Compared to the extensive history of the Olympic games, freestyle snowboarding is a more recent addition. Snowboarding hit the scene at the 1999 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. In the early days of Olympic snowboarding, downhill racing and halfpipe were the two main events. Over the years, a freestyle event known as slope style became integrated into the Olympic games.
1080 Tail Grab
Many advanced snowboarding tricks involve aerial spins. The backside 1080 tail grab is an expert-level snowboarding trick commonly performed by riders that compete in Olympic halfpipe events. The inclined walls of the snowboarding halfpipe allow you to soar more than 15 feet into the air. Olympic riders perform a vertical jump as they reach the apex of the half pipe. Spinning your shoulders quickly will allow you to complete the 1080 degree spin. Grab the tail of the snowboard as you spin.
Double McTwist
The double McTwist has been successfully landed by only a few of the most skilled professionals. According to ESPN, snowboarding sensation Shaun White executed a flawless double McTwist at the 2010 Winter Olympics. White's score of 48.40 won him the Olympic gold medal in the men's halfpipe division. The death-defying maneuver involves performing two backwards somersaults while executing a 1260 degree rotation. To stay compressed in the flipping stance, riders often grab the outside edge of the snowboard.
Nose Press
While Olympic halfpipe riders practice aerial tricks, slope-style riders perfect difficult slides and grinds across terrain park obstacles. Olympic slope-style riders perform numerous variations of the nose press. The nose press involves balancing on the front end of the snowboard as you glide across the top of a rail or ledge. Approach the rail with a comfortable momentum. Jump over the top of the rail while leaning forward. Land onto the nose of the snowboard while bending your knees for balance.
270 Boardslide
The 270 boardslide is an Olympic snowboarding trick that combines a 270-degree spin with a boardslide. Keep the heel edge of your snowboard parallel to the obstacle as you approach the rail. Extend your legs to jump while rotating your shoulders. Turn your head in the direction of the spin. Lift your legs while spinning the 270 rotation above the rail. Lower your snowboard onto the rail in a perpendicular position. Lean back slightly as you begin the slide.
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