The Ultimate Turn
Tavo Sadeg slashing a heel edge turn as he rides the rails, Alpine Meadows Resort, California. pc @tavosadeg
Over the last month, we have looked at several key ideas for turning:
Week 1 - Fundamental Truths About Carving
Week 2 - The Art & Science Behind Big Mountain Turning,
Week 3 - Steeps & Deeps of the Pivot Turn
Week 4 - Technology of Board stiffness and How It Shapes Your Riding
This week we continue our discussion by looking at the ultimate turn… the 360. The 360 is another staple in every competitive freerider’s diet. Learning how to throw one in a big mountain environment can be quite a challenge. Working up to them is important, building your skills and confidence safely before hucking it all the way home. It’s no surprise that 360s are also in Tavo Sadeg’s bag. It’s something he features in his riding on a regular basis.
Backside 360 Tips
Focusing on just the Backside 360 (where the rotation brings your back across the downhill fall line first), here are two great tips to help with your own 360s.
1.) Keep a Normal Riding Position. An athletic stance that’s slightly bent and not too far over your toes. The stance should be upright and not squat near the ground. This puts you in the proper position to spin.
2.) Ride an S-shaped Approach off the jump. The goal is to send it off the jump going straight and on your toe edge. Without this S-shaped approach, you typically end up going off diagonally or pre-spinning.
Tavo Sadeg throws a backside 360 riding Alpine Meadows Resort, California, January 2023. pc @kelseyhughez
3 Simple Steps
The three simple steps for the S-shaped approach include:
1. Regular foot riders start to the rider’s right of the launch as they approach the jump.
2. Next carve gently left on your heel edge to the left of the ramp.
3. As you start up the ramp (timing depends on the length and speed) then roll back over to the toe side edge and send it straight off the ramp.
S- shaped approach (red) for the launch of a backside 360. pc snowboardaddiction
Beginner Mistakes
A couple of common hurdles that prevent beginners from mastering this spin include: Carrying poor posture and bending too much at the waist leads to an uneven spin (unless that’s what you are looking for) and significantly increases the level of difficulty.
Riders also don’t fully commit to the spin. If you hesitate and wait, or you’ll end up making a mistake. They also tend to let their arms flail out to the side. This is a natural reflex to spinning but it throws you off balance.
Arms flailing was something Tavo practiced and overcame. You can see in the video below throwing 360s is just a natural part of how Tavo shreds the mountain. It’s so impressive to watch live and I’m hoping it’s just a peek of what’s to come at tomorrow’s FWQ event at Kirkwood Mountain Resort in California. Good luck Tavo!!
Tavo Sadeg shredding Alpine Meadows Resort with a frontside 360. December 2022. pc freesoulskier
Here’s a special thanks to Tavo’s sponsors for their amazing support on this journey!
Tavo Sadeg laying out another heel side slash turn with perfect form and balance, Alpine Meadows Resort, California. pc @tavosadeg