Snowboarding - Basic Tricks

Snowboarders ready to improve their style an learn some basic maneuvers should always start small. Ollies are a good place to start and are a fundamental move for most aerial tricks. The basic movement is a small jump using the tail of your board as a spring. When practicing this try a gentle slope at first until you have mastered the technique. Bend your knees slightly and put your weight on your back foot. As you shift your weight to the back, lift your front leg, that will lift the nose of your board. Push off your back foot using the tail of the board as a spring to lift you in the air. Once in the air bend your knees to your chest and level your board. Keep it centered underneath you. You can land flat or put the nose of down first. When putting the nose down first do not lean forward because you may catch an edge and fall. After your entire board touches the snow ride away smooth. This technique is great for avoiding obstacles when boarding fast. At first you will want to look at you snowboard as you do this trick, but when you are comfortable learn to look straight ahead. Once you have mastered this trick your will be ready to move on to wheelies.

This next move is great in preparing you for more advanced maneuvers. A wheelie is riding with one tip, front or back, in the air. This move builds your balance, strength, and technique. Tail wheelies are very easy, but they do take time and practice to learn. You may fall down the first few times. Start on a gentle slope, going straight at a moderate speed. Bend you knees slightly and lean back. Once your weight has shifted to your back foot lift you front foot. Your nose should be in the air. Maintain your balance for a few seconds. Then put the nose of your board back down. Practice this trick until you are comfortable. Then try it on your nose, lifting the tail of your board in the air. After you have practiced many times you will be prepared to attempt jumps.

When attempting jumps start small and work your way up. Begin your approach with your knees bent. Edge into the lift while getting centered over your board. As you ride up the jump lean back and pop off your tail slightly. Stay centered through the air. Your body should be in a straight line centered over the board. Bend you knees slightly and land flat.

Stay centered on the landing. If you lean forward out over the nose you will fall on your face. If you lean too far back on the tail you will flip the board out and land on your backside. This may be fun to watch but could be painful to perform, so remember stay centered. After you have these tricks under you belt you will look cool and confident on the slopes.

By: andrea robertson

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