Steeps, Deeps & Pivot Turns
“Practice makes perfect”, Tavo Sadeg showing how it’s done on another gorgeous pow day at Alpine Meadows Resort, California. December 2022. pc @tavo.sadeg
Competitive freeriding truly demands the best from its athletes. It requires riders to choose a line down the mountain and then intricately match their turns with the changing terrain. This means carving arcs of varying sizes and shapes as they effortlessly flow down the slope... at least in theory.
Not only does it take great vision to imagine yourself riding such a line, it also requires great skill. An expert’s skills to make all those different kinds of turns. Having the ability to carve any arc necessary is what allows you to shred lines with both balance and power.
“The Pro Way”
Although it’s common to see the ‘safety sideslip’ on many of these extreme lines, the “pro way” to ride them is to use a pivot turn. The pivot turn helps to control your speed and stay on your line. It’s part of every competitive freerider’s turning arsenal and it might be helpful for yours too.
“Bombs away” as Tavo Sadeg sets the day’s pace at Alpine Meadows Resort, California. pc @tavo.sadeg
In terms of understanding the specifics of the pivot turn, I passed this discussion off to Tavo Sadeg, the 2022 junior freeride world champion for his thoughts. Here’s a summary of what he had to say.
When looking to rip a tight line in the trees or in a narrow chute and still control your speed, Tavo thinks pivot turns are super helpful. It’s more of an advanced skill, but he says it can be learned by following these three basic steps.
1.) Start with an athletic stance, knees and hips gently flexed, and “most of the weight” on your front foot.
2.) Develop a “hopping motion” with your back foot as you swing it around your front going turn to turn.
3.) Be sure to set an edge (even if just for a moment) before initiating the next turn.
Versatility
In extreme terrain, many times pivot turns are done in rapid succession and can be tricky for beginners to learn. Tavo admits it does take some time to perfect, but that it’s well worth the effort for any committed rider. Having the pivot turn at your disposal is so important because it gives you options for riding the whole mountain.
Tavo Sadeg finding the clean lines at Alpine Meadows Resort, California. December 2022. pc @tavo.sadeg
When asked about his strategies for success with this turn Tavo readily shared,
“I think a lot of riders make the mistake of favoring one edge. It happens a lot. You really have to be able to use both edges and get comfortable with the hopping motion. That’s the key to success.”
Possibilities
With recent snowfall accumulations breaking records around the Lake Tahoe area (and Western U.S.) there should to be ample opportunities to practice your turns. Who knows? Once you have your pivot turn dialed, the mountain may never look the same again. Then with some dedicated practice, you never know what is possible.
[VIDEO] Tavo Sadeg showing a bit of what’s ‘possible’ at Alpine Meadows Resort, California.
Thanks again for following along! We hope you are enjoying this series as much as we are! We’re back tomorrow with a peek inside Tavo’s closet and a detailed look at the champion’s gear. You won’t want to miss it!!
Thank you to Tavo’s sponsors for their unbelievable support this season! We appreciate all of your help in making this possible!
It never goes out of style for Tavo Sadeg blasting his way to ultimate freedom, Alpine Meadows Resort, California. pc @tavo.sadeg