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1. Shard Calculation

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Response:

Calculated Shard: 35 (from laksa131)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa035.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html","crawl_time":1774414257,"first_indexed_time":1560521604,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,rei!www,\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html s443","src_root_hash":"8236345253039644035","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Snowboard | REI Expert Advice","meta_descriptions":["Learn to snowboard with this beginner guide that shows you how to get into the proper stance and balance as well as how to cross a slope and make thos"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"This article is part of our series:\nIntro to Snowboarding\nPerhaps you've heard the saying about learning to snowboard: It's harder to learn than skiing, but easier to master. How much truth there is to that depends on you. Whatever reason you decide to pick up the sport, it's an awesome way to experience the sensation of floating on snow while exploring the beauty of the mountains in winter.\nIn this article, beginners will learn how to balance on a board as well as how to cross a slope and make those first turns. Here are the steps you'll learn:\nProper Snowboard Stance\nHow to Skate\nHow to Glide\nHow to Make a J-Turn\nHow to Traverse\nHow to Traverse into a Turn\nLinking Turns\nBefore you start, get to know your gear and how your bindings work. For these tips, read our article\nHow to Put On Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings\n.\nVideo: How to Snowboard\nLearn the Proper Snowboard Stance\nLearning the proper, relaxed body position on a snowboard will help you balance and control your board better and ride more efficiently.\nHere's how to get into a basic snowboard stance:\nFlex your knees and ankles, keeping your knees tracked over your toes.\nYour shoulders and hips should all be in line with your board.\nRelax your arms by your side and keep a calm upper body.\nHow to Skate\nOnce you've strapped into the front binding, you'll learn how to skate, or move around on flat ground with the front foot strapped in and the back foot pushing you along. You'll use this skill to get around on flat terrain and also to get on a chairlift.\nWith your front foot strapped into the binding, place your back foot on the heel-side of your snowboard, slightly behind your other foot.\nUse your back foot to push yourself around.\nTake small steps.\nDon't let your free foot go past your back bindings or you may start to do a split.\nHow to Glide\nGliding lets you move around gentle hills on the mountain with one foot strapped in and the free foot resting on the board. Gliding is an essential skill for getting off a chairlift.\nAs you get comfortable skating around on flat terrain, bring your free foot onto the middle of your board and rest it against the back binding for extra stability.\nPractice straight gliding on a flatter surface. Then try gliding on a gentler slope with an easy runout.\nHow to Make a J-turn\nOne of the first skills you'll learn when riding a snowboard is the J-turn, which is how you start shaping a turn. When learning the J-turn, you will glide straight and turn slightly uphill in the shape of the letter J. Practice first with the front foot strapped into your binding and your rear foot resting on top of the board.\nToe-side J-turn\nPoint your snowboard straight down a gentle slope and glide forward.\nShift your weight to the front foot and over your toes. Move your hips over the toe-side edge as you flex your ankles and knees.\nGetting your weight over that toe-side edge should start to turn the board across the hill.\nRepeat the process while you practice on a gentle slope with a flat runout.\nHeel-side J-turn\nPoint your snowboard straight down a gentle slope and glide forward.\nShift your weight toward the front foot and over your heels. You should feel your calf and boot hitting the front highback. Move your hips over your heel-side edge as you flex your ankles and knees.\nGetting your weight over that heel-side edge should start to turn the board uphill.\nAgain, repeat the process while you practice turning across a gentle slope.\nTip for J-turns: Don't stand up tall. For your heel-side turn, keep your knees bent like you're sitting in a chair.\nHow to Traverse\nWhen you traverse, you're learning to balance and hold an edge to travel across a slope.\nToe-side traverse\nKeep your board across the slope and on the uphill edge when you stand up so you don't slide down the hill.\nFlex your knees and keep your weight evenly distributed over the toe-side edge while you find the balance point.\nShift your weight toward your front foot and then let that front foot flatten a bit. You'll start to move in the direction of the nose of your board.\nTo slow down, center your weight between both feet and lean more over the edge you are standing on. Increasing the edge angle will slow you down and eventually bring you to a stop.\nTip: Your shins move toward your toes. Don't try to balance on tiptoes.\nHeel-side traverse\nKeep your board across the slope and on the uphill edge when you stand up so you don't slide down the hill.\nYour hips should be over the heel-side edge as you find the balance point.\nBend your knees, as if you're sitting down in a chair. You should feel the highback of your binding against your calves.\nSlowly shift weight toward the front foot and let that front foot flatten a bit. You'll start to move in the direction of the nose of your board.\nTo slow down, center your weight between both feet and lean more over the edge you are standing on. Increasing the edge angle will slow you down and eventually bring you to a stop.\nTip: Make small tilting adjustments to control the board. Avoid standing too tall or making larger movements.\nHow to Traverse Into a Turn\nNow that you've practiced riding across the slope, you'll learn to make your first full turn. First try this on a gentle slope with a flat runout so if you run into trouble, the terrain will naturally stop you.\nJust as you did while traversing, start shifting your weight over the front foot.\nBut this time let the board flatten so you head straight downhill (into the fall line, the most direct route downhill).\nAs you flatten the board, get into a centered, athletic stance while still keeping more weight on your front foot.\nOnce you're on a flat board and in the fall line, start moving onto your new edge in a J-turn (either heel-side or toe-side).\nAim for good body position with your arms relaxed at your sides and knees tracked over your toes. Your legs and ankles are doing the work while your upper body is calm.\nCome to a stop and practice on the other side.\nTip: If you flatten the board too quickly, you may catch an edge. Don't rush this part. If you're nervous, try this at the bottom of the run so you don't gain too much speed.\nLinking Turns\nWhen you're comfortable with the above steps, you can start moving from one turn continuously into another.\nOnce you've turned in one direction, rather than coming to a stop, continue traversing across the slope and start to make another turn in the opposite direction.\nTip: Common mistakes include leaning too far toward the tail of the board or getting on an edge too soon.\nTake a Lesson\nConsider taking a lesson from a certified instructor with the\nAmerican Association of Snowboard Instructors\n.\nRemember: Safety is your responsibility. No internet article or video can replace proper instruction and experience—this article is intended solely as supplemental information. Be sure you're practiced in proper techniques and safety requirements before you engage in any outdoors activity.\nRelated Articles\nTips for Your First Time Skiing or Snowboarding\nHow to Put On Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings\nWhat to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding\nAuthors\nPhuong Le\nPhuong is the managing editor of Expert Advice and Uncommon Path. Before joining the co-op, she spent over two decades as a news journalist, including as an environmental reporter at The Associated Press. Find her and her family on mountain bike trails, along fishy rivers or on the slopes. Member since 1996.\nContributing Experts\nAmy Gan\nAmy is a PSIA-AASI national snowboard team member, and the lead snowboard trainer at Mount Snow Resort in southern Vermont. Amy spends her off season mountain biking as well as teaching mountain biking.","attrs_markdown":"- [REI Accessibility Statement](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/accessibility)\n- [Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#page-content)\n- [Skip to Expert Advice categories](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#secondary-nav)\n\n- [Shop REI](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/)\n- [REI Outlet](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/outlet)\n- [Trade-In](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/used\/trade-it-in)\n- [Travel](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/travel)\n- [Classes & Events](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/events)\n- [Expert Advice](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice)\n- [Uncommon Path](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog)\n- [Membership](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/membership)\n\n[Expert Advice](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice)\n\n- My REI Find your store\n  \n  Open select my store\n- [SIGN INSign in](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html)\n\nOpen menu\nClose menu\n\n- **SIGN IN** for the best experience:\n  \n  - 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[Snowsports](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/c\/snowsports)\n# How to Snowboard\n[Phuong Le](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/bio\/phuong-le.html)\n\n- Print\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.htmlcm_mmc=sm_fb-_-share&picture=https:\/\/www.rei.com\/assets\/img\/seo\/evergreen\/rei-og.jpg&name=How%20to%20Snowboard)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html?cm_mmc=sm_pin-_-share&media=https:\/\/www.rei.com\/assets\/img\/seo\/evergreen\/rei-og.jpg&description=How%20to%20Snowboard)\n\n*This article is part of our series: [Intro to Snowboarding](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/series\/intro-to-snowboarding)*\n\n![A woman snowboarding](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_1_1363_how_to_snowboard_hero_lg.jpg)\n\n[Previous Article How to Put on Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-put-on-your-snowboard-boots-and-bindings.html)\n\naddParagraphLabel: false (boolean)\n\nPerhaps you've heard the saying about learning to snowboard: It's harder to learn than skiing, but easier to master. How much truth there is to that depends on you. Whatever reason you decide to pick up the sport, it's an awesome way to experience the sensation of floating on snow while exploring the beauty of the mountains in winter.\n\nIn this article, beginners will learn how to balance on a board as well as how to cross a slope and make those first turns. Here are the steps you'll learn:\n\n1. [Proper Snowboard Stance](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#Stance)\n2. [How to Skate](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#Skate)\n3. [How to Glide](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#Glide)\n4. [How to Make a J-Turn](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#J-Turn)\n5. [How to Traverse](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#Traverse)\n6. [How to Traverse into a Turn](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#TraverseTurn)\n7. [Linking Turns](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#Linking)\n\nBefore you start, get to know your gear and how your bindings work. For these tips, read our article [How to Put On Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-put-on-your-snowboard-boots-and-bindings.html).\n\n### Video: How to Snowboard\n## Learn the Proper Snowboard Stance\n![Two views of the proper snowboarding stance](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_proper_snowboard_stance_composite.jpg)\n\nLearning the proper, relaxed body position on a snowboard will help you balance and control your board better and ride more efficiently.\n\nHere's how to get into a basic snowboard stance:\n\n- Flex your knees and ankles, keeping your knees tracked over your toes.\n- Your shoulders and hips should all be in line with your board.\n- Relax your arms by your side and keep a calm upper body.\n## How to Skate\n![A graphic demonstrating how to skate on a snowboard](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_1_1072_skating.jpg)\n\nOnce you've strapped into the front binding, you'll learn how to skate, or move around on flat ground with the front foot strapped in and the back foot pushing you along. You'll use this skill to get around on flat terrain and also to get on a chairlift.\n\n1. With your front foot strapped into the binding, place your back foot on the heel-side of your snowboard, slightly behind your other foot.\n2. Use your back foot to push yourself around.\n3. Take small steps.\n4. Don't let your free foot go past your back bindings or you may start to do a split.\n## How to Glide\n![A snowboarder gliding on their board with their front foot strapped in and their back foot resting on the board](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_1_0185_gliding.jpg)\n\nGliding lets you move around gentle hills on the mountain with one foot strapped in and the free foot resting on the board. Gliding is an essential skill for getting off a chairlift.\n\n- As you get comfortable skating around on flat terrain, bring your free foot onto the middle of your board and rest it against the back binding for extra stability.\n- Practice straight gliding on a flatter surface. Then try gliding on a gentler slope with an easy runout.\n## How to Make a J-turn\nOne of the first skills you'll learn when riding a snowboard is the J-turn, which is how you start shaping a turn. When learning the J-turn, you will glide straight and turn slightly uphill in the shape of the letter J. Practice first with the front foot strapped into your binding and your rear foot resting on top of the board.\n\n![A snowboarder does a toeside j-turn](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_toeside_j-turn_composite.jpg)\n\n**Toe-side J-turn**\n\n1. Point your snowboard straight down a gentle slope and glide forward.\n2. Shift your weight to the front foot and over your toes. Move your hips over the toe-side edge as you flex your ankles and knees.\n3. Getting your weight over that toe-side edge should start to turn the board across the hill.\n4. Repeat the process while you practice on a gentle slope with a flat runout.\n\n![A snowboarder does a heelside j-turn](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_heelside_j-turn_composite.jpg)\n\n**Heel-side J-turn**\n\n1. Point your snowboard straight down a gentle slope and glide forward.\n2. Shift your weight toward the front foot and over your heels. You should feel your calf and boot hitting the front highback. Move your hips over your heel-side edge as you flex your ankles and knees.\n3. Getting your weight over that heel-side edge should start to turn the board uphill.\n4. Again, repeat the process while you practice turning across a gentle slope.\n\nTip for J-turns: Don't stand up tall. For your heel-side turn, keep your knees bent like you're sitting in a chair.\n\n## How to Traverse\nWhen you traverse, you're learning to balance and hold an edge to travel across a slope.\n\n![A snowboarder demonstrates a toe-side traverse](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_1_0061_traverse_toe-side.jpg)\n\n**Toe-side traverse**\n\n1. Keep your board across the slope and on the uphill edge when you stand up so you don't slide down the hill.\n2. Flex your knees and keep your weight evenly distributed over the toe-side edge while you find the balance point.\n3. Shift your weight toward your front foot and then let that front foot flatten a bit. You'll start to move in the direction of the nose of your board.\n4. To slow down, center your weight between both feet and lean more over the edge you are standing on. Increasing the edge angle will slow you down and eventually bring you to a stop.\n\nTip: Your shins move toward your toes. Don't try to balance on tiptoes.\n\n![A snowboarder demonstrating a heel-side traverse](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_1_0835_traverse_heel-side.jpg)\n\n**Heel-side traverse**\n\n1. Keep your board across the slope and on the uphill edge when you stand up so you don't slide down the hill.\n2. Your hips should be over the heel-side edge as you find the balance point.\n3. Bend your knees, as if you're sitting down in a chair. You should feel the highback of your binding against your calves.\n4. Slowly shift weight toward the front foot and let that front foot flatten a bit. You'll start to move in the direction of the nose of your board.\n5. To slow down, center your weight between both feet and lean more over the edge you are standing on. Increasing the edge angle will slow you down and eventually bring you to a stop.\n\nTip: Make small tilting adjustments to control the board. Avoid standing too tall or making larger movements.\n\n## How to Traverse Into a Turn\nNow that you've practiced riding across the slope, you'll learn to make your first full turn. First try this on a gentle slope with a flat runout so if you run into trouble, the terrain will naturally stop you.\n\n1. Just as you did while traversing, start shifting your weight over the front foot.\n2. But this time let the board flatten so you head straight downhill (into the fall line, the most direct route downhill).\n3. As you flatten the board, get into a centered, athletic stance while still keeping more weight on your front foot.\n4. Once you're on a flat board and in the fall line, start moving onto your new edge in a J-turn (either heel-side or toe-side).\n5. Aim for good body position with your arms relaxed at your sides and knees tracked over your toes. Your legs and ankles are doing the work while your upper body is calm.\n6. Come to a stop and practice on the other side.\n\nTip: If you flatten the board too quickly, you may catch an edge. Don't rush this part. If you're nervous, try this at the bottom of the run so you don't gain too much speed.\n\n## Linking Turns\nWhen you're comfortable with the above steps, you can start moving from one turn continuously into another.\n\nOnce you've turned in one direction, rather than coming to a stop, continue traversing across the slope and start to make another turn in the opposite direction.\n\nTip: Common mistakes include leaning too far toward the tail of the board or getting on an edge too soon.\n\n## Take a Lesson\nConsider taking a lesson from a certified instructor with the [American Association of Snowboard Instructors](https:\/\/www.thesnowpros.org\/).\n\n*Remember: Safety is your responsibility. No internet article or video can replace proper instruction and experience—this article is intended solely as supplemental information. Be sure you're practiced in proper techniques and safety requirements before you engage in any outdoors activity.*\n\n### Related Articles\n- [Tips for Your First Time Skiing or Snowboarding](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/tips-for-skiing-or-snowboarding.html)\n- [How to Put On Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-put-on-your-snowboard-boots-and-bindings.html)\n- [What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/what-to-wear-skiing-and-snowboarding.html)\n\n### Shop Snowboards\n- Jones\n  [Flagship Snowboard - 2025\/2026](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/236379\/jones-flagship-snowboard-20252026)\n  ![Flagship Snowboard - 2025\/2026](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/media\/product\/236379)\n- Jones\n  [Frontier 2.0 Snowboard - 2025\/2026](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/253862\/jones-frontier-20-snowboard-20252026)\n  ![Frontier 2.0 Snowboard - 2025\/2026](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/media\/product\/253862)\n- Nidecker\n  [Escape Snowboard - 2025\/2026](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/252858\/nidecker-escape-snowboard-20252026)\n  ![Escape Snowboard - 2025\/2026](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/media\/product\/252858)\n\n[See all Snowboards on REI.com](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/snowboards)\n\n[Next Article What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/what-to-wear-skiing-and-snowboarding.html)\n\n[Previous Article How to Put on Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings Learn tips to get into your snowboard boots and bindings.](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-put-on-your-snowboard-boots-and-bindings.html)\n\n[Next Article What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding Learn what clothing and gear you’ll need to wear skiing or snowboarding. We cover the basics: from underwear to jacket and from head to toe.](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/what-to-wear-skiing-and-snowboarding.html)\n\n## Shop products from this article on REI.com\n- [Search Skis: Deals](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/skis\/f\/scd-deals)\n- [Search Ski Helmets](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/ski-helmets)\n- [Search Downhill Ski Boots](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/downhill-ski-boots)\n- [Search Women's Cross-Country Ski Boots](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/womens-cross-country-ski-boots)\n- [Search Ski Vises](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/ski-vises)\n- [Search Salomon QST](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/b\/salomon\/f\/pl-qst)\n\n***\n## Authors\n![Photo of Phuong Le](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/21775046_ea_phuongle_web_lg.jpeg)\n\n[Phuong Le](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/bio\/phuong-le.html)\n\n*Phuong is the managing editor of Expert Advice and Uncommon Path. Before joining the co-op, she spent over two decades as a news journalist, including as an environmental reporter at The Associated Press. Find her and her family on mountain bike trails, along fishy rivers or on the slopes. Member since 1996.*\n\n***\n## Contributing Experts\n![Photo of Amy Gan](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/21777106_ea_amygan_web_lg.jpeg)\n\n[Amy Gan](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/bio\/amy-gan.html)\n\n*Amy is a PSIA-AASI national snowboard team member, and the lead snowboard trainer at Mount Snow Resort in southern Vermont. Amy spends her off season mountain biking as well as teaching mountain biking.*\n\n***\n[Back to top](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#container)\n\nHow are we doing?\n\nGive us feedback\n\non this page.\n\n![loading](https:\/\/satchel.rei.com\/media\/common\/loader.gif)\n\n## Sign up for REI emails\nGet 15% off one REI Co-op brand item. 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All rights reserved. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc.\n\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/legal\/terms-of-use)\n- Your Privacy Choices\n- [Privacy Notice](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/legal\/privacy-notice)\n- [US State Privacy Notice](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/legal\/us-state-privacy-notice)\n- [Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/legal\/consumer-health-data-privacy-policy)\n- [Product Recalls](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/help\/product-safety-and-recalls)\n- [CA Transparency Act](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/REI_Disclosures_for_the_California_Transparency_in_Supply_Chains)\n- [Membership Terms](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/terms\/rei-membership-program)\n- [REI Accessibility Statement](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/accessibility)\n## Get the latest deals, news, & more from REI Co-op\\!","attrs_readable_markdown":"*This article is part of our series: [Intro to Snowboarding](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/series\/intro-to-snowboarding)*\n\n![A woman snowboarding](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_1_1363_how_to_snowboard_hero_lg.jpg)\n\nPerhaps you've heard the saying about learning to snowboard: It's harder to learn than skiing, but easier to master. How much truth there is to that depends on you. Whatever reason you decide to pick up the sport, it's an awesome way to experience the sensation of floating on snow while exploring the beauty of the mountains in winter.\n\nIn this article, beginners will learn how to balance on a board as well as how to cross a slope and make those first turns. Here are the steps you'll learn:\n\n1. [Proper Snowboard Stance](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#Stance)\n2. [How to Skate](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#Skate)\n3. [How to Glide](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#Glide)\n4. [How to Make a J-Turn](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#J-Turn)\n5. [How to Traverse](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#Traverse)\n6. [How to Traverse into a Turn](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#TraverseTurn)\n7. [Linking Turns](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-snowboard.html#Linking)\n\nBefore you start, get to know your gear and how your bindings work. For these tips, read our article [How to Put On Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-put-on-your-snowboard-boots-and-bindings.html).\n\n### Video: How to Snowboard\n## Learn the Proper Snowboard Stance\n![Two views of the proper snowboarding stance](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_proper_snowboard_stance_composite.jpg)\n\nLearning the proper, relaxed body position on a snowboard will help you balance and control your board better and ride more efficiently.\n\nHere's how to get into a basic snowboard stance:\n\n- Flex your knees and ankles, keeping your knees tracked over your toes.\n- Your shoulders and hips should all be in line with your board.\n- Relax your arms by your side and keep a calm upper body.\n## How to Skate\n![A graphic demonstrating how to skate on a snowboard](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_1_1072_skating.jpg)\n\nOnce you've strapped into the front binding, you'll learn how to skate, or move around on flat ground with the front foot strapped in and the back foot pushing you along. You'll use this skill to get around on flat terrain and also to get on a chairlift.\n\n1. With your front foot strapped into the binding, place your back foot on the heel-side of your snowboard, slightly behind your other foot.\n2. Use your back foot to push yourself around.\n3. Take small steps.\n4. Don't let your free foot go past your back bindings or you may start to do a split.\n## How to Glide\n![A snowboarder gliding on their board with their front foot strapped in and their back foot resting on the board](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_1_0185_gliding.jpg)\n\nGliding lets you move around gentle hills on the mountain with one foot strapped in and the free foot resting on the board. Gliding is an essential skill for getting off a chairlift.\n\n- As you get comfortable skating around on flat terrain, bring your free foot onto the middle of your board and rest it against the back binding for extra stability.\n- Practice straight gliding on a flatter surface. Then try gliding on a gentler slope with an easy runout.\n## How to Make a J-turn\nOne of the first skills you'll learn when riding a snowboard is the J-turn, which is how you start shaping a turn. When learning the J-turn, you will glide straight and turn slightly uphill in the shape of the letter J. Practice first with the front foot strapped into your binding and your rear foot resting on top of the board.\n\n![A snowboarder does a toeside j-turn](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_toeside_j-turn_composite.jpg)\n\n**Toe-side J-turn**\n\n1. Point your snowboard straight down a gentle slope and glide forward.\n2. Shift your weight to the front foot and over your toes. Move your hips over the toe-side edge as you flex your ankles and knees.\n3. Getting your weight over that toe-side edge should start to turn the board across the hill.\n4. Repeat the process while you practice on a gentle slope with a flat runout.\n\n![A snowboarder does a heelside j-turn](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_heelside_j-turn_composite.jpg)\n\n**Heel-side J-turn**\n\n1. Point your snowboard straight down a gentle slope and glide forward.\n2. Shift your weight toward the front foot and over your heels. You should feel your calf and boot hitting the front highback. Move your hips over your heel-side edge as you flex your ankles and knees.\n3. Getting your weight over that heel-side edge should start to turn the board uphill.\n4. Again, repeat the process while you practice turning across a gentle slope.\n\nTip for J-turns: Don't stand up tall. For your heel-side turn, keep your knees bent like you're sitting in a chair.\n\n## How to Traverse\nWhen you traverse, you're learning to balance and hold an edge to travel across a slope.\n\n![A snowboarder demonstrates a toe-side traverse](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_1_0061_traverse_toe-side.jpg)\n\n**Toe-side traverse**\n\n1. Keep your board across the slope and on the uphill edge when you stand up so you don't slide down the hill.\n2. Flex your knees and keep your weight evenly distributed over the toe-side edge while you find the balance point.\n3. Shift your weight toward your front foot and then let that front foot flatten a bit. You'll start to move in the direction of the nose of your board.\n4. To slow down, center your weight between both feet and lean more over the edge you are standing on. Increasing the edge angle will slow you down and eventually bring you to a stop.\n\nTip: Your shins move toward your toes. Don't try to balance on tiptoes.\n\n![A snowboarder demonstrating a heel-side traverse](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/van_dragt_031219_1_0835_traverse_heel-side.jpg)\n\n**Heel-side traverse**\n\n1. Keep your board across the slope and on the uphill edge when you stand up so you don't slide down the hill.\n2. Your hips should be over the heel-side edge as you find the balance point.\n3. Bend your knees, as if you're sitting down in a chair. You should feel the highback of your binding against your calves.\n4. Slowly shift weight toward the front foot and let that front foot flatten a bit. You'll start to move in the direction of the nose of your board.\n5. To slow down, center your weight between both feet and lean more over the edge you are standing on. Increasing the edge angle will slow you down and eventually bring you to a stop.\n\nTip: Make small tilting adjustments to control the board. Avoid standing too tall or making larger movements.\n\n## How to Traverse Into a Turn\nNow that you've practiced riding across the slope, you'll learn to make your first full turn. First try this on a gentle slope with a flat runout so if you run into trouble, the terrain will naturally stop you.\n\n1. Just as you did while traversing, start shifting your weight over the front foot.\n2. But this time let the board flatten so you head straight downhill (into the fall line, the most direct route downhill).\n3. As you flatten the board, get into a centered, athletic stance while still keeping more weight on your front foot.\n4. Once you're on a flat board and in the fall line, start moving onto your new edge in a J-turn (either heel-side or toe-side).\n5. Aim for good body position with your arms relaxed at your sides and knees tracked over your toes. Your legs and ankles are doing the work while your upper body is calm.\n6. Come to a stop and practice on the other side.\n\nTip: If you flatten the board too quickly, you may catch an edge. Don't rush this part. If you're nervous, try this at the bottom of the run so you don't gain too much speed.\n\n## Linking Turns\nWhen you're comfortable with the above steps, you can start moving from one turn continuously into another.\n\nOnce you've turned in one direction, rather than coming to a stop, continue traversing across the slope and start to make another turn in the opposite direction.\n\nTip: Common mistakes include leaning too far toward the tail of the board or getting on an edge too soon.\n\n## Take a Lesson\nConsider taking a lesson from a certified instructor with the [American Association of Snowboard Instructors](https:\/\/www.thesnowpros.org\/).\n\n*Remember: Safety is your responsibility. No internet article or video can replace proper instruction and experience—this article is intended solely as supplemental information. Be sure you're practiced in proper techniques and safety requirements before you engage in any outdoors activity.*\n\n### Related Articles\n- [Tips for Your First Time Skiing or Snowboarding](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/tips-for-skiing-or-snowboarding.html)\n- [How to Put On Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-put-on-your-snowboard-boots-and-bindings.html)\n- [What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/what-to-wear-skiing-and-snowboarding.html)\n\n***\n## Authors\n![Photo of Phuong Le](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/21775046_ea_phuongle_web_lg.jpeg)\n\n[Phuong Le](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/bio\/phuong-le.html)\n\n*Phuong is the managing editor of Expert Advice and Uncommon Path. Before joining the co-op, she spent over two decades as a news journalist, including as an environmental reporter at The Associated Press. Find her and her family on mountain bike trails, along fishy rivers or on the slopes. Member since 1996.*\n\n***\n## Contributing Experts\n![Photo of Amy Gan](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/dam\/21777106_ea_amygan_web_lg.jpeg)\n\n[Amy Gan](https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/bio\/amy-gan.html)\n\n*Amy is a PSIA-AASI national snowboard team member, and the lead snowboard trainer at Mount Snow Resort in southern Vermont. Amy spends her off season mountain biking as well as teaching mountain biking.*","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	This article is part of our series: Intro to Snowboarding Perhaps you've heard the saying about learning to snowboard: It's harder to learn than skiing, but easier to master. How much truth there is to that depends on you. Whatever reason you decide to pick up the sport, it's an awesome way to experience the sensation of floating on snow while exploring the beauty of the mountains in winter. In this article, beginners will learn how to balance on a board as well as how to cross a slope and make those first turns. Here are the steps you'll learn: Proper Snowboard Stance How to Skate How to Glide How to Make a J-Turn How to Traverse How to Traverse into a Turn Linking Turns Before you start, get to know your gear and how your bindings work. For these tips, read our article How to Put On Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings . Video: How to Snowboard Learn the Proper Snowboard Stance Learning the proper, relaxed body position on a snowboard will help you balance and control your board better and ride more efficiently. Here's how to get into a basic snowboard stance: Flex your knees and ankles, keeping your knees tracked over your toes. Your shoulders and hips should all be in line with your board. Relax your arms by your side and keep a calm upper body. How to Skate Once you've strapped into the front binding, you'll learn how to skate, or move around on flat ground with the front foot strapped in and the back foot pushing you along. You'll use this skill to get around on flat terrain and also to get on a chairlift. With your front foot strapped into the binding, place your back foot on the heel-side of your snowboard, slightly behind your other foot. Use your back foot to push yourself around. Take small steps. Don't let your free foot go past your back bindings or you may start to do a split. How to Glide Gliding lets you move around gentle hills on the mountain with one foot strapped in and the free foot resting on the board. Gliding is an essential skill for getting off a chairlift. As you get comfortable skating around on flat terrain, bring your free foot onto the middle of your board and rest it against the back binding for extra stability. Practice straight gliding on a flatter surface. Then try gliding on a gentler slope with an easy runout. How to Make a J-turn One of the first skills you'll learn when riding a snowboard is the J-turn, which is how you start shaping a turn. When learning the J-turn, you will glide straight and turn slightly uphill in the shape of the letter J. Practice first with the front foot strapped into your binding and your rear foot resting on top of the board. Toe-side J-turn Point your snowboard straight down a gentle slope and glide forward. Shift your weight to the front foot and over your toes. Move your hips over the toe-side edge as you flex your ankles and knees. Getting your weight over that toe-side edge should start to turn the board across the hill. Repeat the process while you practice on a gentle slope with a flat runout. Heel-side J-turn Point your snowboard straight down a gentle slope and glide forward. Shift your weight toward the front foot and over your heels. You should feel your calf and boot hitting the front highback. Move your hips over your heel-side edge as you flex your ankles and knees. Getting your weight over that heel-side edge should start to turn the board uphill. Again, repeat the process while you practice turning across a gentle slope. Tip for J-turns: Don't stand up tall. For your heel-side turn, keep your knees bent like you're sitting in a chair. How to Traverse When you traverse, you're learning to balance and hold an edge to travel across a slope. Toe-side traverse Keep your board across the slope and on the uphill edge when you stand up so you don't slide down the hill. Flex your knees and keep your weight evenly distributed over the toe-side edge while you find the balance point. Shift your weight toward your front foot and then let that front foot flatten a bit. You'll start to move in the direction of the nose of your board. To slow down, center your weight between both feet and lean more over the edge you are standing on. Increasing the edge angle will slow you down and eventually bring you to a stop. Tip: Your shins move toward your toes. Don't try to balance on tiptoes. Heel-side traverse Keep your board across the slope and on the uphill edge when you stand up so you don't slide down the hill. Your hips should be over the heel-side edge as you find the balance point. Bend your knees, as if you're sitting down in a chair. You should feel the highback of your binding against your calves. Slowly shift weight toward the front foot and let that front foot flatten a bit. You'll start to move in the direction of the nose of your board. To slow down, center your weight between both feet and lean more over the edge you are standing on. Increasing the edge angle will slow you down and eventually bring you to a stop. Tip: Make small tilting adjustments to control the board. Avoid standing too tall or making larger movements. How to Traverse Into a Turn Now that you've practiced riding across the slope, you'll learn to make your first full turn. First try this on a gentle slope with a flat runout so if you run into trouble, the terrain will naturally stop you. Just as you did while traversing, start shifting your weight over the front foot. But this time let the board flatten so you head straight downhill (into the fall line, the most direct route downhill). As you flatten the board, get into a centered, athletic stance while still keeping more weight on your front foot. Once you're on a flat board and in the fall line, start moving onto your new edge in a J-turn (either heel-side or toe-side). Aim for good body position with your arms relaxed at your sides and knees tracked over your toes. Your legs and ankles are doing the work while your upper body is calm. Come to a stop and practice on the other side. Tip: If you flatten the board too quickly, you may catch an edge. Don't rush this part. If you're nervous, try this at the bottom of the run so you don't gain too much speed. Linking Turns When you're comfortable with the above steps, you can start moving from one turn continuously into another. Once you've turned in one direction, rather than coming to a stop, continue traversing across the slope and start to make another turn in the opposite direction. Tip: Common mistakes include leaning too far toward the tail of the board or getting on an edge too soon. Take a Lesson Consider taking a lesson from a certified instructor with the American Association of Snowboard Instructors . Remember: Safety is your responsibility. No internet article or video can replace proper instruction and experience—this article is intended solely as supplemental information. Be sure you're practiced in proper techniques and safety requirements before you engage in any outdoors activity. Related Articles Tips for Your First Time Skiing or Snowboarding How to Put On Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding Authors Phuong Le Phuong is the managing editor of Expert Advice and Uncommon Path. Before joining the co-op, she spent over two decades as a news journalist, including as an environmental reporter at The Associated Press. Find her and her family on mountain bike trails, along fishy rivers or on the slopes. Member since 1996. Contributing Experts Amy Gan Amy is a PSIA-AASI national snowboard team member, and the lead snowboard trainer at Mount Snow Resort in southern Vermont. Amy spends her off season mountain biking as well as teaching mountain biking.
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[Snowsports](https://www.rei.com/learn/c/snowsports) # How to Snowboard [Phuong Le](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bio/phuong-le.html) - Print - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.htmlcm_mmc=sm_fb-_-share&picture=https://www.rei.com/assets/img/seo/evergreen/rei-og.jpg&name=How%20to%20Snowboard) - [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html?cm_mmc=sm_pin-_-share&media=https://www.rei.com/assets/img/seo/evergreen/rei-og.jpg&description=How%20to%20Snowboard) This article is part of our series: [Intro to Snowboarding](https://www.rei.com/learn/series/intro-to-snowboarding) ![A woman snowboarding](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_1_1363_how_to_snowboard_hero_lg.jpg) [Previous Article How to Put on Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-put-on-your-snowboard-boots-and-bindings.html) addParagraphLabel: false (boolean) Perhaps you've heard the saying about learning to snowboard: It's harder to learn than skiing, but easier to master. How much truth there is to that depends on you. Whatever reason you decide to pick up the sport, it's an awesome way to experience the sensation of floating on snow while exploring the beauty of the mountains in winter. In this article, beginners will learn how to balance on a board as well as how to cross a slope and make those first turns. Here are the steps you'll learn: 1. [Proper Snowboard Stance](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#Stance) 2. [How to Skate](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#Skate) 3. [How to Glide](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#Glide) 4. [How to Make a J-Turn](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#J-Turn) 5. [How to Traverse](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#Traverse) 6. [How to Traverse into a Turn](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#TraverseTurn) 7. [Linking Turns](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#Linking) Before you start, get to know your gear and how your bindings work. For these tips, read our article [How to Put On Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-put-on-your-snowboard-boots-and-bindings.html). ### Video: How to Snowboard ## Learn the Proper Snowboard Stance ![Two views of the proper snowboarding stance](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_proper_snowboard_stance_composite.jpg) Learning the proper, relaxed body position on a snowboard will help you balance and control your board better and ride more efficiently. Here's how to get into a basic snowboard stance: - Flex your knees and ankles, keeping your knees tracked over your toes. - Your shoulders and hips should all be in line with your board. - Relax your arms by your side and keep a calm upper body. ## How to Skate ![A graphic demonstrating how to skate on a snowboard](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_1_1072_skating.jpg) Once you've strapped into the front binding, you'll learn how to skate, or move around on flat ground with the front foot strapped in and the back foot pushing you along. You'll use this skill to get around on flat terrain and also to get on a chairlift. 1. With your front foot strapped into the binding, place your back foot on the heel-side of your snowboard, slightly behind your other foot. 2. Use your back foot to push yourself around. 3. Take small steps. 4. Don't let your free foot go past your back bindings or you may start to do a split. ## How to Glide ![A snowboarder gliding on their board with their front foot strapped in and their back foot resting on the board](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_1_0185_gliding.jpg) Gliding lets you move around gentle hills on the mountain with one foot strapped in and the free foot resting on the board. Gliding is an essential skill for getting off a chairlift. - As you get comfortable skating around on flat terrain, bring your free foot onto the middle of your board and rest it against the back binding for extra stability. - Practice straight gliding on a flatter surface. Then try gliding on a gentler slope with an easy runout. ## How to Make a J-turn One of the first skills you'll learn when riding a snowboard is the J-turn, which is how you start shaping a turn. When learning the J-turn, you will glide straight and turn slightly uphill in the shape of the letter J. Practice first with the front foot strapped into your binding and your rear foot resting on top of the board. ![A snowboarder does a toeside j-turn](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_toeside_j-turn_composite.jpg) Toe-side J-turn 1. Point your snowboard straight down a gentle slope and glide forward. 2. Shift your weight to the front foot and over your toes. Move your hips over the toe-side edge as you flex your ankles and knees. 3. Getting your weight over that toe-side edge should start to turn the board across the hill. 4. Repeat the process while you practice on a gentle slope with a flat runout. ![A snowboarder does a heelside j-turn](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_heelside_j-turn_composite.jpg) Heel-side J-turn 1. Point your snowboard straight down a gentle slope and glide forward. 2. Shift your weight toward the front foot and over your heels. You should feel your calf and boot hitting the front highback. Move your hips over your heel-side edge as you flex your ankles and knees. 3. Getting your weight over that heel-side edge should start to turn the board uphill. 4. Again, repeat the process while you practice turning across a gentle slope. Tip for J-turns: Don't stand up tall. For your heel-side turn, keep your knees bent like you're sitting in a chair. ## How to Traverse When you traverse, you're learning to balance and hold an edge to travel across a slope. ![A snowboarder demonstrates a toe-side traverse](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_1_0061_traverse_toe-side.jpg) Toe-side traverse 1. Keep your board across the slope and on the uphill edge when you stand up so you don't slide down the hill. 2. Flex your knees and keep your weight evenly distributed over the toe-side edge while you find the balance point. 3. Shift your weight toward your front foot and then let that front foot flatten a bit. You'll start to move in the direction of the nose of your board. 4. To slow down, center your weight between both feet and lean more over the edge you are standing on. Increasing the edge angle will slow you down and eventually bring you to a stop. Tip: Your shins move toward your toes. Don't try to balance on tiptoes. ![A snowboarder demonstrating a heel-side traverse](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_1_0835_traverse_heel-side.jpg) Heel-side traverse 1. Keep your board across the slope and on the uphill edge when you stand up so you don't slide down the hill. 2. Your hips should be over the heel-side edge as you find the balance point. 3. Bend your knees, as if you're sitting down in a chair. You should feel the highback of your binding against your calves. 4. Slowly shift weight toward the front foot and let that front foot flatten a bit. You'll start to move in the direction of the nose of your board. 5. To slow down, center your weight between both feet and lean more over the edge you are standing on. Increasing the edge angle will slow you down and eventually bring you to a stop. Tip: Make small tilting adjustments to control the board. Avoid standing too tall or making larger movements. ## How to Traverse Into a Turn Now that you've practiced riding across the slope, you'll learn to make your first full turn. First try this on a gentle slope with a flat runout so if you run into trouble, the terrain will naturally stop you. 1. Just as you did while traversing, start shifting your weight over the front foot. 2. But this time let the board flatten so you head straight downhill (into the fall line, the most direct route downhill). 3. As you flatten the board, get into a centered, athletic stance while still keeping more weight on your front foot. 4. Once you're on a flat board and in the fall line, start moving onto your new edge in a J-turn (either heel-side or toe-side). 5. Aim for good body position with your arms relaxed at your sides and knees tracked over your toes. Your legs and ankles are doing the work while your upper body is calm. 6. Come to a stop and practice on the other side. Tip: If you flatten the board too quickly, you may catch an edge. Don't rush this part. If you're nervous, try this at the bottom of the run so you don't gain too much speed. ## Linking Turns When you're comfortable with the above steps, you can start moving from one turn continuously into another. Once you've turned in one direction, rather than coming to a stop, continue traversing across the slope and start to make another turn in the opposite direction. Tip: Common mistakes include leaning too far toward the tail of the board or getting on an edge too soon. ## Take a Lesson Consider taking a lesson from a certified instructor with the [American Association of Snowboard Instructors](https://www.thesnowpros.org/). Remember: Safety is your responsibility. No internet article or video can replace proper instruction and experience—this article is intended solely as supplemental information. Be sure you're practiced in proper techniques and safety requirements before you engage in any outdoors activity. ### Related Articles - [Tips for Your First Time Skiing or Snowboarding](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/tips-for-skiing-or-snowboarding.html) - [How to Put On Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-put-on-your-snowboard-boots-and-bindings.html) - [What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/what-to-wear-skiing-and-snowboarding.html) ### Shop Snowboards - Jones [Flagship Snowboard - 2025/2026](https://www.rei.com/product/236379/jones-flagship-snowboard-20252026) ![Flagship Snowboard - 2025/2026](https://www.rei.com/media/product/236379) - Jones [Frontier 2.0 Snowboard - 2025/2026](https://www.rei.com/product/253862/jones-frontier-20-snowboard-20252026) ![Frontier 2.0 Snowboard - 2025/2026](https://www.rei.com/media/product/253862) - Nidecker [Escape Snowboard - 2025/2026](https://www.rei.com/product/252858/nidecker-escape-snowboard-20252026) ![Escape Snowboard - 2025/2026](https://www.rei.com/media/product/252858) [See all Snowboards on REI.com](https://www.rei.com/c/snowboards) [Next Article What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/what-to-wear-skiing-and-snowboarding.html) [Previous Article How to Put on Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings Learn tips to get into your snowboard boots and bindings.](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-put-on-your-snowboard-boots-and-bindings.html) [Next Article What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding Learn what clothing and gear you’ll need to wear skiing or snowboarding. We cover the basics: from underwear to jacket and from head to toe.](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/what-to-wear-skiing-and-snowboarding.html) ## Shop products from this article on REI.com - [Search Skis: Deals](https://www.rei.com/c/skis/f/scd-deals) - [Search Ski Helmets](https://www.rei.com/c/ski-helmets) - [Search Downhill Ski Boots](https://www.rei.com/c/downhill-ski-boots) - [Search Women's Cross-Country Ski Boots](https://www.rei.com/c/womens-cross-country-ski-boots) - [Search Ski Vises](https://www.rei.com/c/ski-vises) - [Search Salomon QST](https://www.rei.com/b/salomon/f/pl-qst) *** ## Authors ![Photo of Phuong Le](https://www.rei.com/dam/21775046_ea_phuongle_web_lg.jpeg) [Phuong Le](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bio/phuong-le.html) Phuong is the managing editor of Expert Advice and Uncommon Path. Before joining the co-op, she spent over two decades as a news journalist, including as an environmental reporter at The Associated Press. Find her and her family on mountain bike trails, along fishy rivers or on the slopes. Member since 1996. *** ## Contributing Experts ![Photo of Amy Gan](https://www.rei.com/dam/21777106_ea_amygan_web_lg.jpeg) [Amy Gan](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bio/amy-gan.html) Amy is a PSIA-AASI national snowboard team member, and the lead snowboard trainer at Mount Snow Resort in southern Vermont. Amy spends her off season mountain biking as well as teaching mountain biking. *** [Back to top](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#container) How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page. ![loading](https://satchel.rei.com/media/common/loader.gif) ## Sign up for REI emails Get 15% off one REI Co-op brand item. [Details](https://www.rei.com/help/rei-email-subscription) Thank you for signing up\! Check your inbox for your welcome email. It includes your 15%-off coupon and ways to set preferences. 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Readable Markdown	This article is part of our series: [Intro to Snowboarding](https://www.rei.com/learn/series/intro-to-snowboarding) ![A woman snowboarding](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_1_1363_how_to_snowboard_hero_lg.jpg) Perhaps you've heard the saying about learning to snowboard: It's harder to learn than skiing, but easier to master. How much truth there is to that depends on you. Whatever reason you decide to pick up the sport, it's an awesome way to experience the sensation of floating on snow while exploring the beauty of the mountains in winter. In this article, beginners will learn how to balance on a board as well as how to cross a slope and make those first turns. Here are the steps you'll learn: 1. [Proper Snowboard Stance](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#Stance) 2. [How to Skate](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#Skate) 3. [How to Glide](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#Glide) 4. [How to Make a J-Turn](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#J-Turn) 5. [How to Traverse](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#Traverse) 6. [How to Traverse into a Turn](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#TraverseTurn) 7. [Linking Turns](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-snowboard.html#Linking) Before you start, get to know your gear and how your bindings work. For these tips, read our article [How to Put On Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-put-on-your-snowboard-boots-and-bindings.html). ### Video: How to Snowboard ## Learn the Proper Snowboard Stance ![Two views of the proper snowboarding stance](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_proper_snowboard_stance_composite.jpg) Learning the proper, relaxed body position on a snowboard will help you balance and control your board better and ride more efficiently. Here's how to get into a basic snowboard stance: - Flex your knees and ankles, keeping your knees tracked over your toes. - Your shoulders and hips should all be in line with your board. - Relax your arms by your side and keep a calm upper body. ## How to Skate ![A graphic demonstrating how to skate on a snowboard](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_1_1072_skating.jpg) Once you've strapped into the front binding, you'll learn how to skate, or move around on flat ground with the front foot strapped in and the back foot pushing you along. You'll use this skill to get around on flat terrain and also to get on a chairlift. 1. With your front foot strapped into the binding, place your back foot on the heel-side of your snowboard, slightly behind your other foot. 2. Use your back foot to push yourself around. 3. Take small steps. 4. Don't let your free foot go past your back bindings or you may start to do a split. ## How to Glide ![A snowboarder gliding on their board with their front foot strapped in and their back foot resting on the board](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_1_0185_gliding.jpg) Gliding lets you move around gentle hills on the mountain with one foot strapped in and the free foot resting on the board. Gliding is an essential skill for getting off a chairlift. - As you get comfortable skating around on flat terrain, bring your free foot onto the middle of your board and rest it against the back binding for extra stability. - Practice straight gliding on a flatter surface. Then try gliding on a gentler slope with an easy runout. ## How to Make a J-turn One of the first skills you'll learn when riding a snowboard is the J-turn, which is how you start shaping a turn. When learning the J-turn, you will glide straight and turn slightly uphill in the shape of the letter J. Practice first with the front foot strapped into your binding and your rear foot resting on top of the board. ![A snowboarder does a toeside j-turn](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_toeside_j-turn_composite.jpg) Toe-side J-turn 1. Point your snowboard straight down a gentle slope and glide forward. 2. Shift your weight to the front foot and over your toes. Move your hips over the toe-side edge as you flex your ankles and knees. 3. Getting your weight over that toe-side edge should start to turn the board across the hill. 4. Repeat the process while you practice on a gentle slope with a flat runout. ![A snowboarder does a heelside j-turn](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_heelside_j-turn_composite.jpg) Heel-side J-turn 1. Point your snowboard straight down a gentle slope and glide forward. 2. Shift your weight toward the front foot and over your heels. You should feel your calf and boot hitting the front highback. Move your hips over your heel-side edge as you flex your ankles and knees. 3. Getting your weight over that heel-side edge should start to turn the board uphill. 4. Again, repeat the process while you practice turning across a gentle slope. Tip for J-turns: Don't stand up tall. For your heel-side turn, keep your knees bent like you're sitting in a chair. ## How to Traverse When you traverse, you're learning to balance and hold an edge to travel across a slope. ![A snowboarder demonstrates a toe-side traverse](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_1_0061_traverse_toe-side.jpg) Toe-side traverse 1. Keep your board across the slope and on the uphill edge when you stand up so you don't slide down the hill. 2. Flex your knees and keep your weight evenly distributed over the toe-side edge while you find the balance point. 3. Shift your weight toward your front foot and then let that front foot flatten a bit. You'll start to move in the direction of the nose of your board. 4. To slow down, center your weight between both feet and lean more over the edge you are standing on. Increasing the edge angle will slow you down and eventually bring you to a stop. Tip: Your shins move toward your toes. Don't try to balance on tiptoes. ![A snowboarder demonstrating a heel-side traverse](https://www.rei.com/dam/van_dragt_031219_1_0835_traverse_heel-side.jpg) Heel-side traverse 1. Keep your board across the slope and on the uphill edge when you stand up so you don't slide down the hill. 2. Your hips should be over the heel-side edge as you find the balance point. 3. Bend your knees, as if you're sitting down in a chair. You should feel the highback of your binding against your calves. 4. Slowly shift weight toward the front foot and let that front foot flatten a bit. You'll start to move in the direction of the nose of your board. 5. To slow down, center your weight between both feet and lean more over the edge you are standing on. Increasing the edge angle will slow you down and eventually bring you to a stop. Tip: Make small tilting adjustments to control the board. Avoid standing too tall or making larger movements. ## How to Traverse Into a Turn Now that you've practiced riding across the slope, you'll learn to make your first full turn. First try this on a gentle slope with a flat runout so if you run into trouble, the terrain will naturally stop you. 1. Just as you did while traversing, start shifting your weight over the front foot. 2. But this time let the board flatten so you head straight downhill (into the fall line, the most direct route downhill). 3. As you flatten the board, get into a centered, athletic stance while still keeping more weight on your front foot. 4. Once you're on a flat board and in the fall line, start moving onto your new edge in a J-turn (either heel-side or toe-side). 5. Aim for good body position with your arms relaxed at your sides and knees tracked over your toes. Your legs and ankles are doing the work while your upper body is calm. 6. Come to a stop and practice on the other side. Tip: If you flatten the board too quickly, you may catch an edge. Don't rush this part. If you're nervous, try this at the bottom of the run so you don't gain too much speed. ## Linking Turns When you're comfortable with the above steps, you can start moving from one turn continuously into another. Once you've turned in one direction, rather than coming to a stop, continue traversing across the slope and start to make another turn in the opposite direction. Tip: Common mistakes include leaning too far toward the tail of the board or getting on an edge too soon. ## Take a Lesson Consider taking a lesson from a certified instructor with the [American Association of Snowboard Instructors](https://www.thesnowpros.org/). Remember: Safety is your responsibility. No internet article or video can replace proper instruction and experience—this article is intended solely as supplemental information. Be sure you're practiced in proper techniques and safety requirements before you engage in any outdoors activity. ### Related Articles - [Tips for Your First Time Skiing or Snowboarding](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/tips-for-skiing-or-snowboarding.html) - [How to Put On Your Snowboard Boots and Bindings](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-put-on-your-snowboard-boots-and-bindings.html) - [What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/what-to-wear-skiing-and-snowboarding.html) *** ## Authors ![Photo of Phuong Le](https://www.rei.com/dam/21775046_ea_phuongle_web_lg.jpeg) [Phuong Le](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bio/phuong-le.html) Phuong is the managing editor of Expert Advice and Uncommon Path. Before joining the co-op, she spent over two decades as a news journalist, including as an environmental reporter at The Associated Press. Find her and her family on mountain bike trails, along fishy rivers or on the slopes. Member since 1996. *** ## Contributing Experts ![Photo of Amy Gan](https://www.rei.com/dam/21777106_ea_amygan_web_lg.jpeg) [Amy Gan](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bio/amy-gan.html) Amy is a PSIA-AASI national snowboard team member, and the lead snowboard trainer at Mount Snow Resort in southern Vermont. Amy spends her off season mountain biking as well as teaching mountain biking.
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