding, particularly during carving maneuvers. Carving involves riding on the edges of the snowboard, executing toe-side and heel-side turns. The key to balance lies in leaning towards the center of the curve to counteract the forces experienced during the turn. This technique is similar to how cars bank on turns, ensuring stability and control throughout the maneuver.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of snowboarding basics, including stance and turning techniques.
  • Familiarity with carving techniques on a snowboard.
  • Knowledge of curvilinear motion and its application in sports.
  • Awareness of body mechanics and balance principles in dynamic sports.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced carving techniques for snowboarding.
  • Explore the physics of balance in sports, focusing on curvilinear motion.
  • Watch tutorials on toe-side and heel-side turns from professional snowboarders.
  • Study the biomechanics of leaning and weight distribution in snowboarding.
USEFUL FOR

Snowboarders of all skill levels, coaches, and sports enthusiasts interested in improving their carving technique and understanding the physics of balance in dynamic sports.

Minhtran1092
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I started snowboarding a year ago and while watching a Ryan Knapton tutorial video on how to carve (riding on the edge of a snowboard), I noticed he didn't tip over and fall onto the snow even when he leans over his board to a great degree. There are two types of turn maneuver one can do on a snowboard: toe-side turns (leaning forward) and heel-side turns (leaning backwards):

Toe side
Heel side


If he wasn't moving, he'd certainly fall over. I'm curious about the dynamics that's keeping him balanced throughout the turn. In case it's relevant, 'carving' refers to riding on the *edges* of one's snowboard, following an S-curve path down the slope of a mountain.
 
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He is describing a curvilinear trajectory, leaning his body towards the center of the curve in order to compensate for the forces of turning:

BikeLeanForces3.png


cf.gif
 
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Here's a video on how cars bank on a turn which is a similar phenomena:

 

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