Snowboard Carving Tips with a Game I like to play on cat tracks / very mellow runs.

Big thanks to Dave for joining in the vid! Give him a follow on IG at: / dhollee
I really like his tip of hip height and 'Throwing the Ankles'. If we imagine our hips down, and our skeletal structures as a series of hinges below the waist... with each hinge down to the ankles being progressively more active... it's great thought for what body parts are "movin' and groovin". :)
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[@RyanKnapton]

The intro was cut short, but two other thoughts that might can help for doing these... 1. Think of reaching the 'apex' of the turn as early as possible, with anticipation to hit the next apex as quick as possible. And 2. showing the base of your board off to the sides of the run as early as possible. Just those thoughts alone can potentially help. Happy shreddin' all! ❄🏂❄✌

[@samsplaying]

I appreciate you. I hope someday I see you on the mountain and can watch you carve. I think I need a board like yours, mine has reached its limits on eurocarving and wobbles a lot on my deep carves. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a board that's good for trees and one that's good for carving like you do are mostly opposite ends of the spectrum, right? Those are the things I do most and It'd be great if one board was great for both so I didn't have to choose. I figure that's not how it is.

[@RyanKnapton]

@@samsplaying Aspects of different spectrums for sure. From my experience when I went to wider boards, it didn't change my riding through trees much when I was still on a radius that was normal (8m and 8.7m). But once I started having boards built around 10m and up, there's some single track exits on some of the hike to terrain that definitely is more challenging on a larger radii sidecut. It's just not as nimble.

[@ellstackeradventures]

:)

[@zacdarippa]

Bro! You have to do what Travis Rice did with natural selection! Let's build the first buttering freestyle comp! Let's do it man! Unless that's already a thing IDK haven't seen it but I'm also super new to this world and learning everyday.

[@wfxxvalentin9165]

Hi Ryan. Wanted to send my respects for all that you are doing. Your riding videos are so satisfying to watch 😍😍, everything is so smooth. Since i discovered your channel i have changed my way of snowboarding, but still such a long way until your level 😂😂 i do have one question, regarding your angle that you have the edges sharpened. Could you please give a hint of how sharp your edges are? I can understand that of course its about your way of controlling the board, and pushing down the edge, but you can only be as confident on pushing as long as the edge cuts that snow/ice. Again, all my RESPECT🙌🙌🙌 for you. You made me fall in Love again with snowboarding even tho i was enjoying it so much already. All the best 💪

[@BornAgain619]

Ryan, I enjoy watching you ride SO MUCH! For a few years now I have been following your videos, and I am thankful you are producing them. Keep it up!

[@alexxela754]

I still remember my first time with snowboard in a ski resort and saw the “pros” just carving past me on the edge of the snowboard. It’s just the signature of a good snowboarder👌

[@grimmriffer]

I use to hate and fear cat tracks before I could carve. Now I love them. Learning to carve opens up the mountain.

[@markrosenquist8259]

Cat tracks are awesome. Great for practicing carves.🤙

Since you made a video about slapping the base of your board down between turns on cat tracks a few years ago, I've been doing it on cat tracks, and I find it really helps with practicing better form when carving, as it's easy to get lazy on long drawn out carves.

[@ellstackeradventures]

Yoooo

[@Felix-kd8tn]

Anyone got the link to that one?

[@HorizonVertigo]

I've been doing this on cat tracks since you made a video about slapping the base of your board down between turns on cat tracks a few years ago. I find it really helps with practicing better form when carving as it is easy to get lazy on big drawn out carves.

[@ellstackeradventures]

Yewww

[@brunoespindola4287]

Yep. Check how to really really really carve part 5

[@adi4434]

This man is dancing on the mountain with the snowboard

[@patrasctoni3201]

again u make me smile and fill up with that going to slope feeling!

[@nizam_mr]

smooth carving guys, and leaving beautiful lines on the tracks Carving like Ryan is my goal, as he can carve so smooth while in duck stance as others on SBX stance

[@djbrotherelectric]

Just saw a interview from another channel call best butters and carves or something like that and happy I came across it. Love your style and content.

[@JoshMorrow]

Some great philosophy Ryan, do things with purpose and intent. Love it!

[@angiem.j0217]

It’s so cool you teach the skills of boarding thx Ryan’s

[@forever_us3152]

I love this drill I always do it on cat tracks its a leg burner for sure ,but it will step up your carving game 100% ,

[@DaveHollanderEE]

I think my calves were shot for like 3 days after we got these clips (plus the 2 runs prior that the GoPro failed to capture) 😅

[@rewolfer]

That was a super fun video. Gonna be doing these on cat tracks from now on!

[@T25de]

My friends 2nd day off n a snowboard today at Breck and he was leaving lines! See ya out there, happy shreddin! 😄

[@hillernius666]

Oh yes. Glad to see you again...

[@SchneckenTrinkenFanta]

That other dudes hellside turn body position. Sick!!

[@mr.force1036]

Hi Ryan, thanks. Just for kicks I counted turns the other day. Top to bottom, rhythm carve count was 70 toe, 70 heal. = 140 turns per run. Since I’m always turning,(skiers hate me), this, times my average of 11 good runs a day equals roughly 1500 turns per sesh x 22 seshes this year so far equals 15,300 turns this season. Thought you might get a kick out of these numbers. If your not turning, your not snowboarding. Style, grace, power, rhythm, flow,, style, it adds up to smooth and confident. Rip it up 😎

[@RyanKnapton]

I absolutely get a kick out of it! We think alike. I always have the thought of how much it could help riders to deliberately make 100 clean toesides, then 100 clean heelside, the body starts to recognize those carved turn sensations... The. The next 1000, the mind and body can start recognizing little intricacies and reading the terrain better, 10,000 later and the flow starts becoming very real and skidded turns end up just feeling like bad energy and friction through the board and body. Thanks for sharing and happy shredding! ❄️🏂❄️✌️

[@ellstackeradventures]

Thanks for the tips

[@animationarbresetco6489]

Quelle équipe !! Magnifique !

[@kimberchick8527]

A new video?! Sweet. Looking forward to these, always!!

[@Chel_From_Earth]

Спасибо чувак! Твои видео мотивируют меня улучшать катание. Привет из России.

[@carlsonb20]

Great vid! Good tips! Love Knapton. Smooth as silk! Keep it up my man 💯%🔥🔥🔥

[@restless8638]

Damn I really need to buy a wider board and just carve for a couple days its so relaxing.

[@АннаКомиссарова-ц2д]

Man I really love the figure you make as an intro and what's on your helmet. Its super funny!

[@RyanKnapton]

:) My documentary might be right up your alley. There's a sequel too! Ha. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5nadaCAptN7aLM

[@PhaseSkater]

I’ll be at breck for the first time ever tomorrow. Woukd be cool to run into you

[@NHlocal]

Always inspiring Ryan! I'm sitting here with a busted collarbone wishing I could get out right now and try out that drill. Just starting to "ease" back onto the board with some very low level cruising right now. Thanks and Qapla!!! 😃👍❤🏂 Randy

[@martykasa7864]

This awesome, esp. around 5:00 ... A board with a different color top sheet and base would really sell it.

[@georgeg1395]

Great, as usual! Respect from Russia:o)

[@VaunaKiller]

Gonna try it this weekend! Thank you!

[@scottishcarver66]

Its a fun drill to practise and i would also suggest mixing a variation of it in to bigger carves across the slope. ie during a heel edge turn as your going across the run transition quickly to a small toe turn then back to heel edge before switiching back to toe edge carve back across the slope the other way again but this time going to edge to small heel edge carve then back to toe. This has the effect of helping to drill your edge change across the slope and also will give you a bit of a get of jail free card in your arsenal should you see a bomber coming straight down the run and you need to change course rapidly to avoid an accident never trust someone can or will avoid you....

[@mta01ajd]

One of Ryan's (much) earlier videos talks about this drill!

[@tourhead]

Awesome!!! You rock!!!!!!!

[@casparvanrooijen6401]

Best carver I know!

[@seanle5125]

Thanks Ryan! Great tips

[@oldsbuilt8740]

My knees hurt just watching you guys. 😂

[@DaveHollanderEE]

2 ACL reconstructions make me very conscious of how my knees are feeling when I ride. Carving is still lower risk than the park riding I focused on from ~16-30 years old though. This drill burned my calves, but no problem for knees. 🤙

[@teigemaddrell1769]

Soundtrack makes me suspect mr. Knaptons spent a good few late nights/early mornings waving glow sticks around in a field, with a massive PA pumping out the tunes 🤣

[@viento99]

"smooth like a newborn" - Silk Sonic

[@Modzilla32]

Best tip was looking uphill before cutting across.

[@MTKARusty]

Great riding and idea! This sure makes me glad I left CO though.

[@ericbartoszak5211]

This drill is awesome! Can’t wait to try it. Do you have any drills you can do off the mountain?

[@adamb.4585]

Man this makes me want to ride!

[@levv42]

My legs are burning just looking at this. XD

[@rryszko2]

Ryan, More videos please!

[@pintail120]

you guys are f_cking machines - respect ! I want to relocate next to a snowboarding resort and a dropzone, please help

[@tkachenko.andrey]

Wow, new video! Awesome. Nice, going to try these tips ^_^

[@martykasa7864]

Most people, say you can't make "fast" edge changes on anything wider then a 255mm waist... Ryan at 1:55, on his 318mm waist. LoL, I'm ded.

[@Max_Snellink]

Many of our cat tracks have insane drops into them on one side.. I like to ride two snowboard widths on the very edge heel to toe super fast within that 35 to 45cm corridor which every skier graciously deposits some loose snow on.. Some days its almost a powder line and nobody uses that space. If needed I can zoink into the dip and roost back onto the cat track in front of them. Upper body stays isolated lower body does the work. Some level 3 instructor asked who taught me that.. I said nobody it happened it felt good I honed it. He gave some long ass technical name to it. Downward pressure retracted something something of the like.. 🤔 Can't remember.

[@Harzbeppo]

I do the same to get most fun out of a cattrack. riding as close as possible to the embankment and watch slashing down the snow. Best and Safest way to overtake skiiers

[@Max_Snellink]

@@Harzbeppo Exactly and snap reverts past ski tourers. They always stop and smile at the rooster headed their way.. Perfect splash before feet. Wink as pass safely. Put crew we spray each other all day. Points for face shots. Devil horn tail press to complete stop. Best one is super fast straight line to giant emergency almost stop and emerge from the explosion of snow in a tripod.

[@akram8805]

At 5:30 i noticed an extra strap above the ankle strap on kevin's boots and it's the first time i see those, what are they and where can i find them ? Cheers!

[@mcquanto]

this is sooooo damn sick!!!😍😍

[@tat1ukpable]

My knees hurt just watching

[@eztanezta]

Ryan IS snowboarding

[@dickysunset8892]

Tried this on Sunday and now my quads feel like noodles.

[@user-vn9js9yn1j]

Hey ryan. I own your knapton twin model and been training on it for year now. Recently, im having a really bad lower back /pelvic pain. I feel like im putting too much weight on forward foot (regular stance) while i do heel turn. In your heelside carve vid, you recommend to put a bit more weight on forward feet. Is that really how you do it? Have ya ever experienced low back pain while riding this board?

[@user-vn9js9yn1j]

Lowback pain is solely on the left side, and left pelvis. I know what i was doing wrong (putting more weight on one or front side), but i dont seem to figure out how to deep heelside without putting more weight on frong(left) leg.

[@RyanKnapton]

Luckily I have not had any issues with persistent pains anywhere in my body. Obviously any falls cause wherever to hurt for awhile (tailbone I've hurt a couple times in the past 5 years when falling on ice)... but nothing abnormal. Wishing you the best to figure out if its technique, or other issues. Definitely might be worth playing around with your stance angles, and width too. We all have some different body mechanics with how we're built... and finding what feels good to you is very important.

[@user-vn9js9yn1j]

@@RyanKnapton thanks Ryan. Ive tried lots of binding angles for last 10 years and never had such problem. Your board is lot heavier than other boards ive tried, and it definitely requires a lot more energy for same things i used to do on the other boards. Especially, i noticed that heelside eurocarving turns need massive power When you do deep heelside carve, do you put weight evenly on your both feet? Or is it one sided? Id appreciate for your response

[@RyanKnapton]

@@user-vn9js9yn1j I primarily think of just titling the board and letting it do the work for me, with a focus on applying any pressure to the dead center of the sidecut. I really don't think about fire / aft during the turns unless I'm going into a buttering trick.

[@alexxela754]

Best way to solve back issues are stop sitting to much, stretch hip flexors and do core exercises. Laziness is the case for very many “complex” back problems. There’s no shortcut for a strong back. Just do the work.

[@jshdbbdhdbdbndn2361]

hey what camber profile do you use for carving

[@PERSEUS82]

Hi Ryan , what board do you ride ? Can You tell ;-)

[@ed_boogie]

sup Ryan, I was just curious what the width of your tip and tail are since you have a wide waist on your board. Thanks brotha!

[@naptune6957]

hi ryan, i really enjoy your videos! what type of board are you using?

[@clivehurdle2274]

Hi Ryan recently been trying carving turns, I have always been taught to put pressure through my front foot however I seen some videos which say I should have even pressure across the whole edge, is this correct ?And is that from start to finish including initiation,. Many Thanks Clive.

[@RyanKnapton]

I think about even pressure directed to the middle of the board. It's a beautiful technique vs trying to force anything. Purposely playing around with your weight and pressure distribution will teach you new things about your board though, so play around and enjoy. ❄️🏂❄️✌️

[@clivehurdle2274]

Many thanks Ryan .

[@snowairland]

Can someone remind me of what kinda tape Ryan uses on his coat?

[@johnrichardson9386]

What’s the song called starting at 4:23?

[@D.T.Hippie]

1:55 for drill

[@timhan9264]

What kind of sensation do you feel when you dump your knees as hard as you can to get the most aggressive edge engagement? I always fear that it'll be like doing something similar on a skateboard, and I'll end up getting thrown over the edge and fall...

[@RyanKnapton]

High edge angle carves equates to sharp quick turns... So just like exiting off the freeway on to an off ramp... Slowing down from top speeds is key. Otherwise bombing straight down and jamming into a high edge angle... Yup, you can get tossed over the nose so easily.

[@Felix-kd8tn]

On turn 6 of Dave's run when he goes through that really strong feint at the initiation of the turn, like he almost fell, could you explain how that happens and how to avoid it? I do that alll the time! it's at 3:06 or so.

[@RyanKnapton]

I think Dave was doing exactly what he wanted physically, and on that side of the run the snow was softer, so I kind of think the snow just was softer than he expected, the edge then sank in deeper than he was prepared for, and funky things can happen with high edge angle carving in too soft of snow. Best I can come up with cuz nothing looked wrong. I know alot of the alpine / hard boot carvers like the snow minimum 3 days after a snow just to make for a consistent canvas for their turns. If you feel like yours happen from hitting toes or bindings heelcups into the snow on a regular basis, try shifting the bindings towards the opposite side of the board. If it happens regularly on both, wider boards are a perfect solution if you're wanting to achieve higher edge angle carves consistently. ❄️🏂❄️✌️

[@Blehkid]

Do you do lessons

[@soma808]

What's Dave's body and boot size?

[@cristoforosboikos6089]

Ryan,I think Dave's upper strap is way to high on his boot? He has done this on purpose,or is it just the binding? I always think that my upper side of the boot has nothing that holds it tight with the highill of the binding...

[@shayadan]

Minute 7:32 - when Ryan spins the camera around, 3 straps in that binding??

[@DaveHollanderEE]

I added a custom mod 3rd strap to the top of my highback (similar to Ryan's) last year. It mitigated an issue I had where I ripped the Boa out of the side/cuff of the boot when my toe side carves skidded out. But it also provides some lateral support that can be helpful with softer boots, particularly when controlling heftier/wider boards like these.

[@dennisfekert7822]

Ryan anyway to demo a Donek board on the east coast?

[@RyanKnapton]

I'm not sure for this season. The COVID situation definitely put a damper on them. Copper MTN Snowboarding nationals will finally be back on this year though.

[@aleszverca]

Hej Ryan...love your riding style😍🤩.Have a few years on the snowboard now...Enjoy using this edge to edge style so much, I was natural to me as soon as I got the hang of snowboarding. I have yeti feet US 11 and have a really hard time finding boards with appropriate width(toe snow drag). What is your height and what board would you recommend to me 178cm or 5'10.5" for carving that has enough waist width? I was looking at the Arbor A Frame or the Nitro Supra Team. Do you have any other recommendations? I am not sure about those volume sized shorter boards for really low carves? Thanks ✌

[@steverogers7473]

I have smaller feet than you but decided the only way to get a board with the width I liked was to go Donek. I will use it for the first time in 8 days and can't wait!

[@aleszverca]

@@steverogers7473 I have heard about Donek years ago...they do custom boards right?

[@steverogers7473]

@@aleszverca yes, you need to email Sean at Donek and they can discuss your specs with you ... 👍

[@aleszverca]

@@steverogers7473 They are in the States right? That means shipping expenses extra and import taxes and fees...So it's not really the best option for me...but will definitely have it around my mind when the time comes ✌ Thanks for the Info Bro 🙏✌enjoy the turns on your Donek ✌

[@steverogers7473]

@@aleszverca I bought mine last month in it was about £700 delivered to my door. Not outrageous IMO... 👍

[@vitaliy1515]

👍👍😆

[@staffeyx]

Yee new vid. Is Dave's board really 152 cm? Not longer?

[@RyanKnapton]

That's it. I'm not sure of his height, but as long as the edges are kept sharp, I think it's possible to go pretty short with this board. I've ridden my model in a 146 and it felt freestyle'y AF cuz of how short it was but still held an edge just fine. That actually inspired me, so on the my next board I'll get it a bit shorter to keep my nose / tail pivot points a little closer to my center of mass to make some of my buttering tricks take a bit less work. If I find any drawbacks of going shorter I'll definitely let ya'll know! :)

[@staffeyx]

Cool!

[@DaveHollanderEE]

@@staffeyx My first Knapton Twin was 156/28.5/8.7 but I wanted my custom 152/31.5/12 to be a bit shorter to help with buttering, wider to mitigate booting out, and bigger radius to maintain higher speeds and larger circles with the same board lean/inclination. It's a fun board.

[@DaveHollanderEE]

@@staffeyx I'll also add that I'm 5'6", 155lbs, and size 8.5 or 9 boot. Traditionally I'd ride 154 but sizing down felt right with this board.

[@staffeyx]

@@DaveHollanderEE thanks a lot for the info man. I am looking to get a donek board at some point, so it helps to hear what others think works for them. I'm looking more at the Park Twin though for a bit more flex because i don't ride very fast and like to butter, but probably going to go for 30+ width as well. Getting the carves down enough now that i really need more clearance. But gonna go for closer to 160 i think, to get a bit more controllability with it, i'm 6' btw and same weight as you.

[@AlexanderGeorgiev-Marck]

Super drill, but i have a question. If the board is with a relatively short sidecut radius that means keeping the straight line will be rather difficult or not? I know your board is with very wide sidecut radius. Anyways i will try it. :-)

[@RyanKnapton]

With a smaller radius, you won't need to go as fast. Obviously too slow and it won't work either. When I hop on other boards and previous boards of mine, my first thoughts are to find the right speed for the rhythm of turns in wants to make, and then putting myself in harmony with that rhythm. Fun trial and error stuff... too fast and it'll break into skids, too slow and the body will tip over into the turn. Happy shreddin'!

[@AlexanderGeorgiev-Marck]

@@RyanKnapton my new deck is Jones Aviator 2.0. I will try. May the force be with you

[@rewolfer]

@@RyanKnapton Would be cool to see you on a narrower board in a future vid. FOR SCIENCE

[@DaveHollanderEE]

@@rewolfer when I let people try my Knapton Twin it takes a while to adjust back to common board specs. Usually just means I have to go slower, lean the board less, and carve quicker/smaller circles though. Doable for sure, but I certainly have more fun on my Donek.

[@rewolfer]

@@DaveHollanderEE I'm sure... Would love to have a nice wide board like that. No worries about booting out etc. Thanks for your insight

[@noahbyrne2402]

How much forward lean are you using ?

[@RyanKnapton]

F5 usually. So a good amount. Help on the heelside turns.

[@rappy90]

Have a general idea how fast you're usually going for these? I find with an action camera its difficult to get an idea

[@user-py6zw4mu8e]

Brian cheated by taking a few wide heelsides.😂😂

[@ale.6ka626]

4:55 name song plz?

[@ChunYip825]

How can your body so stable 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@user-py6zw4mu8e]

Sorry - not Brian but Dave.

[@xdarko8397]

What’s the name of you Google

[@Blehkid]

My toxic trait is I think I can do this

[@MoxMisanthrope]

I don't much care for how you can bend Physics, Mr. Knapton. I'll continue remaining Jealous.

[@RyanKnapton]

😂🤣😂