Mastering the Parallel turn
Many skaters find the parallel turn tricky at first. It's true, it requires more agility than the A-frame turn, but don't let that scare you away! Think of it like riding a bike – you need to lean into the turn to make it smoothly.
Here's the good news: mastering the parallel turn gives you amazing benefits, especially at higher speeds. You'll have better control and feel less stressed on steeper slopes.
Learning Curve Made Easy
If you're already comfortable with the stem turn, you can smoothly transition to the parallel turn by starting slow and gradually increasing your speed. There are also drills you can practice to improve your technique.
▶️ The Secret Sauce: 3 Key Elements
There are three key components to mastering the parallel turn:
Scissors Stance: When turning right, place your right leg in front (opposite for left turns). This creates a scissor-like position.
Edge Work: Lean your body slightly inward, towards the center of the turn, to engage your edges for better grip.
Upper Body Rotation: Rotate your upper body in the direction of the turn, adding control and stability.
Need a Different Perspective?
If the right-leg-forward stance feels awkward, try the opposite! Some skaters find a left-leg-forward stance more comfortable for right turns.
Practice Makes Perfect
Remember, practice makes perfect! Start on a gentle slope and gradually increase the difficulty as you get comfortable. Refer to the provided tips to enhance your performance and become a confident parallel turn pro!.
Keep Rolling,
coach Moon
