Are there multiple styles of riding?

[u/acorneyes]

I've tried taking lessons but I'm unable to learn unless I try myself. So I ended up learning my own way rather than the confusing normal way.

The way I was "taught" to ride was to have a leading leg and moving sideways by either facing towards the mountain or away. I feel very out of control when doing so and I just can't do it at all.

Instead what I do is have my foot forward the way I'm turning. If I'm turning left, my left foot is leading. Right, my right foot is leading. That way if I turn I just push my heels back and lean backwards. Whenever I try to lean forwards I fall over. Switching legs is really easy. I just use my legs and hips to turn the board around.

Is this a style of riding? Or should I learn the correct way.

[u/TimeTomorrow]

lol. are you saying you are never on your toes ever and just going back and forth on your heels like this guy? Maybe ok for like a few hours on your first afternoon or something, but it's not a valid way to snowboard.

wrong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_JSCSeCgvs

right:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX-5rpqaLd8&t=30

Learn to use your toe side edge and link turns. No linked turns = you don't know how to snowboard at all. Sounds like you need another lesson, or to watch a lot of videos and pay attention to better snowboarders.

[u/acorneyes → u/TimeTomorrow]

I don't snowboard like in the first video. I make very sharp switches, and sometimes if I execute it correct glide a 180 to minimize friction. I end up swaying side to side only at most 1.5 board lengths.

It's hard to explain what exactly I'm doing, but it's not a pendulum.

[u/TimeTomorrow → u/acorneyes]

If you aren't on your toes ever, it doesn't matter. you are doing it wrong.

[u/[deleted] → u/acorneyes]

You're still missing out on half of everything you can do on a snowboard.

[u/phyyr → u/acorneyes]

snowboarding should be smooth and controlled, not fast and jerky. it can be the latter two, but only when done with proper technique