Snowboarders utilize a lightweight board to perform high-flying tricks that involve flips and rotations. The core of the snowboard is made from a thin sheet of wood for increased stability during high-impact landings. In snowboarding, the cork refers to a flipping maneuver that involves a backward somersault. As of 2011, top pros have mastered double and trick cork variations.
Obstacles
Snowboarders utilize a variety of obstacles to perform the cork maneuver. Professional snowboarders often use steeply inclined launch ramps to execute a high-flying cork, according to "Transworld Snowboarding" magazine. The launch ramp provides increased airtime to allow you to complete the necessary movements of the cork trick. Avid riders may also use a specialized ramp known as the half pipe to perform the backwards somersault known as the cork. Ramp builders use large backhoes to carve out the half pipe.
Cork Varieties
Professional riders add numerous variations to the cork to create new and innovative maneuvers. Snowboarders often grab the edge of the board while performing the cork, according to The New York Times. Rotate your shoulders while executing the cork to increase the difficulty of your trick. Insert your dominant hand between your legs to hold the outer edge of the board. This variation is known as the roast beef cork. Hold the back end of the snowboard to carry out a tail grab cork.
Frontside Cork
Based on the direction of your spinning technique, the cork will be defined as a frontside or backside maneuver. If you ride with your left foot in the lead position, spin in a counterclockwise motion to execute a frontside cork. If you snowboard with your right foot in the lead position, a frontside cork involves spinning in a clockwise direction. When riding a half pipe, the toe edge of your snowboard should be almost parallel with the top lip of the ramp while setting up for a frontside cork.
Backside Cork
Many novice snowboarders often find the backside cork a little more difficult as you must look over your shoulder to spot your landing. If your snowboard stance involves your left foot in the lead position, spin the backside cork in a clockwise motion. For goofy-footed boarders who ride with their right foot in the lead, spin the backside cork in a counterclockwise direction. When ascending the wall of the half pipe, make sure the heel edge of your snowboard is almost parallel to the top lip.
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