Riding the half-pipe is not an activity you should dive into with reckless abandon. Snowboarding pros who launch themselves 18 feet into the air may give you the idea that tearing up the pipe is a piece of cake. However, the walls are steeper and much slicker than they appear. It may not help your mountain cred, but you should transition from wall to wall to get a feel for the half-pipe before catching some air.
Step 1
Stand up and raise your hand to signal your intent to enter the half-pipe. Begin your descent down the hill. Make a few turns and brake once or twice if you are a beginner; this is known as a "speed check." Approach the side of the half-pipe that you are most comfortable with during turns.
Step 2
Decide how comfortable with the half-pipe you are. Approaching from the top of the half-pipe means that you are going to have plenty of speed and plenty of air out of the pipe. Try making a toe-side turn halfway up the toe side of the half-pipe (or heel side if it feels more natural). Bend your knees and let the board drop into the pipe.
Step 3
Keep the board straight as you approach the first wall of the half-pipe. Lean slightly on the edge of the board that corresponds to the side of the pipe you entered on. Do not turn the board; half-pipes are typically very icy.
Step 4
Jump up when your speed comes to a stop. Do not push off the wall by jumping out. If you manage to clear the lip of the pipe, let the speed carry you and do not jump. Jump only once you are comfortable with riding the half-pipe.
Step 5
Turn your shoulders and hips while in the air. The board is now ready to descend back down the wall. Maintain speed and repeat the steps on the opposite side of the board. Turn away from the wall if you have more speed than you are comfortable with.
Tips and Warnings
- Pump the board with your legs down the first wall and up the second wall to maintain speed throughout the half-pipe. Simply gliding from wall to wall will not gain you enough speed for a complete ride through the half-pipe.
Things You'll Need
- Snowboard
- Half-pipe
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