Snowboarding is a winter sport enjoyed by millions of enthusiasts around the world. Freeriding is a form of the sport involving all-mountain terrain riding. According to the ABC-of-Snowboarding website, "in this snowboarding style, you will spend most of your time on the ground and you will be able to utilize all the mountain could offer--from open terrain, backcountry chutes, to fresh powder and trees." With a few adjustments to your snowboard and to your body mechanics, you will be ready for the deep snow. Snowboard-Master.com recommends wearing a helmet when snowboarding due to the risk of crashing.
Step 1
Adjust your snowboard bindings. Position your binding stance toward the rear of the board. This set-up will give the board a longer nose for floating in the powder.
Step 2
Locate a powder covered slope. An open slope, free of obstacles, with no flat areas is best. In order to get fresh tracks, arrive early in the morning.
Step 3
Position your body weight over your board and shift your hips toward your back foot. This will keep the tail of the snowboard down and the nose on top of the snow. If the nose digs into the snow, you will slow down and get stuck.
Step 4
Gain speed by pointing your board downhill. Float on the snow. Because the deep snow is heavy and will slow you down, maintaining speed is a necessity for powder riding.
Step 5
Make turns in the powder. Press down on the tail of your board and lean slightly toward the heel or toe edge. Connect your turns and carve through the powder with smooth S-turns.
Tips and Warnings
- A long, stiff snowboard with a directional shape is best for riding powder.
- Be aware of your surroundings; the ABC-of-Snowboarding website reports that "avalanches are a real danger for all those who visit snowy, mountainous areas," adding, "ninety-five percent of people who are caught in avalanches are caught by a slide that was triggered by themselves or a member of their party." (See References 2)
Things You'll Need
- Snowboard
- Snowboard boots
- Warm, waterproof clothing
- Gloves
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Deep snow
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