Snowboarding is not just a thrilling winter sport; it is also a gateway to a world of self-expression and creativity. Once you’ve mastered the basics of snowboarding, you may be eager to elevate your skills and explore new tricks. Whether you’re cruising down groomers or tackling the terrain park, the following five tricks will help you transition from a beginner to a more skilled snowboarder.
1. Ollie
What It Is:
The Ollie is one of the fundamental tricks in snowboarding and is essential for jumping over obstacles or getting air off jumps.
How to Do It:
- Position Yourself: Start in a balanced skate stance.
- Crouch Down: Bend your knees and get ready to spring upwards.
- Pop Off the Tail: As you push down on your back foot, jump upwards, dragging your front foot towards the nose of the board.
- Level Out: Use your front foot to guide the board upwards, leveling it out in mid-air for a smoother landing.
Tips:
- Practice flat ground Ollies first before trying them on a slope.
- Focus on timing your pop with your jump for maximum height.
2. 180 Spin
What It Is:
The 180 spin involves rotating your body and board 180 degrees either frontside or backside.
How to Do It:
- Build Speed: Start gathering speed on a flat section or small incline.
- Wind Up: Slightly twist your shoulders and look in the direction you want to spin.
- Jump and Rotate: As you approach your takeoff point, jump and pull your knees up while turning your head and shoulders to initiate the spin.
- Land and Ride Away: Spot your landing and absorb the impact by bending your knees.
Tips:
- Start with frontside 180s (spinning towards the slope) as they tend to be easier.
- Ensure you practice landing properly to minimize the risk of falls.
3. Box Slide
What It Is:
Sliding on a box is a popular trick in terrain parks that showcases your balance and control.
How to Do It:
- Approach with Confidence: Pick a box that is low and wide, and approach it with moderate speed.
- Jump On: As you get close to the box, prepare to jump onto it and land with your board perpendicular to the box.
- Balance: Keep your body centered over your board as you slide across the box.
- Exit Smoothly: As you near the end of the box, prepare to jump off and land.
Tips:
- Watch for other snowboarders to ensure a safe entry and exit.
- Stay relaxed and avoid over-correcting your balance.
4. Backside 360
What It Is:
The backside 360 is an impressive trick that involves a full 360-degree spin while riding backward.
How to Do It:
- Gain Momentum: Start on a small jump, picking up speed as you ride towards it.
- Prepare to Spin: Wind your shoulders and look back in the direction you will spin.
- Jump and Initiate Spin: As you jump, rotate your body by swinging your arms and head in the direction of the spin.
- Spot Your Landing: Keep your eyes on the landing and position your board accordingly.
Tips:
- Start with 180s to build comfort and confidence in your spin before progressing to a full 360.
- Make sure your landings are balanced to maintain control.
5. Method Grab
What It Is:
The Method Grab is a stylish trick that adds flair to your jumps, where you grab the heel edge of your board during an airborne maneuver.
How to Do It:
- Approach the Jump: Gain enough speed and confidence to get air.
- Jump and Extend: Launch off the jump, extending your legs down and back.
- Grab Your Board: Reach down with your back hand and grab the heel edge of your board.
- Balance and Style: Hold the grab, bring your knees up, and keep your body relaxed.
- Land Smoothly: Release the grab before you land and ensure your knees are bent to absorb the impact.
Tips:
- Practice grabbing on smaller jumps to develop comfort before attempting larger ones.
- Work on your style and positioning to make your grabs look sleek and controlled.
Conclusion
Mastering these five tricks will not only elevate your snowboarding skills but also boost your confidence on the slopes. By dedicating time to practice and refine each technique, you’ll soon find yourself progressing from a beginner to a more skilled snowboarder. Remember, safety is paramount, so consider wearing protective gear and always prioritize your well-being while having fun on the mountain. Enjoy the ride, and don’t forget to express yourself through your progression on the board!
