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Why is so much harder to grind a big box than a rail.

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Sacha_
Posts: 3 - Karma: 11
Hey Guys,

This question might be a little bit fucked up but I can grind a rail fine, aswell as thin boxes, but when I try to grind/360 on the big boxes I fall off. Anyone got tips cause I don't think it's normal.

Thannks
10 years ago
45 19
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S.J.W
Posts: 7609 - Karma: 31,172
It's harder to scissor your skis to avoid you from spinning around
10 years ago
6 1
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Lonely
Posts: 7084 - Karma: 68,417
Sacha_Hey Guys,

This question might be a little bit fucked up but I can grind a rail fine, aswell as thin boxes, but when I try to grind/360 on the big boxes I fall off. Anyone got tips cause I don't think it's normal.

Thannks


I know exactly what you're talking about and it's not abnormal. I did the same thing. While boxes are usually lower to the ground making it easier for beginners (not as bad to fall on) I found that rails feel more natural, while higher risk, the big reason for this like uglyboy said is not being able to scissor your skis or grip the box. Just keep you weight forward and look towards the end of it. If spinning keep your body tight, and don't flail. Good luck.
10 years ago
3 2
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gnarRat
Posts: 106 - Karma: 993
I'm the opposite. I can grind fat boxes, 360, 180, and sometimes 540 on them but when it comes to rails, they intimidate the shit out of me and I have never even tried to grind a rail. Are rails actually easier?
10 years ago
3 2
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Lonely
Posts: 7084 - Karma: 68,417
gnarRatI'm the opposite. I can grind fat boxes, 360, 180, and sometimes 540 on them but when it comes to rails, they intimidate the shit out of me and I have never even tried to grind a rail. Are rails actually easier?


Yes as long as you get a full 90 turn on and bend your knees your good. And remember on a rail if you feel like your about to fall you can pop off the side or split the rail (as long as it's not high) . On a box you usually just fall on your ass cause you can't get off as quick. Start with a short rail and come up the kicker with you body positioned so the rail is in between skis. As you go off jump, pop, turn 90, bend knees slightly and look and lean forward. It will feel super natural and you'll know if you did it right.
10 years ago
2 1
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Thawg
Posts: 360 - Karma: 542
gnarRatAre rails actually easier?


Not necessarily easier, but much more fun.
10 years ago
2 1
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Criloh
Posts: 348 - Karma: 2,091
Its easier to catch an edge on a box and harder to grip
10 years ago
2 2
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MLJ
Posts: 1849 - Karma: 3,649
gnarRatI'm the opposite. I can grind fat boxes, 360, 180, and sometimes 540 on them but when it comes to rails, they intimidate the shit out of me and I have never even tried to grind a rail. Are rails actually easier?


LonelyYes as long as you get a full 90 turn on and bend your knees your good. And remember on a rail if you feel like your about to fall you can pop off the side or split the rail (as long as it's not high) . On a box you usually just fall on your ass cause you can't get off as quick. Start with a short rail and come up the kicker with you body positioned so the rail is in between skis. As you go off jump, pop, turn 90, bend knees slightly and look and lean forward. It will feel super natural and you'll know if you did it right.


I think the most important thing is the pop on. They seem really intimidating, but really they are pretty easy: find a nice, short flat bar and try it on that. Once you get on, make sure you have a lot of weight on the front foot, because I always see people get scared on their first try on a rail and slip out because they lean back, I even did that a few days ago coming into a new rail hahaha.
10 years ago
1 1
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Lonely
Posts: 7084 - Karma: 68,417
MLJI think the most important thing is the pop on. They seem really intimidating, but really they are pretty easy: find a nice, short flat bar and try it on that. Once you get on, make sure you have a lot of weight on the front foot, because I always see people get scared on their first try on a rail and slip out because they lean back, I even did that a few days ago coming into a new rail hahaha.


I agree. But also the turning 90 is very important too. if you get say 70 you will slide out and have your weight back on the rail.
10 years ago
1 0
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Sacha_
Posts: 3 - Karma: 11
Wow thanks! Gonna have to wait for next season as I'm done (East Coast is snowless) 😔
10 years ago
1 1
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MLJ
Posts: 1849 - Karma: 3,649
Sacha_Wow thanks! Gonna have to wait for next season as I'm done (East Coast is snowless) 😔


Build a summer setup
10 years ago
2 0
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mr-mcsteeze
Posts: 487 - Karma: 1,103
gnarRatI'm the opposite. I can grind fat boxes, 360, 180, and sometimes 540 on them but when it comes to rails, they intimidate the shit out of me and I have never even tried to grind a rail. Are rails actually easier?


you feel a lot more accomplished landing after grinding a whole rail. especially lip on blind 2
10 years ago
1 1
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TOAST.
Posts: 7719 - Karma: 39,198
For wide boxes I usually hit them from the side so I can grip one side of it and use that to stay locked on. Similar concept as hitting a rail that has an urban takeoff.
10 years ago
6 0
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SkierFromOhio
Posts: 193 - Karma: 469
Look at the end of the box. Turning your head and upper body towards the end will keep you going that way.
10 years ago
0 0
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Cyabski
Posts: 188 - Karma: 803
I think boxes are easier because I have more confidence when going on one. Im always timid when going up to a rail and i tend to slip off early or slam on my hip.
10 years ago
0 0
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Klaus
Posts: 156 - Karma: 1,244
boxes have more surface area?
10 years ago
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,056
Sacha_Wow thanks! Gonna have to wait for next season as I'm done (East Coast is snowless) 😔


im confused by this... pretty sure most of vermont still has 3ft of snowpack.
10 years ago
0 2
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DayMan
Posts: 4707 - Karma: 8,804
freeskibum82im confused by this... pretty sure most of vermont still has 3ft of snowpack.


Yep, the entire east coast consists of just Vermont, you're right.
10 years ago
4 0
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TOAST.
Posts: 7719 - Karma: 39,198
RedPandaYep, the entire east coast consists of just Vermont, you're right.


There is still skiing in PA, too. I'm sure a lot of places could still be open, but closed due to lack of people not lack of snow.
10 years ago
0 0
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,056
RedPandaYep, the entire east coast consists of just Vermont, you're right.


:facepalm:

TOAST.There is still skiing in PA, too. I'm sure a lot of places could still be open, but closed due to lack of people not lack of snow.


word. most places in VT/NH/NY/MA/PA are still open with most closing due to state mandates, etc.. this weekend. But all are still hikable.
10 years ago
1 0
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BennyBagels
Posts: 494 - Karma: 2,689
DERP
10 years ago
0 2
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dingus
Posts: 1328 - Karma: 7,879
LonelyYes as long as you get a full 90 turn on and bend your knees your good. And remember on a rail if you feel like your about to fall you can pop off the side or split the rail (as long as it's not high) . On a box you usually just fall on your ass cause you can't get off as quick. Start with a short rail and come up the kicker with you body positioned so the rail is in between skis. As you go off jump, pop, turn 90, bend knees slightly and look and lean forward. It will feel super natural and you'll know if you did it right.

Going full 90 is the number one thing, it makes my spine crawl when people just do that carve thing onto rails without actually spinning, only going like 45 degrees
10 years ago
1 0
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