What is one thing that you’ll find at every single sporting event, regardless of what that sport may be? A coach. Whether it’s a team sport, solo discipline or action sport, you’ll always spot a coach on the sideline helping their athlete be the best they can possibly be. Because even the best in the world still need a bit of gentle guidance from time to time – sometimes all it takes is that one simple observation and boom, slam, kabam, they finally stomp that trick.
So we wanted to offer up a new series: TIPS FROM THE TEAM, offering expert guidance to all of you ahead of your trips to JaPow, because we know there’s nothing worse than sitting on a plane back home thinking of all the tricks that could have been.
To kick off our first edition, we’ve sought out the expertises of local shredder, longtime Niseko habitant, and our newly appointed Head Snowboard Technician of Rhythm Hirafu, Jack Tollkuhn for his expert tips and tricks on how to elevate your boarding this season.
Tip 1: Speed Is Your Friend
“Keeping speed in the right places will help you make your way across flatter areas and mean you don’t get stuck in the deep stuff.”
Tip 2: Ride With Homies Better Than You
“Riding with people more experienced/of a higher skill level than you will improve your own riding greatly. Following their lines and trying to keep up with them is a great way to fast track improvements in your riding.”
Tip 3: Always Look Two Turns Ahead
“When entering or turning through gaps in the trees keep your head up and pick the 2nd/3rd tree gap ahead of you. Commit to that line, keep a flow in your riding and don’t start stopping or slowing to avoid trees – it’ll mean you white room yourself when you don’t want too.”
Tip 4: If You’re Not Falling, You’re Not Trying
“When trying to learn new tricks, don’t be afraid to fail. Falling is a part of learning. If you’re not falling, you’re not trying.”
Tip 5: Improve Your Toeside Turns
“Bums in, keep your belly button pushing out while thrusting your hips forward, hips over knees, knees over toes.”
Tip 6: Never Forget To Practice Riding Switch
“If you’re on a mellow part of a run or cat track, make some switch turns. If you are learning some new tricks such as 180’s, continue riding switch for at least 3-4 turns after completing your rotation. No reverts! This = max style points.”
Tip 7: Try New Gear
“Here at Rhythm we have gear to suit all conditions or your style of riding. Want to slay some pow? Come check out our range of powder specific boards like the Jones ‘Storm Chaser’, or the season eqpt. ‘Forma’. Looking to rip the park? Check out the Capita ‘DOA’ or the Capita ‘Birds of a Feather’. Looking to tear up the entire resort? Check out the ‘K2 Passport’ or the Burton ‘Hometown Hero’.”
Still feel in need of some extra snowboard tips for this winter? Have a look into our Private Lesson options with Rhythm Rides – if you’ve got a riding goal, Rides has an instructor that’ll be able to help you get there.
