James, I've been on a hard boot/alpine board for more than 30 years now. I've been chasing that pencil line for all my snowboarding life. Some of the knowledge you share here took me decades to understand, through experimentation, trial and error. This is a video for the ages, fantastic work, there's almost nothing around that thoroughly and correctly explains everything. And for the millions and millions of snowboarders I've seen on the slopes that have never carved a turn in their life, I hope carving gets taught and spread more and more. It's such an amazing feeling.
I hear you, I also went through those decades of research, experimentation and trial and error. I'm trying to save the next generation the hassle and make carving snowboards easier for them.
@@Prove. Ya, kind of. But at least you don't have to decipher the ancient cryptic texts and try to apply seemingly contradictory information on snow at high speed...
I've been boarding for over 25 years, not alpine gear but the past 2 seasons proper carving finally started clicking for me. I'm sure my form is quite a bit off from the descriptions in this video, but I definitely noticed the board doing much more of the work for me with better control / stability. Going to keep some of this in mind for the next time and think about my form a bit. I could probably do more with putting pressure toward the front.
I’ve watched this countless times, and today, I decided to bring the video with me to the hill. I got to the top, watched parts of the video that focused on the parts I needed the most help with, and tried honing things in. Such an invaluable resource. Thanks for making such a comprehensive but concise breakdown of the different aspects of carving.
Excellent tutorial and breakdown. I don't snowboard often, it's actually been 8 yrs but this is my style of carving for sure. As a surfer, this pencil line carving feel like surfing to me and although I have broken down surfing in a similar way as you have with snowboarding, I have never thought to do it for myself in snowboarding so this was eye opening. Thanks so much.
@@cherrycarves Coincidentally another channel recently put out some quality tutorials on proper carving too ruclips.net/video/htKNZS-3CBw/видео.html Lucky to learn from you both :)
@@cherrycarves I started snowboarding seriously in 2019 and was immediately drawn to carving, but didn't try to improve to the level you're describing until this season. Your video and the Justaride channel will be invaluable for learning.
This is definitely the best snowboard craving tutorial video on RUclips. From now on, I will check your channel everyday during the snowboard season and hope to see more video from you. Thank for sharing your knowledge. Really appreciate your effort.
One tip I would ad is have a friend film your riding. Sometimes you think you are doing it right but when you see yourself on video, you can spot the problems and work on correcting them the next time you go out.
Very true.. I had my buddy film me a couple of weeks ago and I was entirely embarrassed 😅 I looked like a Frankenstein goober! I still look like a goober but, I loosened up and my riding is ten times better lol
Mark richard’s 4 times world champion of surfing nickname was the seagull . Carving is from surfing not skating .wave your arms .break at the hip .lean to touch the snow . Do what ever you want .its not style if everyone goes it the same way . Be your self . Don’t let the rule masters rule everything you do .think for your self .no one cares what you look like . 👍
@@boxoffluffys Yes and no... If you are already an expert carver and can easily link pencil line carves on narrow black runs, style it up like you want. If not and want to be able to do it, get in shape, get a proper setup and try to imitate the technique and style of someone who can, had your style later.
As a beginner rider, this video was definitely a game-changer. The way you break down the entire turn into simple yet detailed steps is amazing. I made huge progress in just one day after watching this. Thanks!
James, your level of knowledge is unparalleled, but your ability to teach it to others is out of this world! I just wanted to drop a huge thanks for your efforts in making this video! I've watched thousands of carving videos, but yours is on another level. This is pure gold. Never seen anything like it before. You absolutely nailed it! P.S. Please add "thank you" button on this video... I guess that many would like to thank you for your efforts and valuable information!
Thanks for your encouragement. 700 more watch hours before I can start to monetize on RUclips. Money is not the point though, I have bigger goals. Stay tuned!
I snowboard for 35 years already. Learned it old school and still boarding old school. Now with soft boots back to 30 front and 27 back. Took me a long time to understand carving well. This is the best video ever I have seen with such a terrific explanation. Thanks. I immediately subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to more great content. I am now 61 of age and still love snowboarding.
Thank you. Took me a long time too, most of us had to figure this out on our own, the lucky ones maybe had a friend in hard boots and the Bomber forum. That's why I wanted to put all this in one place for the next generation.
Love this! I was taught this technique back in the early 2000’s by a buddy of mine that was an aspiring snowboard slalom Olympian. These skills changed my snowboarding forever. My girlfriend just started snowboarding and was set up by others with a duck stance, took lessons from resorts, and ended up with the back hand flailing behind. Finally she listened to me and I’ve got her on a posi posi stance (back +5, front +18 as a start to get her used to posi posi) with both hands reaching down hill. NOW She’s starting to progress super fast. I’m going to have her watch all your videos and practice your drills. Glad I found someone who translates these techniques far better than I ever could describe them myself. THANK YOU!!!
James, thank you so much for this. I found your channel after watching a video of you with Ryan Knapton and was blown away. Thanks a lot for putting this together, I am very grateful. I truly appreciate the knowledge, time and effort that went into this. All the best.
I started my carve journey with Ryan knaptons videos many years ago, initially being impressed with them as well (I mean, I’m still impressed). Unfortunately, although his riding is great, he’s not a very good teacher and it’s apparent he doesn’t even fully understand the motions he goes through. ie he has recommended sitting in a chair posture for heelside carves, but the reality is that type of squat he shows in the example puts you out of balance (not actually stacked over the edge), whereas his actual riding is starkly different. In THIS video, we actually get to see the mechanics from someone who understands how to accurately express what they are doing, which is a feat on its own
This video is amazing. I watched bits of it while on the 15 mins gondola ride and it helped unlocked some of the difficulties I faced while on the way down.
I feel like I need to watch this 3-4 more times to absorb it all Great explanation man…. I am going to try to incorporate as much as I can High level stuff Thank You 🤙🏻🤙🏻
@@cherrycarvesreminds me of going to a Jiu Jitsu seminar and listening to a 20 year Black Belt describe all details of his specialty move It’s not theoretical. All of this has been pressure tested in real world environments. I’m fired up to ride tomorrow and see what I can work into my carves
@@cherrycarves moved my angles up a little, tried to focus on my keeping my shoulders level and keeping the hands out front. Caught a bunch of small mistakes I was making.
James, I wanted to let you know that this is my first comment on RUclips. I can't adequately convey how grateful I am for this video. I've watched countless videos and tutorials, and none have come any close to the way you explained everything. Thank you so much! I appreciate your wilingnees to share the knowledge that was aquired by you through so many years! Not many people willing to do something like this :). Million times THANK YOU FOR THIS LEGENDARY VIDEO! P.S. I envy folks you`re training ;)
Another 30 years of carving here. 30-60° stand. First on many very narrow boards. Later switched to a swoard for extreme carving and lately finding very much fun on carving skies as well, carving the heck out of them, also something you do not see many skiers actually doing, although these days any basic ski can be carved perfectly. I find that having carved on hard boots all my life, I learned skiing quickly.
Such a wealth of knowledge here! Thank you. James has been coaching me in Revelstoke for the past two seasons so my carving has greatly improved. Transitioning to steep/er terrain has been a humbling experience and go-back to the basics in many instances. I didn’t think it was possible to carve a steep black run on soft boots until I saw James doing it.
James...amazing video. 54 years old and just getting back into riding out here in the East. Grew up riding softboots with ski boot liners, stiffening tongues, canting plates. Was blown away to watch riders like Jasey Jay tear pencil carves on Tremblant. Just back at it and switching back to ++ stance. Shoulders level, stack the bones, no clamshelling! 😂
I ride Burton Driver X boots, as of a couple years ago - stiffest soft boots I could find. I never considered canting plates with soft boots, but I ride Palmer risers. I think it gives me a little more leverage, shock absorption, and clearance.
You said "pencil lines". That's exactly how I always described it. It's the only way I could figure out how to explain it to people who thought they were carving - but weren't.
This is such a great tutorial. The amount of analysis thats here is splendid. ps: I am a sail instructor, decomposing is not always easy but the effort you made not only helps whoever wants to learn carving but also the teachers. Videos like these brings the community further. Thank you ❤
This is pure gold!!! I can't express enough how much I appreciate you sharing all this knowledge! Really nice explanations and great drills. I've been riding for 20 years now and for the first 5 years I didn't even know that carving is a thing, but I always aimed for "pencil lines" because it just felt right ❤ Could you maybe make a video on the carving gear as well? I come from a small country where my only chance to try out a board is to buy one, so I rely a lot on the information and reviews I can find online. What makes a good carving board? How does different board characteristics impact how the board turns? Any pro tips on selecting the right gear for you? Cheers and happy turns!
But, but, but how long board I should get for carving? How to choose the sidecut radius? What about bindings? Should I get risers? There are too many questions :/@@cherrycarves
@@janisvegis6490 Risers are only necessary if your board is too narrow. Talk with Bruce at Coiler Snowboards, he'll steer you right. Tell him I sent you please.
Nice! I must admit, I just bought an all mountain board (capita mega merc) and am still rocking duck stance. But I am trying to improve my carving skills and have made some progress. I am not quite ready to switch to posi posi (again, started with hard boots back in the day). There are some great tips in there that I can adopt nevertheless. Kind regards from Switzerland
One of my boards is a Capita Mega Mercury 160W 2024. I'm 6' tall/ 200lbs/ expert level. My setup is +15/+6 degrees with a 21'' stance. Note: Capita's reference stance is 23.4'', way too wide for carving. I could probably go +18/+6; but past this, jump turns I often use in steeper terrrains become more difficult. If you want to start using your hips more to carve deeper, I suggest your try these values which are not too radical, while being good in multiples terrains and conditions.
Beautiful description of the carve! I’ve intuitively arrived at the same motion over 20 years of riding, right down to the binding angles. I look forward to applying some of the intention you’ve laid out here to improve my carve. Thank you!!! Old school carving is the way!
I usually not post any comments but you have the best carving skill I ever seen and your tutorial video is the best to learn carving!!! Thank you for your thoughtful videos and please continue teach us!!
@@nadiradzemihail Maybe. How's the snow over there? All of North America is melting out this week. I rode with Andrey @bfreeap a couple of weeks ago, very impressive rider.
Thanks James! This how I’ve ridden since ‘90 but definitely gave me some great tips to tighten up my form and correct some no-no’s. Never had anyone illustrate carving so well.
I've been riding Snowboard since the 1990th and have allways been training (trial & error) for the perfect pensil line with my hartboot / raceboard setups. Never tested softboot and since i bought a Kessler Alpine 2 years ago i think i will not change in this life anymore :) I will try to implement some of your hints to my carving skills, when i go on holiday in 2 weeks. Really nice video. Thanks! Carve on
James, thank you so much for this tutorial. It's hard to find other videos with such thorough focus on technique. I have extremely limited ankle dorsiflexion, to the point where I cannot do a squat or drop my knees forward without lifting my heels. Not sure if you ever taught people with similar poor flexibility. Is there anything in particular I should be focusing on? From the video I believe the part I can struggle with the most is having my lower body drop in the turn and the upper body away from the turn on the toe side, since it requires pushing your knees forward and grip on the edge. In my case, getting the knees forward probably puts a lot more pressure on the edge since all my center of mass is going on the toes unlike most people.
@@francescolorenzo96 Thanks for the tip! Try putting something under your back heel (stick it down to the footbed of your binding). Maybe 1cm high. I had been using rubber in my footbeds under my back heel and front toes, but now I have a canted riser that goes under my binding for this purpose. (Available soon at carversconnection.com) Every body is different. Play around with some lift and inward cant in your binding footbeds and see what works for you. You may have to modify the body positions discussed in this video, focus on keeping your shoulders level and see how that affects your carves.
Dude you are a freaking awesome teacher! You solved lots of, basically all the core problems I have trying to learn from other videos! Tipped $5 my man! You the man!
@@joeschmitz808 So perfect! We can swap boards then and you can also try my custom lifted and canted bindings. I'm curious to get your feedback on those, no one else does this as far as I know but I like the feel.
James! I love your explanation of transition at 14:30 into the video! Both board and center of mass must follow Newton's law of momentum, so they tend to travel along their old trajectory respectively. You putted in such a crystal clear way to show us how to leverage the G force!
James this is one of the best contributions to carving I've seen so far. Thank's a lot for sharing! I'll try to incorporate this knowledge in my riding.
My SB instructor back in the days was the very "old school" type guy. He gave me a pure camber board, the harderst softboots on the market, put my bindings into ++ stance and tought me to keep my hands forward into a "battle position", ready to attack. After a long pause, years later I restarted my snowboard experience with all sorts of crappy experiments (rocker board, duck stance and it's derivates, C3 shape, body paralel to the board, hands flying kite, etc. etc.), no wonder I sucked at carving LoL. Now I'm back to camber, carbon highbacks, 10/10 soft boot and next I'm gonna do is go +27,+12 and throw my hands forward again, like my instructor used to teach me. Thank you for sharing, would love to see Part 2 to this. Cheers!
Yeah it's the old school skate surf snowboard teacher I want, 40 minutes talk with chalk and blackboard, not any influencer fancy video and magic tricks. You got my attention with the content but I am so glad of the form too, it's so pure, like your pencil lines. You could have capitalized on the kitten and you just removed it. You could have stopped the video and cut it, no you mumble and take your paper notes and move on explaining. Not any sarcasm man I enjoyed this video so much after being intoxicated with eye-catching stuff all around. I'ma trying all what you said this weekend, I am sure these 9 points need to be felt one by one, and then to be put all together at once. Thank you so much!
I appreciate the great advice(& the cute kitten)! I come from a surfing background, & spray at the end of a turn is everything! Your explanation of patience thru the end of the turn is money$$$ I will still throw spray on powder days, but looking forward to tightening up my carving technique on groomer days! TY
I needed this video over 20 years ago! Yes, if you're going to carve, setup your downhill screamer, dig in those rails, and lose your phantom girlfriend. I learned some of this from GS racers but this tutorial is exceptional and really ties it all together. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Great video, so refreshing. Way back in 1993, when coaching alpine, I had aspiring carvers/racers carry and keep forward and level a bamboo pole. In retrospect, it was a bit draconian (failure was punishing), but it worked. The knee-touch is an excellent idea.
Yeah, I didn't invent the tray drill, it was taught to me by a hardboot instructor circa 1993. The string was my wife's idea, I was gonna "borrow" a tray from the cafeteria for the demo... I did invent the hand-to-knee drill though; this one is great for tuning up aspiring carvers.
@@cherrycarves been practicing the Tray drill, the Touch-the-Knee drill every day. I've made a lot of improvements thanks to you. I've also made this video a mandatory watch for my kids too. Made their stance posi-posi too. Honestly, what I appreciate most about this video is that your system is sound. Your tips and advices work together and there is science behind them. I watched hundreds of videos on snowboarding, and most of the advices given out by these videos are not sound. They would work on some occasions and they wouldn't work on some others; and I don't get better systemically. Your system is different; and thanks to it, I can think much better about the whole thing. I have a couple of questions for you, James. On the toe side, I haven't been able to stack up my body likes you do: bend at the knees with a straight back. When the slope gets steep and the going gets rough, the tendency to hunch my back is too great. Any advices on how I can hold my back likes you do it better?
@@and497 Hahahaha... I got my kid in a posi posi stance too! Actually, I forced her to go goofy in her first season so I can show her by example how to approach the terrain. And yes, systematic thinking is my specialty. I studied philosophy. I also hunch my back sometimes when the conditions are rough. It works so well that I feel like I'm cheating. When the camera comes out I try to lift my chest for style but there's nothing wrong with some hunching for extra grip. Look at the position of some of the Asian carvers, they get their shoulders close to the front knee sometimes. I would suggest that when you hunch your shoulders or bow at the hips, do it over the nose of your board and not the edge. The other suggestion is to lift the rear heel and the front toes by adding some height to your binding footbed. 1/4 inch is plenty. This helps some people who are inflexible to get their hips to face the nose. My new Trenched Canted Riser will do this for you, they should be available in the web store at carversconnection.com in about a week. Final suggestion: don't forget that my boards are way way better than your boards. They allow me to lift the chest without losing the edge. I couldn't do what I do on a production board. Email me if you want one jamescherry@carversconnection.com
I will definitely be watching this on repeat alot to unpack. I just picked up a dedicated carving board. supper excited to try some of this. Thanks for putting this video out.
Only "one of" the greatest??? Just kidding. But for real, did you make a RUclips account just so you could comment on my video? I see you just joined an hour ago... Now that's a big compliment!
I've been snowboarding for decades now and been doing the "pencil line" all the time. Thanks for doing this video. I'm always telling me that 99% of ppl are slarvers and not carving enough. They slide a lot but they don't use the edges like they are meant to be used. My board of choice is a Nitro Pantera but I'm looking for a pure carving board like a Donek MK for my next equipment. Happy carving to all !! 🏂
Bought a wide rectangular soft boot snowboard last week being inspired by Korean snowboarders. Told my mates I needed clear explanation on the ++ stance bad and that I couldn't find any good video on RUclips. Then this pops up on my recommendation, perfect. Thanks for your effort, will definitely put these tips into practice. Greetings from this snowboard instructor from Austria.
For me I only need some explanation on why the pressure point trajectory on both sides during the turn are the way they are. So I can really understand
@@danielgo942 You don't have to understand it, you just have to feel it work! It will make sense for your body and become natural with time. The "why" is unimportant.
Since your feet are angled that much, the actual vector pressing on the edge is in a different place on the edge, so that might be one of the variables.
Since your feet are angled that much, the actual vector pressing on the edge is in a different place on the edge, so that might be one of the variables.
Since your feet are angled that much, the actual vector pressing on the edge is in a different place on the edge, so that might be one of the variables.
I appreciate videos like this so much. It is akin to attending a physics lecture without the boredom accompanying one. Many other videos I have seen have been the shortest, most basic explanations and made me believe I was above average in carving. I have always wanted to hit that carve that circles back up the piste, and now I have a lot to work on and try out to hopefully get there :)
As I find myself kept coming back again and again to absorb more information I think it would be helpful to paste this summary I generated with ChatGPT in order to better study this well made video. Here’s a detailed step-by-step explanation for each drill based on the nine elements of snowboard carving: 1. Stance and Balance Drill: Static Balance Exercises 1. Stand on a flat surface with your snowboard strapped on. 2. Bend your knees slightly and keep your weight centered over your board. 3. Ensure your shoulders are aligned with your board’s angle, avoiding any twisting. 4. Practice shifting your weight slightly from your toes to your heels while maintaining balance. 5. Close your eyes for increased difficulty, focusing on feeling the board under your feet. 2. Edge Control Drill: Edge-to-Edge Transitions 1. Find a gentle slope with minimal obstacles. 2. Stand still and tilt the board onto the toe edge without moving forward, feeling the edge grip the snow. 3. Slowly shift your weight to the heel edge and repeat. 4. Start moving down the slope, gently rocking between toe and heel edges. 5. Focus on the sensation of the edges biting into the snow with minimal skidding. 3. Pressure Management Drill: Forward and Backward Lean 1. On a flat area, stand in your natural snowboard stance. 2. Lean forward slightly, placing more weight on your front foot, then lean backward onto your rear foot. 3. Notice how the board responds to the pressure changes. 4. Move to a gentle slope and traverse sideways while leaning forward and backward to control turn tightness. 5. Incorporate pressure shifts into your turns as you initiate and complete them. 4. Upper Body Positioning Drill: Hands-on-Hips Turns 1. Start on a mild slope and ride straight, keeping your hands on your hips. 2. Begin a turn by rotating your hips slightly in the desired direction while keeping your upper body steady. 3. Avoid swinging your arms or twisting your shoulders-focus on lower body movement driving the turn. 4. Practice linking turns, keeping your upper body quiet and aligned over the board. 5. Increase speed gradually while maintaining stability. 5. Turn Shape and Size Drill: Marker Turns 1. Set up markers (e.g., small cones or imaginary points) along a gentle slope. 2. Begin riding and turn around the first marker, aiming for a smooth arc. 3. Progress to the next marker, varying the size of your turn-first tight, then wide. 4. Focus on consistent edge engagement and pressure control throughout each turn. 5. Repeat the exercise, alternating between short and long-radius turns. 6. Timing and Coordination Drill: Counting Rhythms 1. On a moderate slope, start making wide turns at a steady speed. 2. Count aloud (e.g., “1, 2, 3”) during each turn to establish a rhythm. 3. Coordinate your movements-initiate the turn on “1,” control the middle of the turn on “2,” and finish the turn on “3.” 4. Gradually increase the pace of your counting to practice quicker transitions. 5. Progress to steeper slopes while maintaining the rhythmic coordination. 7. Line Selection Drill: Visualize and Follow Lines 1. Stand at the top of a gentle slope and visualize an ideal path down. 2. Choose an imaginary line with varied turn shapes to practice adaptability. 3. Ride down, aiming to stick as closely as possible to your planned line. 4. Adjust your path as needed to avoid obstacles or adapt to the terrain. 5. Repeat on more challenging slopes, refining your ability to anticipate and follow optimal lines. 8. Speed Management Drill: Garland Turns 1. Start on a medium slope and ride across the hill. 2. Begin a turn toward the fall line (downhill), but stop halfway through, returning to a traverse. 3. Focus on edge control and pressure management to control your speed without completing the turn. 4. Alternate between toe-side and heel-side garlands. 5. Gradually link these garland turns into smoother, controlled turns as you gain confidence. 9. Terrain Adaptability Drill: Riding on Varied Terrain 1. Start on a groomed run and practice basic carving turns. 2. Move to slightly uneven terrain (e.g., shallow moguls or tracked snow) to test your ability to adapt. 3. Focus on adjusting pressure and edge angles dynamically to maintain control. 4. Gradually explore different conditions, such as ice, slush, or powder, while carving. 5. Incorporate techniques from previous drills to stay balanced and controlled. These step-by-step exercises will help you build a strong foundation in snowboard carving, allowing for smoother, more confident turns across various terrains and conditions.
I've watched a lot of basic carving content but alway noticed that the likes of Jones do something different with their upper body. You explained it well here with the tray technique. Will definitely practice this next season!
been riding for 21 years, but sadly never got into carving.. I'm very excited to start my journey to the pencil line! Seeing you ride in those clips is just satisfying to watch and a huge motivation! I had good teachers for bein a kid learning back then, but I gotta step it up. Thank for this knowledge!
Best breakdown I've seen. I've been riding 35 years and still take apart my riding to understand all the physics. You hit on two of my recent focus points: First, that your center of gravity is traveling smoothly from uphill to downhill as your board is going sidehill; and second, that the front foot pressure initiates and hooks up the carve, while the smooth transfer of pressure rearward finishes it. If you get those 2 things flowing nicely, it all seems to work out. James - how do you tune edges? Base bevel angle? Side bevel angle? I'm messing with 0.5 degrees base and 2 degrees side...
This is super in depth. I still use my Burton Custom from 97. After a few years of lessons we were taught carving as basically the last lesson. It took a bit to sink in, but after a while I naturally enjoyed keeping my weight centered and using only the sidecut of the board to carve super sharp turns. Super key to have the edges tuned, mine were always dulled out from doing rails or whatever.
It turns out there have been some advancements in board tech since 1997... That Custom is vintage, it belongs on a wall in a tavern somewhere. Does it have the old three hole insert pattern? I hope at least you've upgraded the bindings...
@@cherrycarves Ah it's actually a 98 Custom 55. It has the 3D binding pattern. I picked up some Ride bindings back in 03 or so. I actually did buy a new Sean White 154 back in '07 and hated it, it was stiffer and somehow heavier than my Custom and a bit too narrow. I only get up a couple times a year now since I got little ones, but I'll have to do a rental or demo one next time. Hard to drop a bunch of money on a new board and bindings when I'm not getting up a lot.
@@benharrison5816 I hear that but one might argue that you want to make the most out of the turns you do get... A new custom Coiler Contra will bring you smiles for the rest of your life...
Just the first minute of this video made me reconsider everything i know about snowboarding - you were on point with every word and your carving prooves it. The next day i switched my 12:-12 to 18:-6 and had some of your technique elements in mind. It immediately felt like i found the words and key points to describe a good carve (Although i don't carve nearly as good on a green run as you do on black) . Thank you for this!
Bonjour James. Merci pour cette belle vidéo très instructive. Je suis en hard boot sur un "Eliminator" et ne m'en sort pas trop mal en carving que j'adore. Je viens de comprendre une de mes petites erreurs de position en back grâce à tes explications. La rotation du buste. Je corrigerai cela en suivant tes conseils. Mille merci.
Hello James!! Long time rider, new channel viewer. Thanks for the time and effort that you put into this. I used to ride plates and ski boots way back, then soft set up since my kids started to ride. The past two years I have been working back up to the carve and and am very stoked to have stumbled onto your video. Great content and instruction.
Nice! I set up my daughter posi-posi and she works on the drills all the time. It's working. Some stranger stopped to watch her ride the other day and called her "the carving master". She's eight...
Awesome stuff. So refreshing to have yourself and Lars @Justaride-Snowboard-Channel re-open my eyes after 30 years snowboarding to the ways I was originally taught but seemingly "lost" over the last 20+ years of duck footed freestyle - can't wait for part 2 so please keep up the great work :)
Thanks. I learned a lot watching this video. Some things I have been doing right and will focus on. Some things I've haven't been doing right and will focus on. Can't wait for part 2.
I went out yesterday with my new angles of +27 and +12 (was 27 and 0) and I couldnt believe the difference after just a couple runs. Was able to make very crisp pencil lines. Also found that it was so easy to control and steer that toeside turn by pulling that back knee in. An added bonus was how much more control I was in on the bumpy-small mogul runs as I was facing more downhill than normal. Hadnt had that much progression in one day in a long time and was really stoked. Now need to add the weighting and unweighting piece of it. Thank you, James!
I am an aspiring carver self taught so far. All the info I've seen so far have recommended the shoulders aligned with the board, I always have chatter on the heel edge on steeper slopes. What also sucks about this is that I can't see down the slope while turning from toe edge to heel edge most of the time. Having the shoulders facing perpendicular to the board sounds like I will be able to see a lot more of the slope much sooner. The mountain where I ride is very crowded so I find this is a very big bonus for safety. I just wanted to mention that as it's not mentioned in the video. Thank you for this! I will try to apply what I learned here.
Yes, most of us were self-taught. I never said "shoulders perpendicular to the board", in fact I would avoid this position for carving. I said shoulders pointing toward the front of the board on heelside and in line with your front foot angle on toeside. A video with drills only will be released today, keep an eye out for it!
Absolutely perfect! Thank you so much for that video! I watched it yesterday and tried to apply myself today using what you explained - the results were immediate! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Started at 14yo, in 1995, in France, now I'm 53. Still Pencil and Vitelli turning as much as I can. Love your vid. Sincerely very instructive. Even if it takes more than a year or two to masterize, i agree 100 % with the fact that pencil turning is way, way more rewarding, visually or sensationnaly speaking, than any other turns. Sadly I broke my leg and had to turn from hard boots to soft boots (still keep the stiffest ones) and 30/51° angles to 10/35° and change my F2 alpine board to a Dupraz one. Really miss the asymetrics ones though. But anyway, enough about me, your vid is spot on ! Three thumbs up ;)
My favorite feeling is when the board's camber lifts me off the snow during edge transition. It's like flying. There's an empty space between the pencil lines. I've experienced it on steeps, but consistency with this requires a lot of space around me, which is hard to get in my riding circumstances. I also seem to naturally speed check at anything above 30.5 mph. The board's uphill path can always help with speedbut only if the run is clear. I love slower snow because I can experience the range of movements without putting on the brakes, but I never let steeps stop me from trying. I liked how you explained the difference between where the board's path is, verses center of body mass. You said it's a natural motion into the next carve. It's like a pop and a dive, but yes, no leaning to pet the snow. I remind myself to keep my posture up and let my knees brush the snow. Looking uphill is the only way to stay safe. Thank you for your explanation.
Glad you enjoyed the video. On the best days in Revelstoke there are miles of fresh corduroy and no crowds at all... All you can carve. The locals here only come out for powder.
Thank you for the great video instruction. I watched many soft booth carving videos from Korean riders but only a few US riders. I hope you continue to make great videos, including small-step drill videos for pencil carving. You provided the entire carving instructions, but practicing one item at a time might be better. I am a 61-year-old advanced snowboarder and am very interested in learning pencil carving. Korean and Japanese riders typically use hammerhead snowboards with more biding angles. Thank you again for your very high-quality instruction.
You nailed it, my next video will be "four drills to improve your carving" or something like that. six minutes, more practical and less theory. I think the Asians are riding such steep angles because their boards are so narrow. It's possible they prefer the narrower, lighter boards for ground tricks. I like 'em wide to reduce boot out at more comfortable stance angles. Also, by the way, I'm Canadian. I ride in Revelstoke BC.
I'm really looking forward to your videos. Hope I get an opportunity to ride with you. My primary resort is Heavenly, California. If you ever travel this direction, let me know. I will email you some of the other soft boots carving instruction videos I enjoyed watching.
Boarding since 1990. All you say is true. And yes, it is really a lost art. Just want mention one thing that I always tell my kids: Try to feel WHAT your board wants. You can not force the perfect line on your board. Your board knows the perfect line/turns. Follow your board. Don't force IT to follow YOU. Allow it to ride down the mountain together with you as companion.
Nice.. I like that a lot, I'm gonna steal that ok? I used to feel that the old Burton hardboot boards would ride me, and not the other way around. I miss that feeling but I'm scared to try one again...
Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to provide such a useful arsenal of well explained fundamental points and practices to help the likes of me returning back to a forward stance that I was all I knew back then in the early 90s,trying to recapture some of the addictive feeling I had then when, much through trial and error and from watching a carving VHS, I occasionally managed to ‘properly’ carve once in a while. It all makes sense now seeing it so well explained. It’s great to see somewhat of a resurgence of this style with yourself and Lars from @Justaride sharing your knowledge. Thanks again!!!
So happy to get comments like these! Carving is so addictive I know... The new Titanal boards do most of the work for you too, those 90's race boards were so unforgiving and dangerous.
I discovered pencil line carving in my early twenties by accident, perfected is as I became an instructor but I have never been able to explain it in simple ways like James has. I will be using these resources to train the rest of my Japanese crew. Thank you!
Someone who truly understands the body mechanics involved/required for a perfect carve. Thank you for putting this tutorial together! I will definitely pay attention to what I’m doing when I’m back out this weekend and see if I can sharpen up my heelside turn.
James, great video. Can I ask two questions. 1) I understand that on a heelside turn both knees are driving forward, but what should happen on a toeside turn? Should both knees drive backward, or should the front knee drive backward and the back knee forward so they almost meet? 2) you don’t mention pulling your toes up on a heelside turn. Is that because you think you don’t need to, or would you also advocate doing that along with everything else? Thanks Peter, an admirer from London.
@peterkendall1687 I think about dropping my knees towards the snow on toeside, but yes, it is a little to the rear. I don't think about lifting my toes but that's a good cue to get riders to angulate the board higher on heelside. I sometimes like to think about relaxing my toes on heelside turns and engaging them on toeside.
great video, huge thanks for all the work you put into it! Finally someone who actually teaches snowboarding at it's finest. Can't wait to get back on the slopes to try everything you suggest!
@@cherrycarves The Justride Snowboard Channel made a video about +/+ stance a month ago, that video + yours and I got everything I need to practice low carving this season.. enjoy your turns ! Do you do private lesson at your hill this winter ? See ya !
Very nice video, I really appreciate that somebody cares about carving so much to make a video about this topic. Regarding the pencil carve as an ultimate goal I must say that it’s a matter of taste. Especially in very steep terrain Eurocarves are the thing to master the slope. The less steep the slope gets I am keeping my hands out of the snow. One thing I am always doing is avoiding counterrotation. Turning your shoulders and hips the direction where you are going gives you unique stability in the turn. One also has to differentiate between hard- and softboot carving. Riding softboots you’ll never get as much pressure on the heelside edge as with hardboots.
Thank you for video and knowledge!! I learned from one of the original carvers (Enos) but he is retired now and in Florida for the winters!! I need someone with his knowledge, and I found him!! Thank you!!
Some Great boards for this style of carving. Gray Delight/Desperado Ti Type R; Moss Legit/TWFD/MSK; Yonex Symarc/Symarc MG/Thrust; Ogasaka FC-s/XC; BC Stream RX Ti/H/HM
All of those I think are too narrow for this style. Some Asian riders are using extremely steep stances to limit boot out but my solution is to buy wider boards. The Coiler Contra 10m is hands down the best carving board for learning. It's just so forgiving and easy to ride. Smooth. Order now from coiler.com and take delivery next season.
So cool. I have been making custom 3d printed riser pads for jeremy jones' cousin and they improve soft boot leverage dramatically. I even do cants inwards or setups where the bindings oppose each other in their tilt. Such a game changer for them!
James, I've been on a hard boot/alpine board for more than 30 years now. I've been chasing that pencil line for all my snowboarding life. Some of the knowledge you share here took me decades to understand, through experimentation, trial and error. This is a video for the ages, fantastic work, there's almost nothing around that thoroughly and correctly explains everything. And for the millions and millions of snowboarders I've seen on the slopes that have never carved a turn in their life, I hope carving gets taught and spread more and more. It's such an amazing feeling.
I hear you, I also went through those decades of research, experimentation and trial and error. I'm trying to save the next generation the hassle and make carving snowboards easier for them.
didnt even watch the video yet, now I gotta watch the whole thing
@@Prove. Ya, kind of. But at least you don't have to decipher the ancient cryptic texts and try to apply seemingly contradictory information on snow at high speed...
I've been boarding for over 25 years, not alpine gear but the past 2 seasons proper carving finally started clicking for me. I'm sure my form is quite a bit off from the descriptions in this video, but I definitely noticed the board doing much more of the work for me with better control / stability. Going to keep some of this in mind for the next time and think about my form a bit. I could probably do more with putting pressure toward the front.
@@won2wonder Ya. Pressure the nose in initiation and the tail as you finish. And keep those shoulders level!
With that cute kitten, that's definitely the best carving tutorial ever
I hope Smokey also appears in future instalments, my producer is negotiating with his agent now...
Now I know, I need to bring my cat to get better.
@@archangeblandin676 No... You need to bring MY cat.
The lesson is to also be as nimble as a cat when carving! 😻
Great video!
I’ve watched this countless times, and today, I decided to bring the video with me to the hill. I got to the top, watched parts of the video that focused on the parts I needed the most help with, and tried honing things in. Such an invaluable resource. Thanks for making such a comprehensive but concise breakdown of the different aspects of carving.
Wow... thanks for calling it concise! I felt it was a little self-indulgent. I was aiming for 20 minutes...
Excellent tutorial and breakdown. I don't snowboard often, it's actually been 8 yrs but this is my style of carving for sure. As a surfer, this pencil line carving feel like surfing to me and although I have broken down surfing in a similar way as you have with snowboarding, I have never thought to do it for myself in snowboarding so this was eye opening. Thanks so much.
Yesssss!! This is the deep stuff the snowboard world is missing!! Thank you!! 🎉
Right? I couldn't find any good carving instruction in English on RUclips, that's why I made this.
I broke my phone screen with how hard I pressed the like button 🏆
@@iamkeir Hahaha
@@cherrycarves Coincidentally another channel recently put out some quality tutorials on proper carving too ruclips.net/video/htKNZS-3CBw/видео.html Lucky to learn from you both :)
@@cherrycarves I started snowboarding seriously in 2019 and was immediately drawn to carving, but didn't try to improve to the level you're describing until this season. Your video and the Justaride channel will be invaluable for learning.
This is definitely the best snowboard craving tutorial video on RUclips. From now on, I will check your channel everyday during the snowboard season and hope to see more video from you.
Thank for sharing your knowledge. Really appreciate your effort.
Wicked. Part II coming soon!
One tip I would ad is have a friend film your riding. Sometimes you think you are doing it right but when you see yourself on video, you can spot the problems and work on correcting them the next time you go out.
Very true!
Very true.. I had my buddy film me a couple of weeks ago and I was entirely embarrassed 😅 I looked like a Frankenstein goober! I still look like a goober but, I loosened up and my riding is ten times better lol
Mark richard’s 4 times world champion of surfing nickname was the seagull . Carving is from surfing not skating .wave your arms .break at the hip .lean to touch the snow . Do what ever you want .its not style if everyone goes it the same way . Be your self . Don’t let the rule masters rule everything you do .think for your self .no one cares what you look like . 👍
@@boxoffluffys Yes and no... If you are already an expert carver and can easily link pencil line carves on narrow black runs, style it up like you want. If not and want to be able to do it, get in shape, get a proper setup and try to imitate the technique and style of someone who can, had your style later.
@@technick007ify Well said...
As a beginner rider, this video was definitely a game-changer. The way you break down the entire turn into simple yet detailed steps is amazing. I made huge progress in just one day after watching this. Thanks!
Awesome! You're welcome!
James, your level of knowledge is unparalleled, but your ability to teach it to others is out of this world!
I just wanted to drop a huge thanks for your efforts in making this video!
I've watched thousands of carving videos, but yours is on another level. This is pure gold. Never seen anything like it before.
You absolutely nailed it!
P.S. Please add "thank you" button on this video... I guess that many would like to thank you for your efforts and valuable information!
Thanks for your encouragement. 700 more watch hours before I can start to monetize on RUclips. Money is not the point though, I have bigger goals. Stay tuned!
Thanks! Love how you combine the black board with the dug out trench to illustrate the body positions. Nicely done!!!
Thanks David!
I snowboard for 35 years already. Learned it old school and still boarding old school. Now with soft boots back to 30 front and 27 back. Took me a long time to understand carving well. This is the best video ever I have seen with such a terrific explanation. Thanks. I immediately subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to more great content. I am now 61 of age and still love snowboarding.
Thank you. Took me a long time too, most of us had to figure this out on our own, the lucky ones maybe had a friend in hard boots and the Bomber forum. That's why I wanted to put all this in one place for the next generation.
Love this! I was taught this technique back in the early 2000’s by a buddy of mine that was an aspiring snowboard slalom Olympian. These skills changed my snowboarding forever. My girlfriend just started snowboarding and was set up by others with a duck stance, took lessons from resorts, and ended up with the back hand flailing behind. Finally she listened to me and I’ve got her on a posi posi stance (back +5, front +18 as a start to get her used to posi posi) with both hands reaching down hill. NOW She’s starting to progress super fast. I’m going to have her watch all your videos and practice your drills. Glad I found someone who translates these techniques far better than I ever could describe them myself. THANK YOU!!!
Glad to help! And thanks for the "super thanks"! Have your GF watch my "technical analysis" video first. For inspiration...
James, thank you so much for this. I found your channel after watching a video of you with Ryan Knapton and was blown away. Thanks a lot for putting this together, I am very grateful. I truly appreciate the knowledge, time and effort that went into this. All the best.
Yeah... I started this project over a year ago...
I started my carve journey with Ryan knaptons videos many years ago, initially being impressed with them as well (I mean, I’m still impressed). Unfortunately, although his riding is great, he’s not a very good teacher and it’s apparent he doesn’t even fully understand the motions he goes through. ie he has recommended sitting in a chair posture for heelside carves, but the reality is that type of squat he shows in the example puts you out of balance (not actually stacked over the edge), whereas his actual riding is starkly different.
In THIS video, we actually get to see the mechanics from someone who understands how to accurately express what they are doing, which is a feat on its own
@@longebane True, Ryan is not very analytical, but still I've got a lot of good advice from him.
@@longebane Glad to help!
Great video James! Wish I could like it twice!
Thanks!
@@wingcleung001 Thanks man!
Straight stuff, no BS, complete and clear. Thank you for your time
No sweat
This video is amazing. I watched bits of it while on the 15 mins gondola ride and it helped unlocked some of the difficulties I faced while on the way down.
@@lawg9607 Pefect! That was the idea...
I feel like I need to watch this 3-4 more times to absorb it all
Great explanation man…. I am going to try to incorporate as much as I can
High level stuff
Thank You 🤙🏻🤙🏻
Just let it play on repeat all night, drive the views up...
@@cherrycarvesreminds me of going to a Jiu Jitsu seminar and listening to a 20 year Black Belt describe all details of his specialty move
It’s not theoretical. All of this has been pressure tested in real world environments. I’m fired up to ride tomorrow and see what I can work into my carves
Agreed. So good but alot to unpack in one go.
@@noahbyrne2402 How did it go yesterday?
@@cherrycarves moved my angles up a little, tried to focus on my keeping my shoulders level and keeping the hands out front. Caught a bunch of small mistakes I was making.
James, I wanted to let you know that this is my first comment on RUclips. I can't adequately convey how grateful I am for this video. I've watched countless videos and tutorials, and none have come any close to the way you explained everything. Thank you so much! I appreciate your wilingnees to share the knowledge that was aquired by you through so many years! Not many people willing to do something like this :).
Million times THANK YOU FOR THIS LEGENDARY VIDEO!
P.S. I envy folks you`re training ;)
You're welcome Connie. Love comments like these... Thanks!
Another 30 years of carving here. 30-60° stand. First on many very narrow boards. Later switched to a swoard for extreme carving and lately finding very much fun on carving skies as well, carving the heck out of them, also something you do not see many skiers actually doing, although these days any basic ski can be carved perfectly. I find that having carved on hard boots all my life, I learned skiing quickly.
Such a wealth of knowledge here! Thank you. James has been coaching me in Revelstoke for the past two seasons so my carving has greatly improved. Transitioning to steep/er terrain has been a humbling experience and go-back to the basics in many instances. I didn’t think it was possible to carve a steep black run on soft boots until I saw James doing it.
Where were you this morning? Are you riding tomorrow? Should be faster than today was.
James...amazing video. 54 years old and just getting back into riding out here in the East. Grew up riding softboots with ski boot liners, stiffening tongues, canting plates. Was blown away to watch riders like Jasey Jay tear pencil carves on Tremblant. Just back at it and switching back to ++ stance. Shoulders level, stack the bones, no clamshelling! 😂
Right on bro! I used to ride Tremblant and Mont Blanc in the late 80s and early 90s.
I ride Burton Driver X boots, as of a couple years ago - stiffest soft boots I could find. I never considered canting plates with soft boots, but I ride Palmer risers. I think it gives me a little more leverage, shock absorption, and clearance.
You said "pencil lines". That's exactly how I always described it. It's the only way I could figure out how to explain it to people who thought they were carving - but weren't.
Right? I call that slarving; part carve, part slide.
I describe it as, "when the entire edge passes through the same point in the snow."
Hands down the best Carving Explanation anywhere ever!!!!!
Thanks!
Outstanding contribution to the community. My respect!
👍
This is such a great tutorial. The amount of analysis thats here is splendid.
ps: I am a sail instructor, decomposing is not always easy but the effort you made not only helps whoever wants to learn carving but also the teachers. Videos like these brings the community further.
Thank you ❤
Yeah it took some thought... You're welcome!
Oh baby… can’t wait to take this to my local groomers. Thank you for sharing ❤
Good luck! Keep those shoulders level!
This is pure gold!!! I can't express enough how much I appreciate you sharing all this knowledge! Really nice explanations and great drills. I've been riding for 20 years now and for the first 5 years I didn't even know that carving is a thing, but I always aimed for "pencil lines" because it just felt right ❤
Could you maybe make a video on the carving gear as well? I come from a small country where my only chance to try out a board is to buy one, so I rely a lot on the information and reviews I can find online. What makes a good carving board? How does different board characteristics impact how the board turns? Any pro tips on selecting the right gear for you?
Cheers and happy turns!
Don't wait for the video, just buy a Coiler Contra. You won't be disappointed. Order now to take delivery for next season.
But, but, but how long board I should get for carving? How to choose the sidecut radius? What about bindings? Should I get risers? There are too many questions :/@@cherrycarves
@@janisvegis6490 Risers are only necessary if your board is too narrow. Talk with Bruce at Coiler Snowboards, he'll steer you right. Tell him I sent you please.
Nice! I must admit, I just bought an all mountain board (capita mega merc) and am still rocking duck stance. But I am trying to improve my carving skills and have made some progress. I am not quite ready to switch to posi posi (again, started with hard boots back in the day). There are some great tips in there that I can adopt nevertheless. Kind regards from Switzerland
It's not such a big commitment, I'll change stances in the middle of the day with a pocket tool sometimes. Try posi-posi for a few runs?
One of my boards is a Capita Mega Mercury 160W 2024. I'm 6' tall/ 200lbs/ expert level. My setup is +15/+6 degrees with a 21'' stance. Note: Capita's reference stance is 23.4'', way too wide for carving. I could probably go +18/+6; but past this, jump turns I often use in steeper terrrains become more difficult. If you want to start using your hips more to carve deeper, I suggest your try these values which are not too radical, while being good in multiples terrains and conditions.
@@deschampsjacques6400 Yeah, there's a tradeoff between easy jump turns and smooth heelside carves. Get two boards or carry a screwdriver...
Спасибо! Очень полезно и круто! 👍👍👍
Enjoy!
Beautiful description of the carve! I’ve intuitively arrived at the same motion over 20 years of riding, right down to the binding angles. I look forward to applying some of the intention you’ve laid out here to improve my carve. Thank you!!! Old school carving is the way!
Some of us never changed our stance or style...
6:41 Goodbye dreams of duck-foot soft-boot carving! Hello 12/27.
Yes!
I usually not post any comments but you have the best carving skill I ever seen and your tutorial video is the best to learn carving!!! Thank you for your thoughtful videos and please continue teach us!!
Thank you very much. More is coming soon but the mountain is back in condition now and I have some very important turns to make this week...
Good, but not secretly. From Russia with love 😉
Maybe not a secret in Russia... I've seen lots of good extremecarving instructional videos in Russian, but someone had to make one in English too!
Let’s ride together in Russia
@@nadiradzemihail Maybe. How's the snow over there? All of North America is melting out this week. I rode with Andrey @bfreeap a couple of weeks ago, very impressive rider.
Thanks James! This how I’ve ridden since ‘90 but definitely gave me some great tips to tighten up my form and correct some no-no’s. Never had anyone illustrate carving so well.
@@tx54v7 You're welcome! That's what I do!
I've been riding Snowboard since the 1990th and have allways been training (trial & error) for the perfect pensil line with my hartboot / raceboard setups.
Never tested softboot and since i bought a Kessler Alpine 2 years ago i think i will not change in this life anymore :)
I will try to implement some of your hints to my carving skills, when i go on holiday in 2 weeks.
Really nice video. Thanks! Carve on
Oh yeah, I hear the alpine is amazing! I hardly ever ride my hardboots anymore but that's a board I would love to try out.
James, thank you so much for this tutorial. It's hard to find other videos with such thorough focus on technique.
I have extremely limited ankle dorsiflexion, to the point where I cannot do a squat or drop my knees forward without lifting my heels. Not sure if you ever taught people with similar poor flexibility. Is there anything in particular I should be focusing on?
From the video I believe the part I can struggle with the most is having my lower body drop in the turn and the upper body away from the turn on the toe side, since it requires pushing your knees forward and grip on the edge. In my case, getting the knees forward probably puts a lot more pressure on the edge since all my center of mass is going on the toes unlike most people.
@@francescolorenzo96 Thanks for the tip!
Try putting something under your back heel (stick it down to the footbed of your binding). Maybe 1cm high.
I had been using rubber in my footbeds under my back heel and front toes, but now I have a canted riser that goes under my binding for this purpose. (Available soon at carversconnection.com)
Every body is different. Play around with some lift and inward cant in your binding footbeds and see what works for you.
You may have to modify the body positions discussed in this video, focus on keeping your shoulders level and see how that affects your carves.
Dude you are a freaking awesome teacher! You solved lots of, basically all the core problems I have trying to learn from other videos! Tipped $5 my man! You the man!
Thank you very much! Comments like these keep me motivated to keep producing content, which, as I understand it, is one of your goals...
Thanks!
Thank you! That's the first dime I've made on RUclips!
@@cherrycarves Now I’m sure the time you spent on this video has been paid off! Lol thank you sir.
@@brianp9268 Lol... Definitely. Money wasn't the point but of course more is always better than less. I have bigger goals, stay tuned...
Best carving instructional video on RUclips! No one out there is giving this kind of detailed information. Thank you James and see ya soon!
Thanks Joe! See you soon!
Oh yeah, been meaning to ask you: are you goofy or regular?
goofy@@cherrycarves
@@joeschmitz808 So perfect! We can swap boards then and you can also try my custom lifted and canted bindings. I'm curious to get your feedback on those, no one else does this as far as I know but I like the feel.
awesome! thank you@@cherrycarves
James! I love your explanation of transition at 14:30 into the video! Both board and center of mass must follow Newton's law of momentum, so they tend to travel along their old trajectory respectively. You putted in such a crystal clear way to show us how to leverage the G force!
Easy to describe but very hard to master...
James this is one of the best contributions to carving I've seen so far. Thank's a lot for sharing! I'll try to incorporate this knowledge in my riding.
Right on. Let me know how it goes
My SB instructor back in the days was the very "old school" type guy. He gave me a pure camber board, the harderst softboots on the market, put my bindings into ++ stance and tought me to keep my hands forward into a "battle position", ready to attack. After a long pause, years later I restarted my snowboard experience with all sorts of crappy experiments (rocker board, duck stance and it's derivates, C3 shape, body paralel to the board, hands flying kite, etc. etc.), no wonder I sucked at carving LoL. Now I'm back to camber, carbon highbacks, 10/10 soft boot and next I'm gonna do is go +27,+12 and throw my hands forward again, like my instructor used to teach me. Thank you for sharing, would love to see Part 2 to this. Cheers!
And old is new again...
Yeah it's the old school skate surf snowboard teacher I want, 40 minutes talk with chalk and blackboard, not any influencer fancy video and magic tricks. You got my attention with the content but I am so glad of the form too, it's so pure, like your pencil lines. You could have capitalized on the kitten and you just removed it. You could have stopped the video and cut it, no you mumble and take your paper notes and move on explaining. Not any sarcasm man I enjoyed this video so much after being intoxicated with eye-catching stuff all around. I'ma trying all what you said this weekend, I am sure these 9 points need to be felt one by one, and then to be put all together at once. Thank you so much!
Right on man, thanks. I wanted to make it more engaging and professional but I'm a snowboarder, not a video editor...
I appreciate the great advice(& the cute kitten)!
I come from a surfing background, & spray at the end of a turn is everything! Your explanation of patience thru the end of the turn is money$$$
I will still throw spray on powder days, but looking forward to tightening up my carving technique on groomer days! TY
@@captainniles8345 Yeah man, just keep those shoulders level on toeside and point your hips to the nose of the board on heelside. Easy.
I needed this video over 20 years ago! Yes, if you're going to carve, setup your downhill screamer, dig in those rails, and lose your phantom girlfriend. I learned some of this from GS racers but this tutorial is exceptional and really ties it all together. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Cool. I also learned in hardboots. Wish I had seen this video 20 years ago too!
Great video, so refreshing. Way back in 1993, when coaching alpine, I had aspiring carvers/racers carry and keep forward and level a bamboo pole. In retrospect, it was a bit draconian (failure was punishing), but it worked. The knee-touch is an excellent idea.
Yeah, I didn't invent the tray drill, it was taught to me by a hardboot instructor circa 1993. The string was my wife's idea, I was gonna "borrow" a tray from the cafeteria for the demo... I did invent the hand-to-knee drill though; this one is great for tuning up aspiring carvers.
Another season, I’ve given this video another watch. Nice work, James
@@and497 Cool. How are you coming along with those drills?
@@cherrycarves been practicing the Tray drill, the Touch-the-Knee drill every day. I've made a lot of improvements thanks to you. I've also made this video a mandatory watch for my kids too. Made their stance posi-posi too.
Honestly, what I appreciate most about this video is that your system is sound. Your tips and advices work together and there is science behind them. I watched hundreds of videos on snowboarding, and most of the advices given out by these videos are not sound. They would work on some occasions and they wouldn't work on some others; and I don't get better systemically. Your system is different; and thanks to it, I can think much better about the whole thing.
I have a couple of questions for you, James. On the toe side, I haven't been able to stack up my body likes you do: bend at the knees with a straight back. When the slope gets steep and the going gets rough, the tendency to hunch my back is too great. Any advices on how I can hold my back likes you do it better?
@@and497 Hahahaha... I got my kid in a posi posi stance too! Actually, I forced her to go goofy in her first season so I can show her by example how to approach the terrain.
And yes, systematic thinking is my specialty. I studied philosophy.
I also hunch my back sometimes when the conditions are rough. It works so well that I feel like I'm cheating. When the camera comes out I try to lift my chest for style but there's nothing wrong with some hunching for extra grip. Look at the position of some of the Asian carvers, they get their shoulders close to the front knee sometimes.
I would suggest that when you hunch your shoulders or bow at the hips, do it over the nose of your board and not the edge.
The other suggestion is to lift the rear heel and the front toes by adding some height to your binding footbed. 1/4 inch is plenty. This helps some people who are inflexible to get their hips to face the nose. My new Trenched Canted Riser will do this for you, they should be available in the web store at carversconnection.com in about a week.
Final suggestion: don't forget that my boards are way way better than your boards. They allow me to lift the chest without losing the edge. I couldn't do what I do on a production board. Email me if you want one jamescherry@carversconnection.com
34:29 Will give this a try, +12 in the back and +27 in the front.
Do it! And then get a real carving board from carversconnection.com
This is by far the best carving video I have ever come across!! Thank you :)
Thank you!
Currently in japan on my first ever snowboarding trip and I am hooked
Have fun out there!
I will definitely be watching this on repeat alot to unpack. I just picked up a dedicated carving board. supper excited to try some of this. Thanks for putting this video out.
Nice! What's the new board? Is it custom? Specs?
This is one of the greatest carving tutorials out there!!! Looking forward for part 2...
Only "one of" the greatest???
Just kidding. But for real, did you make a RUclips account just so you could comment on my video? I see you just joined an hour ago... Now that's a big compliment!
I've been snowboarding for decades now and been doing the "pencil line" all the time. Thanks for doing this video. I'm always telling me that 99% of ppl are slarvers and not carving enough. They slide a lot but they don't use the edges like they are meant to be used. My board of choice is a Nitro Pantera but I'm looking for a pure carving board like a Donek MK for my next equipment. Happy carving to all !! 🏂
The MK is very popular, enjoy!
Bought a wide rectangular soft boot snowboard last week being inspired by Korean snowboarders. Told my mates I needed clear explanation on the ++ stance bad and that I couldn't find any good video on RUclips. Then this pops up on my recommendation, perfect. Thanks for your effort, will definitely put these tips into practice. Greetings from this snowboard instructor from Austria.
For me I only need some explanation on why the pressure point trajectory on both sides during the turn are the way they are. So I can really understand
@@danielgo942 You don't have to understand it, you just have to feel it work! It will make sense for your body and become natural with time. The "why" is unimportant.
Since your feet are angled that much, the actual vector pressing on the edge is in a different place on the edge, so that might be one of the variables.
Since your feet are angled that much, the actual vector pressing on the edge is in a different place on the edge, so that might be one of the variables.
Since your feet are angled that much, the actual vector pressing on the edge is in a different place on the edge, so that might be one of the variables.
I appreciate videos like this so much. It is akin to attending a physics lecture without the boredom accompanying one. Many other videos I have seen have been the shortest, most basic explanations and made me believe I was above average in carving.
I have always wanted to hit that carve that circles back up the piste, and now I have a lot to work on and try out to hopefully get there :)
"How to Carve a 360" is coming soon!
As I find myself kept coming back again and again to absorb more information I think it would be helpful to paste this summary I generated with ChatGPT in order to better study this well made video.
Here’s a detailed step-by-step explanation for each drill based on the nine elements of snowboard carving:
1. Stance and Balance
Drill: Static Balance Exercises
1. Stand on a flat surface with your snowboard strapped on.
2. Bend your knees slightly and keep your weight centered over your board.
3. Ensure your shoulders are aligned with your board’s angle, avoiding any twisting.
4. Practice shifting your weight slightly from your toes to your heels while maintaining balance.
5. Close your eyes for increased difficulty, focusing on feeling the board under your feet.
2. Edge Control
Drill: Edge-to-Edge Transitions
1. Find a gentle slope with minimal obstacles.
2. Stand still and tilt the board onto the toe edge without moving forward, feeling the edge grip the snow.
3. Slowly shift your weight to the heel edge and repeat.
4. Start moving down the slope, gently rocking between toe and heel edges.
5. Focus on the sensation of the edges biting into the snow with minimal skidding.
3. Pressure Management
Drill: Forward and Backward Lean
1. On a flat area, stand in your natural snowboard stance.
2. Lean forward slightly, placing more weight on your front foot, then lean backward onto your rear foot.
3. Notice how the board responds to the pressure changes.
4. Move to a gentle slope and traverse sideways while leaning forward and backward to control turn tightness.
5. Incorporate pressure shifts into your turns as you initiate and complete them.
4. Upper Body Positioning
Drill: Hands-on-Hips Turns
1. Start on a mild slope and ride straight, keeping your hands on your hips.
2. Begin a turn by rotating your hips slightly in the desired direction while keeping your upper body steady.
3. Avoid swinging your arms or twisting your shoulders-focus on lower body movement driving the turn.
4. Practice linking turns, keeping your upper body quiet and aligned over the board.
5. Increase speed gradually while maintaining stability.
5. Turn Shape and Size
Drill: Marker Turns
1. Set up markers (e.g., small cones or imaginary points) along a gentle slope.
2. Begin riding and turn around the first marker, aiming for a smooth arc.
3. Progress to the next marker, varying the size of your turn-first tight, then wide.
4. Focus on consistent edge engagement and pressure control throughout each turn.
5. Repeat the exercise, alternating between short and long-radius turns.
6. Timing and Coordination
Drill: Counting Rhythms
1. On a moderate slope, start making wide turns at a steady speed.
2. Count aloud (e.g., “1, 2, 3”) during each turn to establish a rhythm.
3. Coordinate your movements-initiate the turn on “1,” control the middle of the turn on “2,” and finish the turn on “3.”
4. Gradually increase the pace of your counting to practice quicker transitions.
5. Progress to steeper slopes while maintaining the rhythmic coordination.
7. Line Selection
Drill: Visualize and Follow Lines
1. Stand at the top of a gentle slope and visualize an ideal path down.
2. Choose an imaginary line with varied turn shapes to practice adaptability.
3. Ride down, aiming to stick as closely as possible to your planned line.
4. Adjust your path as needed to avoid obstacles or adapt to the terrain.
5. Repeat on more challenging slopes, refining your ability to anticipate and follow optimal lines.
8. Speed Management
Drill: Garland Turns
1. Start on a medium slope and ride across the hill.
2. Begin a turn toward the fall line (downhill), but stop halfway through, returning to a traverse.
3. Focus on edge control and pressure management to control your speed without completing the turn.
4. Alternate between toe-side and heel-side garlands.
5. Gradually link these garland turns into smoother, controlled turns as you gain confidence.
9. Terrain Adaptability
Drill: Riding on Varied Terrain
1. Start on a groomed run and practice basic carving turns.
2. Move to slightly uneven terrain (e.g., shallow moguls or tracked snow) to test your ability to adapt.
3. Focus on adjusting pressure and edge angles dynamically to maintain control.
4. Gradually explore different conditions, such as ice, slush, or powder, while carving.
5. Incorporate techniques from previous drills to stay balanced and controlled.
These step-by-step exercises will help you build a strong foundation in snowboard carving, allowing for smoother, more confident turns across various terrains and conditions.
@@lukehuang4225 Wow... just wow.
James, I can't thank you enough for such a detailed lesson!
My pleasure!
I’ve been looking for a good and thorough carving guide for a few years and I’ve finally found it here!
Sweet!
Thanks
Thank you! Much appreciated, now we're talking indeed!
I've watched a lot of basic carving content but alway noticed that the likes of Jones do something different with their upper body. You explained it well here with the tray technique. Will definitely practice this next season!
What a video - the algorithm DOES work. Appreciate all the work and passion you've put into this video!
The algorithm does work. Sometimes.
been riding for 21 years, but sadly never got into carving.. I'm very excited to start my journey to the pencil line! Seeing you ride in those clips is just satisfying to watch and a huge motivation! I had good teachers for bein a kid learning back then, but I gotta step it up.
Thank for this knowledge!
Awesome! Thanks for the comment!
Best softboot carving video out there! Thanks for this!
Thanks! It's my magnum opus
Best breakdown I've seen. I've been riding 35 years and still take apart my riding to understand all the physics. You hit on two of my recent focus points: First, that your center of gravity is traveling smoothly from uphill to downhill as your board is going sidehill; and second, that the front foot pressure initiates and hooks up the carve, while the smooth transfer of pressure rearward finishes it. If you get those 2 things flowing nicely, it all seems to work out.
James - how do you tune edges? Base bevel angle? Side bevel angle? I'm messing with 0.5 degrees base and 2 degrees side...
Thanks Nathan. I use 1 degree base and 2 degrees side.
This is super in depth. I still use my Burton Custom from 97. After a few years of lessons we were taught carving as basically the last lesson. It took a bit to sink in, but after a while I naturally enjoyed keeping my weight centered and using only the sidecut of the board to carve super sharp turns. Super key to have the edges tuned, mine were always dulled out from doing rails or whatever.
It turns out there have been some advancements in board tech since 1997... That Custom is vintage, it belongs on a wall in a tavern somewhere. Does it have the old three hole insert pattern? I hope at least you've upgraded the bindings...
@@cherrycarves Ah it's actually a 98 Custom 55. It has the 3D binding pattern. I picked up some Ride bindings back in 03 or so. I actually did buy a new Sean White 154 back in '07 and hated it, it was stiffer and somehow heavier than my Custom and a bit too narrow. I only get up a couple times a year now since I got little ones, but I'll have to do a rental or demo one next time. Hard to drop a bunch of money on a new board and bindings when I'm not getting up a lot.
@@benharrison5816 I hear that but one might argue that you want to make the most out of the turns you do get... A new custom Coiler Contra will bring you smiles for the rest of your life...
Just the first minute of this video made me reconsider everything i know about snowboarding - you were on point with every word and your carving prooves it.
The next day i switched my 12:-12 to 18:-6 and had some of your technique elements in mind.
It immediately felt like i found the words and key points to describe a good carve (Although i don't carve nearly as good on a green run as you do on black) .
Thank you for this!
Glad to help! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Bonjour James. Merci pour cette belle vidéo très instructive. Je suis en hard boot sur un "Eliminator" et ne m'en sort pas trop mal en carving que j'adore. Je viens de comprendre une de mes petites erreurs de position en back grâce à tes explications. La rotation du buste. Je corrigerai cela en suivant tes conseils. Mille merci.
Bienvenue!
Hello James!! Long time rider, new channel viewer. Thanks for the time and effort that you put into this. I used to ride plates and ski boots way back, then soft set up since my kids started to ride. The past two years I have been working back up to the carve and and am very stoked to have stumbled onto your video. Great content and instruction.
Nice! I set up my daughter posi-posi and she works on the drills all the time. It's working. Some stranger stopped to watch her ride the other day and called her "the carving master". She's eight...
@@cherrycarves That's awesome. 👍
Awesome stuff. So refreshing to have yourself and Lars @Justaride-Snowboard-Channel re-open my eyes after 30 years snowboarding to the ways I was originally taught but seemingly "lost" over the last 20+ years of duck footed freestyle - can't wait for part 2 so please keep up the great work :)
Beautiful. What was old is new again!
Holy shit this is the video the people need! Love the gimmick/flare flat callout approach. Thank you sir!
Thanks. I learned a lot watching this video. Some things I have been doing right and will focus on. Some things I've haven't been doing right and will focus on. Can't wait for part 2.
Working on it. The snow is so good right now all my energy is being put into turns this week. Next time there's a storm I'll publish something...
I have finally found my master in search of the perfect pencil lines. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with everyone!
Happy to help!
amazing info, you're right that it's been a struggle to find right technique for this type of carving, can't wait to try it out this upcoming season!
@@richard9332 Nice!
I went out yesterday with my new angles of +27 and +12 (was 27 and 0) and I couldnt believe the difference after just a couple runs. Was able to make very crisp pencil lines. Also found that it was so easy to control and steer that toeside turn by pulling that back knee in. An added bonus was how much more control I was in on the bumpy-small mogul runs as I was facing more downhill than normal. Hadnt had that much progression in one day in a long time and was really stoked. Now need to add the weighting and unweighting piece of it. Thank you, James!
My pleasure. So may people needed this advice but didn't know it.
The best conceptual explanation of carving I've ever seen
Thank you!
I am an aspiring carver self taught so far. All the info I've seen so far have recommended the shoulders aligned with the board, I always have chatter on the heel edge on steeper slopes. What also sucks about this is that I can't see down the slope while turning from toe edge to heel edge most of the time. Having the shoulders facing perpendicular to the board sounds like I will be able to see a lot more of the slope much sooner. The mountain where I ride is very crowded so I find this is a very big bonus for safety. I just wanted to mention that as it's not mentioned in the video.
Thank you for this! I will try to apply what I learned here.
Yes, most of us were self-taught.
I never said "shoulders perpendicular to the board", in fact I would avoid this position for carving. I said shoulders pointing toward the front of the board on heelside and in line with your front foot angle on toeside.
A video with drills only will be released today, keep an eye out for it!
@@cherrycarvesThank you for clearing that up!
@@Ths_1 No sweat. Let me know how it goes.
Absolutely perfect! Thank you so much for that video! I watched it yesterday and tried to apply myself today using what you explained - the results were immediate! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Fantastic! Delighted to hear that!
Best vid on pure carving on soft boats OR hard boots I’ve seen!
1xsculler? You're just watching this now??? The season is almost over at Crystal!
Started at 14yo, in 1995, in France, now I'm 53. Still Pencil and Vitelli turning as much as I can. Love your vid. Sincerely very instructive. Even if it takes more than a year or two to masterize, i agree 100 % with the fact that pencil turning is way, way more rewarding, visually or sensationnaly speaking, than any other turns. Sadly I broke my leg and had to turn from hard boots to soft boots (still keep the stiffest ones) and 30/51° angles to 10/35° and change my F2 alpine board to a Dupraz one. Really miss the asymetrics ones though. But anyway, enough about me, your vid is spot on ! Three thumbs up ;)
Ya, those asyms were cool. Thirst Snowboards in USA still makes full custom asyms. If you order one please tell Mark I sent you there.
My favorite feeling is when the board's camber lifts me off the snow during edge transition. It's like flying. There's an empty space between the pencil lines. I've experienced it on steeps, but consistency with this requires a lot of space around me, which is hard to get in my riding circumstances. I also seem to naturally speed check at anything above 30.5 mph. The board's uphill path can always help with speedbut only if the run is clear. I love slower snow because I can experience the range of movements without putting on the brakes, but I never let steeps stop me from trying. I liked how you explained the difference between where the board's path is, verses center of body mass. You said it's a natural motion into the next carve. It's like a pop and a dive, but yes, no leaning to pet the snow. I remind myself to keep my posture up and let my knees brush the snow. Looking uphill is the only way to stay safe. Thank you for your explanation.
Glad you enjoyed the video.
On the best days in Revelstoke there are miles of fresh corduroy and no crowds at all... All you can carve. The locals here only come out for powder.
I watched the fantastic session with the black cat. Next day I put it into practice. Astounding! Thank you so much James.
It worked for you? Glad to hear it!
Thank you for the great video instruction. I watched many soft booth carving videos from Korean riders but only a few US riders. I hope you continue to make great videos, including small-step drill videos for pencil carving. You provided the entire carving instructions, but practicing one item at a time might be better. I am a 61-year-old advanced snowboarder and am very interested in learning pencil carving. Korean and Japanese riders typically use hammerhead snowboards with more biding angles. Thank you again for your very high-quality instruction.
You nailed it, my next video will be "four drills to improve your carving" or something like that. six minutes, more practical and less theory.
I think the Asians are riding such steep angles because their boards are so narrow. It's possible they prefer the narrower, lighter boards for ground tricks. I like 'em wide to reduce boot out at more comfortable stance angles.
Also, by the way, I'm Canadian. I ride in Revelstoke BC.
I'm really looking forward to your videos. Hope I get an opportunity to ride with you. My primary resort is Heavenly, California. If you ever travel this direction, let me know. I will email you some of the other soft boots carving instruction videos I enjoyed watching.
@kayakfishingcouple8866 Yes please, I would be interested to see some other good carving instructional videos.
Done
Boarding since 1990. All you say is true. And yes, it is really a lost art.
Just want mention one thing that I always tell my kids: Try to feel WHAT your board wants. You can not force the perfect line on your board. Your board knows the perfect line/turns. Follow your board. Don't force IT to follow YOU. Allow it to ride down the mountain together with you as companion.
Nice.. I like that a lot, I'm gonna steal that ok? I used to feel that the old Burton hardboot boards would ride me, and not the other way around. I miss that feeling but I'm scared to try one again...
Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to provide such a useful arsenal of well explained fundamental points and practices to help the likes of me returning back to a forward stance that I was all I knew back then in the early 90s,trying to recapture some of the addictive feeling I had then when, much through trial and error and from watching a carving VHS, I occasionally managed to ‘properly’ carve once in a while. It all makes sense now seeing it so well explained.
It’s great to see somewhat of a resurgence of this style with yourself and Lars from @Justaride sharing your knowledge.
Thanks again!!!
So happy to get comments like these! Carving is so addictive I know... The new Titanal boards do most of the work for you too, those 90's race boards were so unforgiving and dangerous.
I discovered pencil line carving in my early twenties by accident, perfected is as I became an instructor but I have never been able to explain it in simple ways like James has. I will be using these resources to train the rest of my Japanese crew. Thank you!
@@SwedishSanta I want to go to Japan and train your crew!
@cherrycarves let me know if you come, I'd be stoked!
@@SwedishSanta No plans yet... The idea is that if you invite me, pay my travel expenses and lift tickets, I'll train your whole crew for free!
Someone who truly understands the body mechanics involved/required for a perfect carve. Thank you for putting this tutorial together! I will definitely pay attention to what I’m doing when I’m back out this weekend and see if I can sharpen up my heelside turn.
Keep your shoulders level!
James, great video. Can I ask two questions. 1) I understand that on a heelside turn both knees are driving forward, but what should happen on a toeside turn? Should both knees drive backward, or should the front knee drive backward and the back knee forward so they almost meet? 2) you don’t mention pulling your toes up on a heelside turn. Is that because you think you don’t need to, or would you also advocate doing that along with everything else? Thanks Peter, an admirer from London.
@peterkendall1687
I think about dropping my knees towards the snow on toeside, but yes, it is a little to the rear.
I don't think about lifting my toes but that's a good cue to get riders to angulate the board higher on heelside.
I sometimes like to think about relaxing my toes on heelside turns and engaging them on toeside.
Understood and thanks for getting back to me.
Coiler rocks- Bruce has bulit me lots of boards over the years.
Hell yes he does!
great video, huge thanks for all the work you put into it! Finally someone who actually teaches snowboarding at it's finest. Can't wait to get back on the slopes to try everything you suggest!
Nice, thanks.
The world needed that video… can’t wait for more man 👍🏼👍🏼
Ya, I noticed that too... More coming soon. Got some very important turns to make first though!
@@cherrycarves The Justride Snowboard Channel made a video about +/+ stance a month ago, that video + yours and I got everything I need to practice low carving this season..
enjoy your turns !
Do you do private lesson at your hill this winter ?
See ya !
Analytical 90’s snowboarder here.
Thank you.
And thanks, Mr Cat.
Smokey stole the show for sure
Very nice video, I really appreciate that somebody cares about carving so much to make a video about this topic. Regarding the pencil carve as an ultimate goal I must say that it’s a matter of taste. Especially in very steep terrain Eurocarves are the thing to master the slope. The less steep the slope gets I am keeping my hands out of the snow. One thing I am always doing is avoiding counterrotation. Turning your shoulders and hips the direction where you are going gives you unique stability in the turn. One also has to differentiate between hard- and softboot carving. Riding softboots you’ll never get as much pressure on the heelside edge as with hardboots.
This is the best instructional video ever
Why, thank you!
Thank you for video and knowledge!! I learned from one of the original carvers (Enos) but he is retired now and in Florida for the winters!! I need someone with his knowledge, and I found him!! Thank you!!
My pleasure
Thank you so much for your detailed explanation. All the best
No sweat. Be safe out there.
Awesome. This video was missing and had to be created. And the right person did it.
Thanks man!
I love carving bro I’ve been developing a good style over the years
This video is amazing is gonna help mi a lot to get it for the next level
Great! That was the idea!
Thanks James for sharing your knowledge ! Will practire on your different steps as soon as I can. Cheers from France
Right on! Good luck and have fun, keep those shoulders level!
Some Great boards for this style of carving. Gray Delight/Desperado Ti Type R; Moss Legit/TWFD/MSK; Yonex Symarc/Symarc MG/Thrust; Ogasaka FC-s/XC; BC Stream RX Ti/H/HM
All of those I think are too narrow for this style. Some Asian riders are using extremely steep stances to limit boot out but my solution is to buy wider boards. The Coiler Contra 10m is hands down the best carving board for learning. It's just so forgiving and easy to ride. Smooth. Order now from coiler.com and take delivery next season.
So cool. I have been making custom 3d printed riser pads for jeremy jones' cousin and they improve soft boot leverage dramatically. I even do cants inwards or setups where the bindings oppose each other in their tilt. Such a game changer for them!
Awesome! Email me please? I'd love to see those. The address is in the first few seconds of the "Four Drills" video.
@@cherrycarves sent!
Bloody good video. Well done!