From the first song change to the linked turns

When you reach this phase, the goal is no longer just to maintain an edge or approach the transition. Now it's time to make the actual edge change.

A complete edge change is not "jumping" from one side to the other. It's a sequence. First, you slide stably on the current edge. Then you gradually reduce that edge. The board goes through a relatively flat phase. The nose points towards the fall line. Then you shift pressure and support to the new edge. Finally, the new edge is set, the board crosses the slope, and the turn gains speed.

If you make this transition too abruptly, typical errors appear. If you release the old edge too quickly, the board can suddenly get away from you. If you try to set the new edge too early, before the board has entered the slope enough, it's easy to catch it. If the body lags behind, it becomes very difficult to build the new support accurately.

That's why it's advisable to progress in stages. First, make sure both edges are stable separately. Then work on falling leaf on both sides. Then J turns. Then Garland. Only then start with half edge changes, not yet aiming for a big or beautiful turn. The initial goal is simple: cross the transition without getting stuck.

Later you can build a complete C turn. And then link one side to the other until you reach the S turn.

The most common errors in this phase are very clear. Falls on heels when leaving the board too flat, falls on toes for engaging the new edge too aggressively, excessive shoulder rotation, locked legs, looking down too much, or a big difference between one side and the other.

The equipment also matters. In this phase, a soft or medium-soft board, with a relatively forgiving profile, well-fitting boots, and medium-flex bindings usually helps. Equipment that is too stiff punishes errors much more and makes initial learning more demanding.

And don't forget safety. Helmet always. Tailbone and wrist protectors highly recommended. Gentle slope. Low traffic. And stop as soon as serious fatigue appears. When a beginner gets tired, their technique deteriorates very quickly.

Linking turns doesn't mean you're doing it perfectly yet. It means something more important: that you've moved from surviving to starting to drive the board.