Ride the Rail
You've always wanted to try the park. X Games gold medalist Simon Dumont shows you where to start.
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1. APPROACH
In Action
Look for 20-year-old freestyle-skiing phenom Dumont in Matchstick Productions’Push
and Poor Boyz’
Ski Porn
Begin with a short, straight rail just a few inches off the snow. Approach the rail straight on, with moderate speed, knees slightly bent, skis shoulder width apart. Tip: If you’ve recently had your ski edges sharpened, they could be too grabby. If so, detune the area directly underfoot.
2. JUMP
Hop up on the rail while turning both your shoulders and skis 90 degrees in one fluid motion. The biggest mistake people make is not rotating far enough—not getting their skis completely perpendicular to the rail—which is the surest way to get tossed.
3. SLIDE
Keep your skis flat and your eyes glued to the end of the rail—not the spot where you’re going to land. This helps keep your body aligned and balanced. Crouch down low for more “steez” (new-school jargon for style, but you knew that.)
4. BALANCE
When you hit the rail, make sure you’re fully committed, with your weight distributed evenly over the middle of both skis. If your weight is too far forward or, more commonly, mostly on the uphill ski, you’ll get sent.
5. LAND
Lots of people lose their balance trying to “pop” off the rail. It’s easier to relax and just let your skis slide off. Turn your shoulders back downhill as you do so and your skis will follow.