Halfpipe snowboarding involves performing tricks in a groomed, U-shaped bowl. Elements of a snowboard halfpipe include the deck, vertical wall, transition and flat, reports ABC of snowboarding.com. You need excellent edge control and turning control to ride a halfpipe, says the snowboard site. When learning how to ride a halfpipe on a snowboard, keep your knees bent, ride your uphill edge and wear a helmet.
Step 1
Ride along the deck of the halfpipe and face into the pipe. Keep gentle pressure on your toe edge and look for a place to drop in.
Step 2
Turn 90 degrees and ollie into the halfpipe. Flex your knees to absorb the fall end extend your legs to pump down the transition of the pipe.
Step 3
Ride across the flat bottom and look toward the opposite wall. Keep pressure on your toe-side edge and bend your knees.
Step 4
Extend your legs and ride up the transition while you maintain your toe edge.
Step 5
Shift your weight heel-side as you approach the end, or lip, of the vertical wall.
Step 6
Perform a jump turn or a slide turn at the lip. Turn toward your back.
Step 7
Land on the transition and keep gentle pressure on the heel edge of your snowboard. Pump down the transition and ride across the flat toward the opposite wall.
Step 8
Extend your legs to pump upward on the transition. Shift your weight to your toe edge as you near the lip of the pipe.
Step 9
Jump, or slide turn, at the lip of the vertical wall. Turn toward your chest.
Step 10
Land on the transition, keep your weight over your toes and ride onto the flat.
Step 11
Repeat steps 3 to 10 until you reach the end of the pipe.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice ollie airs and 180-degree ollie airs on flat ground before snowboarding in the halfpipe.
- There is a risk of injury when freestyle snowboarding in a halfpipe. The Canadian Safety Council warns that serious snowboarding injuries can cause long-term physical or mental disabilities.
Member Comments