Snowskating combines the tricks of skateboarding with the terrain of snowboarding. The snow-skate board closely resembles the construction of the conventional skateboard. The snowskate industry has continued to grow since the early 2000s and is featured in some of the top extreme sports competitions such as the Winter X Games. Having a background in snowboarding and skateboarding can help the beginner snow-skater to pick up the essential techniques.
The Board
While the snowskate board might resemble the basic shape of the conventional skateboard, certain key differences separate the two designs. The skateboard has a wooden construction that consists of thin layers of ply. The snowskate requires a material that can withstand the moisture of the snow. Snowskate boards often feature a carbon fiber or hard plastic design which allows the boards to be lightweight while still being able to endure the harsh conditions of the snow.
Skis and Grip
Certain models of the snowskate offer a simple flat bottom that can easily slide across the smooth surface of the snow. Other more advanced models of the snowskate feature four miniature skis attached to the bottom of the board. The skis lift the board off the ground which helps the snowskater to pop the board into the air while performing tricks. The skis also help the rider to dig into turns, which increases maneuverability. The grip on top of the snowskate is not like the sandpaper-like material attached to the top of the conventional skateboard. The grip of the snow-skate consists of a foam like material which helps to hold the rider's boots in place.
Terrain
The terrain of the snowskater consists of the same obstacles used by snowboarders and trick skiers. Snowskaters commonly perform tricks off of steep mounds of snow that have been smoothed into ramps. Snowskating also remains popular in snowboard terrain parks which feature fiberglass rails and boxes. More adventurous snow skaters find natural terrain in the streets such as handrails.
Tricks
The tricks of snowskating have been directly borrowed and adapted from conventional skateboarding and snowboarding. The Ollie, a basic skateboarding trick, is used in snowskating to lift the board off of the snow. Snowskaters also perform board slides that include the rider sliding across a rail or box with the bottom of the snowskateboard. Snowskaters can also execute the flip tricks of skateboarding. The snowskater can perform a kick-flip by popping the snow skateboard into the air and then flipping the board with the front foot.
Prevention/Solution
A common fall in snowskating consists of the rider slipping out and attempting to catch himself by extending his arms behind him. A rider making this mistake can easily fracture his arm or wrist. A snowskater should be conscious of the correct way to fall. Snowskaters should tuck their arms to their chest during a slip out to avoid wrist or arm injury. Snowskaters can also wear a helmet to protect against the hard surfaces of rails and boxes.
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