How to S-Carve on a Snowboard

What’s an S-Carve?

The S-Carve is an essential part of learning to spin on a snowboard. It sets you up for a proper takeoff as you spin off of jumps. Without a proper S-Carve, spins are often sketchy or ugly, and it makes it very difficult to progress and learn bigger spins. The concept of the S-Carve is that you will take, well, a carve in the shape of an S as you approach a jump in order to end up on edge going straight off the takeoff. Without the S-Carve, you will end up going diagonally off a takeoff or prespinning. Neither are ideal.

The Backside S-Carve

If spinning backside, your S carve will start on your heels. For goofy riders, start on the left side of the jump. For regular riders start on the right. Take a light heelside carve towards the jump takeoff. You should be going diagonally across the slope. As you hit the upslope of the takeoff, or slightly before depending on the size of the jump, smoothly transition from your heels to your toes. Continue on edge smoothly up the takeoff, and this should put you off the takeoff straight and on edge, prepared to spin.

The Frontside S-Carve

If spinning frontside, your S carve will start on your toes. For goofy riders, start on the right side of the jump. For regular riders, start on the left. Take a light towside carve towards the jump takeoff. You should be going diagonally across the slope. As you hit the upslode of the takeoff, or slightly before depending on the size of the jump, smoothly transition from your toes to your heels. Continue on edge smoothly up the takeoff, and this should put you off the takeoff straight and on edge, prepared to spin.

There you have it – that’s an S-Carve. Learn it and learn it well, and you’ll be throwing big, controlled rotations in no time. Best of luck. Leave me a comment with questions or tutorial requests!