1. Snowboarding: Man Against Nature
Snowboarding really came into its own as a winter sport during the 1998 Winter Olympics, when it was added to the lineup. Since then, snowboarders continue to come up with new and innovative ways to defy gravity and Mother Nature. The tailblock pits the snowboarder against both gravity and the momentum of boarding down a slope.
2. From Cement to Snow
Snowboarders have adopted many of the same tricks and techniques from skateboarders, who really turned the sport on its head. Grabbing the front of the board while the rear continues to slide, or flipping it in the air after flying off a huge jump are all tricks that snowboarders take from the skating arena. The sport draws those athletes who love the challenge and the risk of defeating the elements and using the speed of their boards to propel them to new heights.
3. Block With the Tail
The tailblock is done on a board when you are on your way down hill. It is one of the easier tricks to do and so a lot of people do it. More experienced snowboarders find the trick to be tiresome when they see it done all day long. However, with a little creativity, you can take any trick and elaborate on it to make it your own. The more experienced snowboarders sometimes forget that they practiced the same trick over and over until they got it, so keep practicing.
4. Start With Same Position as an Ollie
As you are rising, get in the same position that you would for an ollie, with your knees bent low and your body bent and balanced over the center of the board. As you jump, lean back on your tail and swing your arms in the air. Reach forward to grab the nose of your board and slam the tail into the snow. You should feel a lot of bending on your board as your weight shifts forward and you hang onto the tail. Pop out of the stall by lying your board back down flat and continue riding down the hill.
5. Cover Yourself to Avoid Injury
Make sure that your bindings are tied correctly when you go into a tailblock. The damage to your ankles can keep you off the slopes for quite a while if they bend too much inside your boots. Cover your hands with good gloves for this trick as well. Take the risks of snowboarding seriously and protect yourself with the proper gear. Never snowboard when you are overtired or intoxicated. Don't try a new trick until you feel really confidant; fear and anxiety can cause you to tense up and get hurt a lot easier.
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