Wrong Foot Forward VS. Neutral

This week Dan talks through when its best to use Wrong Foot Forward or Neutral riding position.
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[@kobrah1887]

i’m improving so much in riding bcuz of this channel, thanks.

[@hossthegreat8956]

Amen brother!

[@lesterbaker1888]

A narrow front end makes a huge difference

[@DavidVoell]

Dan does a great job of translating the frustration of not knowing to clear makes so much sense solution. With knowledge comes success to confidence. That is HUGE. Thanks

[@glauser24]

I love the fact you are making these vidios. It's a great way to get the fundamental procedures to the new riders. It's sad you have to defend your teaching to the trolls. Keep the vids coming! Braap on brother 🤙🤙

[@specforged5651]

Right? How many times did he have to defend or reiterate WHY he was doing something and this is dependent on certain situations because the trolls always have a...but I, but what, ya but comment to make. I unfortunately ride (through invites of others) with a couple guys like that. The best part, they are either wetting themselves because of some the terrain we get into after they talk so tough at breakfast or they are the ones blaming their 30k sled they can’t ride because they think a turbo automatically makes you a good rider and/or conditions for their lack of riding ability. Get someone like this on the mountain and it makes itself evident very quickly and is a great people watching exercise. If you’re lucky they will have made up an excuse why they can’t come the next time when really it’s because it scared the shit out of them and/or were put in their place very quickly. Which is perfect. If they want to come and be humble, learn, grow and gain skills, we’re more than happy to help them all day.

[@Icutmetal]

@@specforged5651 The sad truth.

[@BenMcghie]

I've been sledding a grand ttotal of 3 days so far, and I already notice a HUGE benefit in control with the "wrong foot forward" in variable snow. We had 15cm new fluff on top of a thick crust... my lack of skill meant neutral was impossible to turn well in that stuff. Punching thru the crust was too abrupt. But hanging one leg off works great. you can lean the sled so much harder and fine tune from there. great vids, thanks for making them. The best instructional vids on youtube, I believe.

[@TLSMatt]

Excellent stuff Great teacher I’m 60 and just bought my first sled ( 850 Polaris) Thanks for sharing ❤

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@jasonscottsgreatoutdoors429]

I’m far from a mountain rider. I’m a flat lander who tries to find the gnarliest terrain I can in the UP of Michigan. Have to say, I only usually get 3-5, 3 day trips a year. Watching this channel in the off-season gives me so many ideas and things to try. My first trip of the year is me trying Dans techniques! My riding has DRAMATICALLY improved just from watching these videos anytime I’m not on the snow! Hope to come ride with you one day!

[@ChaseLandMgmt]

Can relate to this comment 150% I’m in the same boat. I’ll be in Newberry next week, hoping the snow keeps coming.

[@adamjohnson5985]

The videos that you continue to share not only help me to learn but also and more importantly are a excellent learning tool for my son. Thank you.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Great to hear!

[@Kersomatic]

Can you make a video on how to drive over different types of ditches? Great channel, watched alot!

[@JasonMcMurray]

Great video Dan! It’s hard to explain to other riders when to use the neutral position. Definitely depends on snow but for the most part when trying to climb neutral gives the most traction and options including being able to turn out either direction if necessary. It allows you to carry more momentum while maintaining control vs wrong foot forward. My general rule is slow technical= opposite foot forward, faster speeds and While climbing = neutral. Keep the great content coming!

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Jason McMurray What he said! I’ve found it good practice to repeatedly switch from neutral to WFF and back to neutral while holding the same sidehill line so you get comfortable changing instantly. Sometimes there’s just one short segment of consequence that you want to buy insurance for with wrong foot forward.

[@coryhaines8683]

THANK YOU DAN!!!! I have learned more about the technical side of riding than I had really considered before. The feeling of confidence that I am gaining in my riding abilities after watching and studying your videos and instruction is AMAZING!!!! Having the knowledge and insight of your experience on how to ride technically and correctly rather than just by seat of your pants feel and pure instinct/ adrenaline makes me feel like a safer and more capable rider. If you ever wander to the Central Oregon Cascades I would love to catch a beer, pick your brain and show you around my home hills (and EPIC pow) a bit!!!

[@anitaharbert3131]

Thanks, with the help from your channel, my riding has improved. Not bad for a 60 year old woman!

[@SledNutHamy]

Always watching & learning from you. Thanks for making these videos for all us smucks...lol. Just getting back from a 4 day trip, watching this & having a laugh about all the mistakes we make & keep working on.

[@marcushillbom1136]

You make physics look easy, really enjoy what you do! Trying to learn being a better rider, and this helps:) Thank man keep it up, Marcus from Sweden!

[@Bradywilmot]

Thanks for helping all the new riders like me im 12 and just got a 2016 sks 800 and learning to sidehill

[@jonnyw.2333]

Same! I am 13 and I have a 2017 SKS, I am also learning how to sidehill.

[@sasadw95]

Be carefull with that sks i remember my first time riding it and it is really fecking heavy to turn

[@Bradywilmot]

@@sasadw95 nah I had a indy 500 before this thing is much better to ride than a 500

[@sasadw95]

@@Bradywilmot I had polaris assault 800 before I sold it and it was much smoother and better than sks 2016 for me personally then again I'm really short and lightweight so there is that

[@Bradywilmot]

@@sasadw95 well assaults are supposed to be smoother cus there made towards trail riding more than an sks 155

[@peterwinter11]

As new rider I find your videos invaluable! Putting it all together, I would love to have a video of you just riding different terrain with the camera following you so we can watch your feet etc and you can describe what's going on, what you're thinking about etc. This video was good with different snow, but would like to see what you do in really packed snow ie 180 turns etc. Great stuff!!

[@denisbrisebois7658]

Dan, great video as always. Your ease in teaching and bringing your points across is top notch. A+++

[@kenlocke2212]

Hey Dan, thanks so much for putting out content like this, it really helps. Three of us worked on this for a couple of hours over the weekend and we all improved our ability's quickly. Thanks so much and keep up the great content.

[@mav22100]

Great info!! As a new rider it helps knowing when to use these positions. I learn so much from these types of videos!! Keep up the good work!!

[@mchegger]

Thank you so much for these videos. HUGE help. As I ride and learn I am putting it all together and would like to see a video of you just riding through the mountains and trees, maybe putting a plan together to go up a mountain for the first time. I was exploring yesterday having the time of my life riding in Blue Lakes,CA area. I followed some tracks of of some much more experienced riders. Clearly they were just playing as they rode through the mountains and trees. I would love to see what that “looks” like. Your sidehilling vid was a game changer. Thank you

[@tylerdurden4080]

I've been practicing cutting back uphill when facing downhill and the only way I can do it is opposite foot forward. I'm also going to put one finger on the brake like you suggested. Thanks for the video Dan, I'm sure it was tough having to go out and snowmobile.

[@TacomaTraveler]

Dan, great video, really the best riding education videos by far. Great to see good info available to folks 👍

[@alane3562]

Another video full of of great info. I’m 51 with a knee replacement and just started the sport at the end of last season. Neutral side hilling is more work but doesn’t hurt my knee. This helps me decide when to use the different techniques. I’ve watched everything that you’ve put out and learning a lot. Thanks Dan!

[@bschena]

Ha. 56 here, had half of my left knee replaced about 5 years ago and the "good" one isn't great either, I feel your pain, literally. The hopovers are a real trick for me to execute, and I still suck at sidehilling, but at least with Dan's instruction I feel like I know a lot more about what I'm doing wrong. I DO feel like I'm getting better - riding terrain that used to be like "big nope" is now getting fun - finger on the brake, squared up, looking up and forward, understanding more about weight shift vs steering input, etc. Hopefully it will finally all click some day for me. 4-6 feet is headed our way (North Tahoe) this week....hope to be able to get out on the fresh powder and try some of this stuff! I'd also really like to get out to one of Dan's clinics...but still suck so bad they'd leave me in their rooster tail...

[@bradj1414]

I just bought my first sled and took it on my first riding day last weekend. This really helped me understand what to do and try on my next ride!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Glad it helped!

[@markh.2569]

Have been to NxtLvl and wrong foot forward was a great learning for me as a novice mountain rider. That line he took at 6:20 would have challenged my ability to maintain neutral and keep my center up hill and not get sucked downhill. Being able to slow down and switch to wrong foot keeps the uphill edge I need.

[@neilrasmussen2063]

Great points on snow conditions. We're so spoiled riding interior BC, I had a day in Golden this season where opposite foot forward was impossible, 70 cm of fresh and if you leaned your head to far one way you would fall over because the snow wasn't set up enough to give any ski pressure. It was actually a learning curve to keep balance.

[@mdoneg]

Another great Video. I’ve gone from a beginner to intermediate/advanced rider in one month by watching your videos and practicing. I’m thoroughly enjoying the sport! Thanks so much.

[@susanhenderson2322]

No way can you go from new to advanced, you have zero experience

[@rapsured]

I'm learning the skill of side hilling and carving. I posted that in a Facebook page and sort of got a little heat. On harder high density spring snow with ruts I was using the wrong foot forward method, and the others are like you can just sit neutral. I tried neutral and throttle and the tracks just picked up off the ground so that I had no steering. I got the wrong foot forward method working though and when we get powder next winter I think I'll get the neutral position down too. Snow conditions make a big difference.

[@kelbywalsh928]

Amazing video! I can’t wait to get out and try these techniques this weekend! I love how you describe what you want to achieve, give us the visual and review what you just showed us. Great teaching! What could be cool is make a 30+ vid of just riding for visual learners. Maybe a text at the bottom of the video saying what you are focusing on? Thanks again! All the info is great!

[@thecitiots]

I totally get what you are saying here, slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Get those fundamentals down so you can rip🤙

[@selenejakob7262]

My boyfriend has always rode in Neutral and seems to be very good at it. He’d like to see what this wrong foot forward is all about so this video will help give him an idea when to do it lol. I have a messed up knee from a car accident and am unable to ride that way. So at least it gives me hope I can still ride technical terrain in neutral seeing how he’s always done it. But he’d like to try wrong foot to see if it makes him a better rider. Thanks for covering all of these topics ☺️

[@robs1738]

Awesome job Dan!

[@TyfoiD75]

appreciate the videos... and it is always exciting to watch if Polaris actually starts. Had myself a Khaos for 2 seasons.. in the end with 3 engine swaps, made a deal with the dealer to get 80% money back... have to say tho, it didnt warm me up too much when got stranded on a ice-fishing trip, 30km from home. Nowadays its Lynx all the way.. Rotax wont let you down.

[@Icutmetal]

That was helpful 👌

[@6thGenFarmer]

This is great. Now I just need to learn how to change from neutral to wrong foot toward when on edge

[@dene1976]

Looking forward to B.C this spring first tym 2017 m8 with 600 km thanks for the info

[@knackbassa7136]

I didn’t even know these videos existed I’ve been teaching myself to boondock this whole time

[@pauldalpozzo]

Great video, when if ever do you do right foot forward, but both feet one side?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Hi, Riding with both feet to one side is fine and can be a useful position especially when you’re making a trail for others behind you. There are plenty of times when I’m trying to keep the sled on a hillside but keep it flat instead of on edge. There isn’t an exact position for a lot of this type of riding…finding what works for you is important.

[@Snowdogkh]

Thank you Dan! As always, love the channel and your videos! Stopped in last week with Scott and Rick but you were out and about. Did you on the trail but it look like you were taking a class out didn't want to bother you. Maybe I'll catch you next time. Thanks for everything! Kurt

[@nombr]

Good video Dan!

[@ryangill5379]

Good stuff Dan. Confidence is definitely something I need to continue to develop when it comes to the steep slopes I always end up bailing out and going down hill.. Sometimes I keep questioning the height of my handle bars and feel I need to put a riser in because I find myself leaning forward to much when in the neutral or wrong foot forward position. When you have a chance in the future would also love to hear your thoughts on Chaincase Vs. Belt drive systems and which you prefer.

[@leftyeh6495]

Aftermarket belt drive like the TKI is awesome. Takes about 5 minutes to change a belt if you manage to strip one, but mine has 1500 miles and still going (also only $80). Factory belt drive is a nightmare to change since you have to pull the pulley off, and not nearly as much tooth engagement on the top pulley without a tensioner which causes the stripped belt teeth. Can't really change a chain on the mountain, but they don't tend to fail if taken care of. Personally, I'll take the weight savings and carry an extra belt knowing I may need to change it, but so long as you always take care of the chain they're really not bad. Handlebar height is personal preference. I like taller bars so I'm not hunched over. I like them to be right about waist height or a touch taller when I'm standing neutral. Gives me plenty of room to move, and feels good. It's one of those things that there is no right or wrong. Just getting them where they feel right will improve your confidence. You can also tip the bars back or front to get a little different feel.

[@donnieburns6164]

Thanks Dan. This stuff is super helpful

[@justussoobiah8249]

Hey I've been riding back country for a few years now and watching your videos and they help a lot was just wondering how much does personal weight play a factor in riding I'm not a big guy by any means and I find some things are difficult such as down hill turnouts as well as side hills just wondering how much does weight play a factor into riding?

[@carlbryan8289]

Excellent again, best video instruction that's out there. 15 inches, ha. Mines 16. No big deal.

[@beverlyboys73]

Great content. Your instructions are great.

[@rossatron75]

Great video! I don’t quite understand how you can “step” in the snow while opposite foot forward. Maybe it’s just a continental snow pack thing but where I ride in Colorado there is no stepping in the snow or to explain it better if you step in the snow your foot will just sink. I feel like opposite foot forward is extremely difficult and precarious, requiring much more balance and work then riding neutral.

[@BlitzAlaska]

future content request; suppose your side-hilling along and you run out of hill and need to hairpin back up. When and how do you make that hairpin turn?

[@chrischaba2703]

Good vid Dan!!

[@byoder0420]

Thanks Dan very helpful.

[@Rprecision]

I often find defaulting to opposite foot forward. However I modify it for the conditions. Example: I love steep side hills in the trees. As I pick up speed and things level off I find myself just leaning over the center of the sled so as terrain dictates I can immediately go back to full opposite foot forward. I guess what I'm saying is its easier to make a OLF position ride neutral then it is neutral position ride OLF.

[@avidsledder]

Thank you !

[@shanegina0518]

Appreciate your channel Dan. Super helpful. I have learned a lot. Do you ever offer private clinics?

[@johanneswielenga6902]

Great video!

[@tannervlogs12]

I'm 10 and I'm learning so much

[@darlaundiks3788]

Omg that's totally me. In neutral position.

[@CalipSS0]

Thank you for this video. What kind of radio's are you utilizing?

[@xKajxx]

Hey, can we get a video about ski alignment with the Skinz Burandt A-arms?

[@cache8207]

Now is I could stop trenching a the top of cliffs... no matter how far I put my up on the matcha one it keeps climbing. Nothing short of ditching counter steer and coming up on the snow will get me unstuck. It’s got me into a few hair all moments. Any advice? Suspension maybe?

[@erikholder9893]

I am just starting my snowmobile riding. My brother just passed away on his on the 12th,how do I get passed the being scared part?I now got both of his sleds.

[@zzpower9781]

I just got a new Polaris and it had a next level belly gard on it

[@leftyeh6495]

I have the bumper/belly skid and it really does save you when you try and climb trees. They really do go right where you look, even when you're looking at what you don't want to hit.

[@goldeneyedra]

Hey was wondering is the Polaris 850 chaos 155 is easier to do wrong foot on hills if you are 5.6 and 119 lbs vs a pro rmk 800 163? Have a friend that have an ski doo summit 850 154 that I did get to try, and now I don’t know if I want to buy a chaos 850 155 or go ski doo 850 😕

[@LongHaulLarry]

I have asked this before, never got any response. Where are the handlebar bags Dan so highly of last season? With the cam lock system

[@ColinWatts]

The cam-lock quick-release handlebar bags are from Sled Solutions: www.sledsolutions.com/collections/storage/handlebar-bags

[@nickheilman1320]

Talked to Dan this week at his place and they have a new one designed that isn't the sled solutions one

[@landonlawrence837]

I have a question... will the clicker walker evans shocks that are on rmk axys, help make a pro ride rmk more tippy?

[@anthonybeasley6294]

No not really. The chassis difference is more of a difference than just shocks alone. Try a narrow front end kit. Raptor and several other aftermarket manufacturers make them. Narrower will help more than anything. With a narrow a arm setup you’ll need appropriate shocks to match since the center to center length will be shorter. If you get a narrow front end kit and move your ski spacers to the outside most setting you’ll notice a much bigger difference. Shock spring rate and valving will change you’re feel quite a bit as well. Hope this helps

[@landonlawrence837]

@@anthonybeasley6294 well it just blew the motor a couple days ago so, prob can’t work on that part of the sled now lol

[@loganferree5827]

Hey Dan, What is up with that radio? is that like a HAM handheld? I've always known BCA link radios but having you try something else might lead me on to do the same!

[@NiclasHorn]

i had just enough snow (50+cm) in my area in Sweden to be deep enough so i could just "look n lean" and ride the sled like a motorbike.

[@Alaskafromabove]

Does anyone else have a harder time with opposite foot forward, or neutral position on the throttle side of the sled? How do fix this?

[@scottc9303]

I have found I have gotten in to trouble lots using the other leg on the ground to help balance or whatever. I find my leg always seems to find a hidden tree well or a soft spot and my leg goes down and throws me completely off balance. Is it just me? Or I am doing something wrong. FYI I am fairly experienced mountain rider but always in mid-northern BC so different conditions.

[@teachdougie8139]

On a 2022 Skidoo Edge 154” 3”. First season really getting acclimated with off trail riding. I’m finding that when I try to go to wrong foot forward on about a 45° slope with 2’ fresh, I have to almost immediately switch back to neutral or I panel out and get out of balance. Im 6’2” and weight 260lbs + gear; is my weight just too much for wrong foot forward in most conditions? Or do I need to counter steer less and move my foot placement?

[@johnsonben11]

Where did you get that tether? The Polaris stock one is too short and hard to see

[@ippielb]

Wrong foot forward on an alpha is often too much. I'm trying to stay neutral as much as i can.

[@MultiPoopoo101]

Is it bad if I teach my self.

[@saabogaming3826]

Can we get a vidio for new riders

[@jamesharlow4115]

What tether do you recommend for a Polaris? I haven't found a reliable one yet!

[@Icutmetal]

What about a Durapro?

[@cpenney96]

Dan i want your life ! lol. I can't even get any snow here this year, First year ive owned my own sled in many years and its been a premanent late spring in south coast of Newfoundland :(

[@Brobro449]

im up in alberta no snow im the mountains its brutal this year

[@jomeniallafall7481]

Very good videos you have here, I think it would be even better if I not have to listen to those toooo loud cans that kinds of destroys the videos.

[@Trad-Am]

With these modern narrow sleds, you can stay neutral allot more, than you could in the past. Sometimes I forget, and then stay neutral.

[@loganpickett1671]

So when riding wrong foot forward there are a lot of times that my outside foot will just sink into the snow and then I just tip over. Is that just a balance issue that I need to work on to prevent that or am I doing something wrong?

[@X5XST4RK1L3R]

Gotta work for it kick off hard as you can if you start leaning over, and try to keep your shoulders relatively over the centre of the machine stick your leg out when you need to carve in.

[@gumballer133]

Probably lots a variables. Speed has a factor also. I find myself falling off or tipping over also, but sometimes its because I'm going too slow or counter steering too much.

[@veikko_pu3122]

What is that snowmobile name because i need new sled

[@iloveyoualot4237]

it’s pro rmk or chaos

[@onedisasterattatime9116]

Cool

[@johnlincoln4440]

First comment. Learn so much from this

[@TheBartizan]

Please do that with a SKI-DOO

[@MMikeHD3904]

Its the rider, dont matter what the brand is!

[@draejo6777]

I. Don’t agree that u need to travel any faster in the neutral position. Yes you require better balance control in the neutral position. To me wrong foot forward is for absolute control. When going down is not an option or you just need to stick you line.

[@ajmontgomery4564]

Easier on a newer sled, lighter and more equppied, try it on a pre 96, you aint cutting trail like that

[@scottrtomlinson]

I hate funky layers. :-)

[@billsmith8629]

It works if your not fat like me and the snow can handle your weight haha

[@Sevoled]

Next subject: How to carve/turn in powder!

[@nombr]

Good vid Dan!