In its infancy, the sport of snowboarding had only one riding style. Snowboarders were forced to test their skills on an off-piste terrain as snow skiing resorts wouldn't grant them admission. Throughout the years, snowboarding pioneers have developed numerous adrenaline-pumping riding disciplines. While some riders prefer to keep their boards on the ground, others enjoy high-flying aerial stunts.
Freestyle Snowboarding
Freestyle snowboarding may be one of the most recognized riding styles. Professional freestylers compete in televised competitions including the X Games and the Winter Olympics. Freestylers often ride on a large U-shaped ramp that is carved out from huge mounds of snow. The half-pipe allows freestyle riders to soar more than 20 feet above the top lip of the ramp. Freestylers also perform in slope style contests that take place on large obstacle courses known as terrain parks.
Freeride Snowboarding
The discipline of freeride snowboarding developed from the techniques and maneuvers utilized by early off-piste riders. Freeride snowboarders prefer to carve their own lines down untouched mountain slopes. In contrast to the hard-packed snow of the manicured skiing slope, freeride snowboarders ride on the powdery snow the accumulates on the face of the mountain. The outdoor specialists at ABC-of-Snowboarding recommend wearing soft boots while freeriding. Soft boots offer increased flexibility during hairpin turns and high-speed maneuvers.
Split Snowboarding
Split snowboarding refers to one of the newest riding styles. According to The New York Times, the split snowboard features an innovative design that can be converted into a pair of touring skis. Use the skis to traverse across the mountainous terrain while searching for new trails and possible runs. Once at the top of the slope, connect the pieces of the split board and rotate the bindings to the appropriate position. The split snowboard has dimensions similar to the freestyle board.
Snowboard Cross
Snowboard cross has been a dominant riding style since the early 1980s. Often referred to as boardercross, this riding style involves competing in high-speed races down a designated course. According to Time magazine, snowboard cross events generally involve four to six racers. The racers must wait patiently behind a folding gate until the starting signal is given. The snowboard cross course features a series of inclined ramps and hairpin turns that are carved into the snow.
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