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A Few Things About Snowboarding Tricks (part 1)

Saturday, July 19th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Snowboarding tricks can seem pretty incredible and maybe just the business of athletes. Though its not the easiest sport to master, anyone in reasonable fitness can master many of the snowboarding tricks. If you learn the basics and practice as often a possible, you’ll probably surprise yourself.

It may seem silly but if you cant swing and carry your snowboard without hitting something or someone, you haven’t mastered the basics. There is also the simple skill of gliding and “skating” over flat terrain before one ever considers attempting snowboarding tricks. When you can stay on the board, carve a little snow, and not mate with a tree trunk when you pick up a little speed, then you can begin thinking about snowboard tips and tricks.

Riding the Board on Your First Snow

Maybe staying on your board sounds silly, even easy, but the truth is, its as difficult as standing for the first time. Its imperative you be comfortable on your snowboard and make it feel like an extension of yourself before ever attempting any snowboarding trick.

Although it may offend your sense of pride, the first time you strap on your board for your first test-drive, do it on a relatively flat area with fewer people around. Most ski areas have beginner zones for practice. Try not to jump right into snowboarding tricks.

Be sure to place the snowboard flat on the ground. Don’t forget to attach the safety leash to your leg. This is necessary to maintain control of your board in the event that it slips from your control. Your front leg (in the direction you plan to ski) should be placed into the front binding. Fasten the ankle strap only after your foot is securely in the binding. Then you should fasten the toe strap. It should feel snug but not uncomfortable. If not done properly, your boot will come free from the binding…and your snowboard.

When your foot is well strapped into the binding, you can move your leg back and forth. Then stand-up and bring your snowboard toward you with your strapped in foot. Do this a few times with your knee bent, this makes it easier to move the snowboard. Practice this and get the feeling for the movement of the snowboard and how it works on the snow.

We will continue this snowboarding trick in another post…