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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
Apr 9 2015 11:05AM
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S.J.W
Posts: 7609 - Karma: 31,186
It's harder to scissor your skis to avoid you from spinning around
Apr 9 2015 11:15AM
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Lonely
Posts: 6787 - Karma: 62,541
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.
Apr 9 2015 11:19AM
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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?
Apr 9 2015 11:30AM
3 2
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Lonely
Posts: 6787 - Karma: 62,541
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.
Apr 9 2015 11:37AM
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Thawg
Posts: 360 - Karma: 542
gnarRatAre rails actually easier?


Not necessarily easier, but much more fun.
Apr 9 2015 11:39AM
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Criloh
Posts: 348 - Karma: 2,091
Its easier to catch an edge on a box and harder to grip
Apr 9 2015 11:46AM
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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.
Apr 9 2015 12:20PM
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Lonely
Posts: 6787 - Karma: 62,541
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.
Apr 9 2015 12:25PM
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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) 😔
Apr 9 2015 2:55PM
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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
Apr 9 2015 3:56PM
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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
Apr 9 2015 4:31PM
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TOAST.
Posts: 7529 - Karma: 36,764
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.
Apr 9 2015 5:21PM
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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.
Apr 9 2015 6:18PM
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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.
Apr 9 2015 9:59PM
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Klaus
Posts: 156 - Karma: 1,244
boxes have more surface area?
Apr 9 2015 10:22PM
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,057
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.
Apr 10 2015 7:37AM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
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.
Apr 10 2015 9:47AM
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TOAST.
Posts: 7529 - Karma: 36,764
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.
Apr 10 2015 10:55AM
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,057
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.
Apr 10 2015 3:37PM
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BennyBagels
Posts: 494 - Karma: 2,689
DERP
Apr 11 2015 10:25PM
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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
Apr 12 2015 12:13AM
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