The backflip is an advanced snowboarding trick that involves performing a backward somersault. Professional snowboarders add spins and variations to increase the difficulty of the backflipping technique. When attempting the backflip for the first time, choose a low-traffic area on your local mountain slope. Follow a few basic tips to remain safe throughout the learning process.
Choosing a Ramp
Choosing a snowboard ramp with the appropriate dimensions will provide enough time to complete the full rotation of the backflip. Professional snowboarder Colleen Quigley recommends learning the backflip on the fly-out section of your local half-pipe ramp. The fly-out section is located near the drop-in of the half-pipe ramp. Practice a few jumps off the fly-out section to ensure you can soar to a height of 4 to 5 feet. Increase your takeoff speed to boost the altitude of your jump.
Tuck and Grab
Compress your riding stance to increase the velocity of your backward somersault. Bend your knees as you ascend the fly-out section of the half-pipe ramp. Lean back slightly as you approach the top lip. Extend your legs to jump vertically as you reach the apex of the half-pipe ramp. Lift your knees toward your chest while grabbing the outside edge of the snowboard with your dominant hand. Maintain this crouched stance as you begin to flip backward.
Spot Your Landing
Lower your eyes to the snowboarding terrain as your body reaches an inverted position. Maintain eye contact while releasing your dominant hand from the outer edge of the snowboard. Keep the bottom of your snowboard parallel to the ground as you complete the backward somersault. Bend your knees as the bottom of your snowboard makes contact with the snow. Practice the backflip until you can land the trick consistently. After mastering the backflip in the fly-out section, try the trick on a mellow kick ramp in the terrain park.
Safety Gear
Many novice snowboarders make the mistake of panicking as they reach the inverted body position of the backflip. Flailing your arms while upside down may prevent you from flipping around. This may cause you to land painfully on your head and neck. To prevent serious injuries while attempting the backflip, wear a properly sized snowboarding helmet. "Snowboard" magazine recommends wearing a helmet with adjustable inner pads for a custom fit. Top-rated snowboard helmets are tested and approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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