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Carving Discussions
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Topic starter 23/04/2024 3:57 am
I’m a stocky guy, 5’ 10”, 175-180lbs. I’ve noticed that many great carvers are less massive. Tons of guys in the 130-160 lbs range, and very few that I’m aware of that are above 200lbs. Now probably some of the reason for this is that bigger people often have bigger feet and for those people, it’s hard to get decent gear. But what are the effects of *just* increased mass as it relates to carving? Does a heavier person need a larger contact patch with the snow to keep the edge engaged against the trench wall? I know a heavier person will have an easier time bending the board but I wonder if there other impacts as well. I imagine it also matters how a rider’s mass is distributed. For example, I carry a lot of weight in my thighs. Are there any body position adjustments I need to make to compensate for that? Are there advantages to being less massive? If so, maybe I have my marching orders for the off season.
23/04/2024 9:43 am
Where are you from? I would not call that stocky. That’s probably a good BMI.
My adult weight has fluctuated from 135-200… often with too much on the belly, which is terrible on the lower back. When you’re essentially doing squats all day the legs get really tired as well. Effective edge REALLY matters for carving… probably even more than surface area does for powder float (you can shift your weight back to rise up).
This post was modified 7 months ago by Board Doctor
Big White, BC, Canada
Topic starter 23/04/2024 10:42 am
My BMI is OK but if I had sufficient motivation, I could lose 10 lbs. I wouldn’t do it for looks or health but I would do it for carving, if it would help at all. I just wonder if it’s coincidence that many great carvers are built like lithe rock climbers, and I wonder if that sort of build affords any advantages.
I am also curious about how body shape (aka weight distribution) is related to carving technique. Do I need to do things differently or more exaggerated if I carry an unusually high percentage of my mass around my thighs and hips?
01/05/2024 4:46 am
A key part of much of the softboot carving you'll see is stances mostly across the board ( angles less than 45 deg even if posi/posi) but the pelvis and upper body rotated so that the rider is facing the nose of the board.
That kind of rotation isn't easy if you're carrying extra weight in your mid section. The stance requires significant core flexibility and strength.
Take action accordingly in the off season.
