I keep sliding off rails switch... Please help!

S

spushkin

Member
Hey NS,

So I've been having this problem with almost all rails. So I ride up to the rail, and usually I split my legs around the rail and I jump to a 90 and I almost instantly slide off the left side (I get on with my right shoulder forward ) and I ALWAYS land switch. I talked to a few guys at my park that can do it, and they suggested trying to spin 45 and locking on, and it worked... the first time. I walked back up to hit it again, and its like it never happened. Same problem. I decided to go back to some boxes for practice and I have no problem on any boxes. I can hit boxes and land almost every time switch or regular. I understand the idea of scissoring (angling my skis) but its just not working on skis. I tried to get on urban and it helped and I slit maybe for a few feet more, but then I slipped off the same way, IN SWITCH. Its been 2 weeks and I'm having the same problem and I just can't fix it. I've talked to many park riders and none of there advice has worked (or maybe its me).

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!
 
I used to have the same problem where i'd slip off. Keep your head looking down the rail and not at your feet. It might be a bit sketchy at first, but after a bit of practice you'll get used to the feeling.
 
once you make it to the end of the rail, try to pop so then you have some good air time to adjust your positioning in the air. Don't just slide off.
 
Thats the thing. I really dont think its the fear of bailing because I fall pretty hard at least once a day. I think its something I'm doing wrong.
 
I do the same thing.

Things to try:

1. Look at the end of the rail, it will help tremendously

2. With the down ski, grip the rail, I just kind of tilt my foot inward so it locks on

3. If you're coming off to the left, instead of hitting it straight on hit it from the right side of the lip

4. Move your upper body so that you have one arm on each side of the rail, this will help with looking at the end of the rail

Good Luck!
 
I can only think of two reasons why that's happening. Number one; you're not looking at the end of the rail. Not doing that you will continue to spin therefore winding up switch. To fix that; when coming up to the rail look at the end. Keep your eves there pop. Tire 90 but keep your head And eyes in the same place.

Number two

You're putting too muck pressure on your front foot. When I started skiing I would do that. Try to keep even pressure on your skis.

Good luck and have fun
 
if you're straddling the rail on the approach, don't turn into your spin; a slight curvature in your line will send you off the side of the rail. focus on keeping your line centered over the rail by starting your rotation (spin with your shoulders and hips; don't carve with your legs) after you pop off the kicker. if you approach it urban, you're obviously gonna have to do a bit of turning, but try to keep it minimal by mostly looking for the perfect minimum safe angle to come at it. the imbalance of coming from the side is easily fixed if you distribute your weight properly when you land on the rail. adjust slightly based on the direction you tend to fall off, and you should be set. i don't know if i'm doing it right, but with urban-on, i sometimes feel like i'm just stepping onto the rail, starting with my uphill ski first (if you try it this way, make sure you don't lean back and eat shit!).
 
It could be your weight placement too. Remember to stay low, in an athletic stance. Look and Harlaut, he is ridiculously low, and being as low as he is gives you super control on your balance
 
sounds like your new to hitting rails, so just keep trying. just try and get comfortable hitting them they take alot of practice
 
i use to do this and most of the time it worked.before aproaching the rail think of everything you are going to do.

Also just think of your self landing it.

Or Imagine a girl is doing it and shes better than you.

1. Aproach the rail with nice speed with feet about shoulder with apart or even a little wider.

2. Hop of the lip and do a complete 90 on.

3. Land on with your boots right above the rail

4. Hold it and look at the emd of the rail.

5. About 2 feet before the rail end drag the inside edge of your leading foot.

6. STOMPP IT!

Keep doing it until you get it natrually.
 
that and

think about your 90 on as less of a spin, because it sounds like youre jumping on the rail and just sorta continuing to spin

instead, jump on with your body all squared up, and look at the end of the rail.

also think about ever so slightly dipping the heel on your front foot, and the toe on your back foot (scissoring). VERY slightly tho
 
Make sure to pop before hitting the rail. and come onto the rail favoring the side which youre looking over your shoulder and carve into the jump.
 
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