Switch-
skiing, taking off, or landing backwards.

A helpful hint
     Before you start skiing, taking off, and landing switch make sure you can ski forwards first. Once you’ve achieved that consider making a slight change to your equipment- center mounting your skis.
     What’s that mean? Well, manufacturer’s all have a recommended mounting position on skis, which tend to be placed more towards the rear of the skis.
     Why? Because having more material in front of you enable you to initiate turns easier and having a shorter tail allows coming out of turns with little effort. By center mounting the bindings, you increase the material behind you enabling for better performance when carving switch and better stability when landing, as well as, a more even swing weight when rotating in the air. In addition, center mounting your skis is also a better way to approach rails since you have the same amount of material in front of you and behind you and you are centered on the ski. Talk to any pro, they all have their bindings center mounted or very close to it. Lastly, if you find yourself in the backcountry more than the park, don’t center mount your skis but come close to it. I believe that all skis should be mounted more forward than manufacturers suggest.

HOW-TO

Skiing Switch-
     This may sound difficult but it’s actually pretty easy. Obviously, you want to find an open slope with very few people. As you begin to descend down the slope assume the position so you are well balanced and ready to absorb any bumps. In order to turn and see where you are going you always want to look over the outside shoulder. This will bring your hips and shoulders around in the direction you want to turn and allow you to see what’s ahead.

    Concentrate on applying pressure with your big toe and little toe. Apply pressure with your big toe on your outside ski and little toe to your inside ski. Your outside ski should also be leading your inside ski through the turn so your feet should be staggered. After just a bit of practice skiing switch should come to you quickly.

Next up try taking off of a jump switch.

- Johnny S.

Trick Tips

When you learn to ski fakie, the biggest obstacle is ignoring the feeling that you're going to hit something even though you know there is nothing behind you.

Also, don't lean backwards while riding fakie. Lean slightly uphill.

-Anonymous