Snowboarden Leren - Traverseren (Hielkant)

Traversing allows you to move across the fall line while descending gradually. It is actually riding diagonally across the slope, taking you slowly from one side of the slope to the other. You can do traverses in two ways, depending on the position you make and the board edge that you use. One of them is Traversing - Heelside. You will make use of your downhill edge in order to control your speed.

These are the steps in doing the Heelside Traverse:

	STEP 1: In traversing using the heel edge, look towards the direction where you want to go. This is one of the most crucial things that you should do when traversing. Spread your arms to help in keeping your balance.
	STEP 2: Then, turn your head and upper body towards the direction you wish to travel to. Shift more weight on your leading foot and move together with your other foot. Remember to keep the board angled downhill but only slightly.
	STEP 3: Return your Snowboard to its original position across the fall line. Get ready to move to the other side of the slope. Look towards the direction where you want to go.
	STEP 4: Just like in Step 2, turn your head and upper body towards the direction you wish to travel to. Shift more weight on your leading foot and move together with your other foot. Remember to keep the board angled downhill but only slightly.

Practice traversing using your heel edge so you will be able to control your speed and direction and improve your balance. Make sure that you are already comfortable in doing Traverses (heelside and toeside) before trying other Snowboard Exercises.