Garlands (To be done on a gentle slope)
Garlands are named after the pattern that they make in the snow resembling a garland on a Christmas tree. The purpose of the garland is to teach the athlete board control: edge control, balance, speed control by releasing and engaging the edge while traveling across the hill in the same direction.
SAFETY NOTE: This skill involves movement across the hill. Be sure to check for other snowboarders and/or skiers who may be on the slope.
Important! The garland should first be taught with some assistance from the instructor. This can be done similar to the falling leaf, with the instructor standing slightly in front of and down the hill from the athlete, with hands outstretched toward the athlete for the heelside turn and slightly in front of and uphill from the athlete for the toeside turn. The athlete should have the hands outstretched in front, reaching for and/or touching your hands.
