Cross over is the most basic edge-switching method in snowboarding, usually employed in the upright riding style. We often call it a pop, or an upright edge switch, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Its feature is that by standing up, you elevate your body’s center of gravity, relieving pressure on the board and guiding it along the fall line. Then, by bending your knees and leaning sideways, you lower your center of gravity and apply pressure to one side of the board, thereby turning to the other side. The hallmark of Cross over is that your body’s center of gravity is constantly changing — you stand the straightest and at your highest point at the exact moment of the edge switch. Usually, this form of edge switching looks, at the moment of switching, as if the board hasn’t moved while your body swings over it, hence the name Cross over.
When first practicing the Cross over edge switch, it’s essential to clearly execute the standing-up and squatting-down movements — do them exaggeratedly and noticeably. The greater the range of motion, the smoother and easier the edge switch will be. Beginners often find it difficult because their bodies are stiff and they can’t squat down low; not being able to squat down also means they can’t stand up as much, resulting in a smaller shift in center of gravity and minimal swinging, which makes the edge switch feel challenging. Remember to clearly differentiate between the standing-up and squatting-down actions, and perform them fully and rhythmically in stages!!!Figure 1: Illustration of Cross over
Figure 2: Demonstration of Cross over
Cross under is another basic edge-switching method, used in conjunction with a crouched riding style, also known as a low stance edge switch, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In this riding style, the body remains in a semi-crouched position throughout, with the height of the torso above the waist remaining relatively constant relative to the snow surface. The center of gravity stays low, and pressure on the board is reduced by bringing the knees in and lifting the board, allowing it to follow the fall line. Turning is achieved by pushing off with the legs and applying pressure to one side of the board, thereby steering to the other side. The characteristic of Cross under is that the body’s center of gravity remains low throughout. Typically, in this edge-switching posture, it appears as though the waist doesn’t move, but the legs and board swing underneath — hence the name Cross under.
Cross underIt’s considered a more advanced edge-switching technique, requiring active leg extension to push off. Because it’s an active movement, it allows for large dynamic swinging motions. At the moment of full leg extension, the body can tilt sideways dramatically, almost like forming an iron bridge.Figure 3: Illustration of Cross under
Although these two basic riding styles are easy to distinguish during specialized practice, in actual riding — to adapt to various terrains, speeds, snow conditions, and personal preferences — edge switches are generally not so clearly divided. Cross over and Cross under are often combined., sometimes raising the center of gravity, sometimes bringing the knees in and lifting the board, while maintaining a relatively not-too-high posture(the Japanese call this the pressure style or press style, while Westerners refer to it as cross through — meaning maintaining constant pressure on the board without releasing it) , with variations and adjustments in amplitude, angle, speed, and sequence. But as long as you understand the principles behind these two basic edge-switching methods, you can adapt them to create your own unique riding style. Also worth noting is that here, Cross over and Cross under are merely edge-switching techniques, used in combination with different riding styles, along with coordinated knee bending and extension — don’t confuse them with riding styles themselves.
In this video, Mitsuki demonstrates a crouched riding style that is a typical application of the Cross under edge switch.
In this video, the upright, crouched, and pressure styles are all described and demonstrated separately.