Tips From The Team: Conquering Sidehits

If you’ve leveled your freestyle snowboarding with Rhythm Rides over the last couple of winters, there’s a high chance you’ve come across Damo James. 

An all-round legend on the hill and longstanding Rhythm Rides instructor, Damo is no stranger to the park. In fact, he’ll almost try to find any reason to get in there. But when he’s not, he’s tearing up the mountain with all of you, showing you the best pockets across the resort and most importantly - where all the best sidehits are. 

(Yes, lessons can also cover sidehits and freestyle)

If you’re not familiar with what a sidehit is, it’s only the best naturally occurring thing on earth?! 

A sidehit is a piece of natural terrain which, overtime, been carved and chopped out to form a ‘feature’ akin to what you’d find in the park, allowing you to boost off big terrain and get all the air and jibbing that you could ever want, without needing to ride on man-made features. 

But it’s not just as simple as spotting something and hitting it… 

Ok, it is actually that simple. That being said, if you’re hitting sidehits, you need to be aware of your surroundings, other riders and most importantly, your skills. 

So we got Damo to run us through some of the essential tips he thinks you should all take on board when you’re trying to conquer sidehits this spring season.

Tip 1 - Can’t Spell ‘Sidehit’ Without ‘Safety’

"Safety is paramount. 

According to the Alpine Responsibility code, anyone moving onto the run from the outside, from uphill or in the air MUST give way. Ensure you have checked your landing zones and don't jump blind."

Tip 2 - Know Your Pop

"Practice popping and landing on both heelside and toeside edges. To jump side hits effectively, you will need to have the adaptability to take-off and land on either edge."

Tip 3 - You Call That A Flex?

"Bend your knees and flex your ankles. This sounds obvious, but when most people think they're flexing their lower joints, they really aren't. More often than not, they're over flexing their waist. Just because your head is low, doesn't mean its coming from the knees and ankles."

Tip 4 - Squeeze Like You’ve Got A Six Pack

"Engage the core. There is nothing goofier looking than a ‘wacky waving, arm flailing, inflatable tube man’ in the air. Just before you leave the lip of the side hit, imagine someone is about to punch you in the stomach. Engage that core, and it will keep you more stable (and stylish) in the air."

Tip 5 - Fast Spins? No Thanks

"Spinning? Be patient: If you're trying to spin off a side hit, most people will try to use all of their rotation before they have even left the lip. If you are constantly under rotating your spins, try to release the rotation as late as possible. This will help you get a much snappier spin!"