How to learn good technique?

[Gottheurge]

I just got my 1st snowmobile (2007 Arctic Cat M8) and want to start studying up on how to ride. I had it out a couple of times and now realize I have a lot to learn as far as proper basic technique. Any pointers on where to start?

Thanks,
Ben

 

[doc202]

congrats man, welcome to the addiction Get the video called Schooled- by Chris Burandt. Good info. Other than that just ride, ride alot. Throttle's your friend, sooner you learn that the better . That's a great sled by the way. again, congrats

 

[colorado_matt]

Congrats on the sled, great choice to start with. Ride with people that are better than you and willing to help and answer questions. Pay close attention to what people do on the same sled as yours that you want to be able to do. Then try those maneuvers. Don't be afraid to try or make mistakes. Learn from those mistakes, and most importantly have fun!

 

[colorado_matt]

Also, if you are willing to spend some money, check out http://www.nextlevelclinics.com/ it's put on by Dan Adams and you will learn proper techniques for a wide variety of riding.

 

[mountainhorse]

Ben,

I agree with Co_matt.

If you want to step up your game quickly... the BEST money you can spend is on a Next Level Clinic Session with Dan Adams.
It is an easy drive from boise.

I've done this and can recommend it to anyone. This is a true working clinic and not a "ride along"....there are drills, technique reviews, avalanche training and other skills that will have you ripping quickly.

If you don't learn bad technique... it wont handicap you later.

​

 

[Budd]

http://www.backcountrybasics.com

 

[backcountryislife]

If you don't learn bad technique... it wont handicap you later.

That ^^^^there is bigger than many realize. I feel that going to a clinic like Dan's, you'd learn the RIGHT things to do, before intuition (or watching your buddies) gets you doing the opposite. The earlier you learn the right way, the easier it is to avoid bad habits which can plague you in a fast thinking moment where it's do or skrewd.


Or just come ride with me... cause I'm pretty much ausm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYws8biwOYc
yeah... like that.

 

[907to406]

Don't be intimidated by your sled. you ride the machine, don't let the machine ride you. The sled you picked up as a very easy sled to ride and throw around. Be aggressive and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Also be avy savvy and don't put yourself or friends/other riders in harms way. This is the biggest thing you should learn or take a course for, the rest will come naturally over time. Get as much time on it as possible and have fun.

 

[Arctic Thunder]

The above post are excellent ideas to do over the summer. Watch a lot of video's ect.

But when watching them really pay attention to their body position, foot positions were they are looking ,etc. If you are watching a technical section in the video rewind it a bunch of times and play it over and over until you see what they are doing in detail. If you watch these things with a wide angle and don't focus on the "Little" things you will miss the important stuff.

As for learning when you ride.

I would suggest following someone that knows what they are doing.

Watch every move they make, again foot position, balance, etc.


By doing this you will learn quickly. And like others said don't be afraid to get stuck or struggle it's natural.

I must say you picked one of the best sleds to learn on. Very easy to maneuver in the steep and deep.

Thunder

 

[Timbre]

Amber Holt Video

Amber Holt does a GREAT video for beginners! I highly recommend it!

It is called "The Ultimate Guide To Learning to Ride".


It has tips for advanced riders as well. I picked up the DVD at the Boise Idaho snow show to let some new riders i was working with watch it and learn a few tips before getting on the snow. It sure gave them a jump start on the learning curve. Made my job easier

Check it out...

 

[clarkwinsor]

snowmobiling is probably the easiest extreme sport to be good at. if you pay really close attention to the videos you can pick up a lot!!!! another good thing to do when there is no snow, jump on the sled....pop it up on 1 ski and practice holding it there without touching the ground. once you get that dialed you can start pumping the suspension while doing this....simulates sidehilling on the hardest snow possible. once you get that dialed, its all about applying what you know to more difficult terrain. ive only been riding for 2 seasons now, and i can keep up with damn near anybody. the key is to keep pushing yourself, which can be hard. dont get sucked into going straight up and down. pick lines, dont be ashamed to be highmarked, and take lots of pictures!!!!

 

[goridedoo]

Ride, ride, ride, and watch videos... alot of videos, pay attention to things like body positioning, throttle control, and bar position. You'll learn alot by just watching and running through things in your mind. One of the biggest things is to commit, and when in doubt, pin it.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

snowmobiling is probably the easiest extreme sport to be good at. if you pay really close attention to the videos you can pick up a lot!!!! another good thing to do when there is no snow, jump on the sled....pop it up on 1 ski and practice holding it there without touching the ground. once you get that dialed you can start pumping the suspension while doing this....simulates sidehilling on the hardest snow possible. once you get that dialed, its all about applying what you know to more difficult terrain. ive only been riding for 2 seasons now, and i can keep up with damn near anybody. the key is to keep pushing yourself, which can be hard. dont get sucked into going straight up and down. pick lines, dont be ashamed to be highmarked, and take lots of pictures!!!!

If that is true then why wont people follow. If you want to be it the top 5% you have to man up and do it. If you think you can do it, you can, take your time and practice getting uncomfortable. It took me about 4 rides of actually trying to get the feel of an M, and probably 2-3months to really get aggressive. Suspension setup and good clutching are huge. As for the basics I think side hilling is the first step to riding in the back country. First thing I tell everyone is to go into an open flat area or something with very little slope, then sit on the seat go out and crank the bars and lean the opposite direction the skis are pointed. You will fall on your face and possibly get stuck(in deep snow)if you do it right, but it teaches you not to be scared of falling over because the whole point of the M is that it was built to half way fall over. Then do it but once it tips up try to ride on one ski, its all about counter steering a little weight transfer and throttle control. After you somewhat get the feel of it then stand up and put your right foot on the left running board, start moving and hang your left foot out until you start to fall over, go back and remember you don't need the weight to pull it on your side all you have to do is turn the other way and blip the throttle and the sled will be on one ski before you know it. Hanging the foot is only needed for added control in tight spots. Its harder to learn in spring snow than powder. The key thing is counter steering and throttle control along with a little weight transfer (more weight transfer if its extreme riding)
Then think and push yourself.

 

[Dogmeat]

I just got my 1st snowmobile (2007 Arctic Cat M8) and want to start studying up on how to ride. I had it out a couple of times and now realize I have a lot to learn as far as proper basic technique. Any pointers on where to start?

Thanks,
Ben

My advice to newbies is to make sure you get drunk before you ride. That way, you'll learn the limits of your sled without fear of consequences so when you go to ride sober you'll have the confidence and knowledge that you and your sled will be able to make the line you picked!

 

[WyoBoy1000]

My advice to newbies is to make sure you get drunk before you ride. That way, you'll learn the limits of your sled without fear of consequences so when you go to ride sober you'll have the confidence and knowledge that you and your sled will be able to make the line you picked!

The reason I don't ride drunk is because I'm crazy enough as it is, and you bleed out a lot faster. Lots get away with it but thats the dumbest idea yet. But its your call.

 

[DeepDaze]

Congrats on entering the Sport! Hope you enjoy it!

The Next Level Riding Clinic is by far the best thing if you can afford it. Dan Adams is a great teacher and not only teaches you how to ride but how to do if safely. I took the class and strongly recommend it to anyone looking to futher their skills. Everything you need to learn will be covered in that class! He has a FaceBook page with pictures of the clinic's that he has put on this year if you are interested.
The video Schooled both 1 and 2 are also great helpers for watching riders and their techinque in the steep and deep! Always good to have those around the house! I believe there are also a few articles out there on riding tips so you may want to check into those.
Other then that, practice makes perfect! Dont be afriad of pushing the limits and as they have said before throttle is your best friend with proper control!

Hopes this Helps!

 

[Gottheurge]

Holy smokes, you guys are AWESOME! Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'm really stoked to get out and practice on my new ride next season. In the mean time, I will be getting to know my sled and its mechanics, checking out the videos you guys suggested, dreaming about opening up the throttle and carving through Idaho's gorgeous mountain, ...oh, mix in some whitwater rafting, biking, camping, a few shots of tequila and call it good.

Seriously, thanks a ton for the help. My first day out I got in way over my head and met some very cool, helpful guys that went way out of their way to bail me out. I feel indebted to this sport and anyone involved now. Rest assured, I'll be one of those guys helping out the next guy when my time comes.

Now time to get learning and enjoy the warm temps!

Rock on,

Ben
Boise, ID

 

[907to406]

The reason I don't ride drunk is because I'm crazy enough as it is, and you bleed out a lot faster. Lots get away with it but thats the dumbest idea yet. But its your call.

Yeah getting drunk and riding is a terrible idea in my opinion, When I go out to ride its to ride, and when I go out to drink its to drink. Two separate activities that I don't mix. Sure I'll have a few cold beers when I'm loading up at the trailer and BSing in the parking lot with my pals. But in all seriousness drinking and riding do not and should not go hand in hand. The last thing you want to do is get hurt or total your new pride and joy because you thought it would be a good idea to get wasted in an already sketchy enough place. Just go out and push yourself to your comfort level then go a little further and before you know it you'll be killing it in no time. I guarantee you nobody on here became a great rider over night. Its like anything, it takes time but the time flies and its fun. Good luck and it sucks you have all summer to wait.

 

[Gottheurge]

Yea, I can see where drinking and riding would/could be enjoyable...but the reality is that its not cool to put yourself or others in a reckless situation. Don't get me wrong, I get lit with the best of 'em but see I'm aware that ME, alcohol, snowmobiles, and backcountry are not going to mix.

I do look forward to some post ride cocktails though!

 

[KMOD]

Amber Holt
Backcountrybasics.com


I have been riding for 30 years and Amber has shown me some technique that really helped.
Now I have the confedence to come down a hill and if I needed stop and go back up at any time, I know I can do it.
Basic technique that any one can use that works.
Helps to side hill and get out of trouble or go places that are challanging and have more fun.
Kevin