Slope style snowboarders use a variety of obstacles including metallic rails and fiberglass ledges. Rail riding, often referred to as jibbing, requires advanced balance and board control. To avoid painful falls, start out with an elementary rail trick known as the 50-50. ABC-of-Snowboarding recommends learning the 50-50 on a small rail to avoid clipping your shins while mounting the obstacle. Choose a snowboard rail that features a small takeoff ramp to ensure you have enough air time to jump above the obstacle.
Step 1
Wear a snowboarding helmet that features a polycarbonate outer shell to protect your skull from the sharp edges of the grinding rail.
Step 2
Ride toward the snowboarding rail at a moderate speed. Bend your knees to a 45-degree angle to balance your snowboarding stance.
Step 3
Approach the rail with the toe edge of your snowboard parallel to the obstacle. Transfer most of your body weight onto your back foot as you ascend the takeoff ramp. Extend your legs to jump skyward as you reach the summit of the ramp.
Step 4
Pull your knees toward your chest to elevate the snowboard above the rail. Lean forward slightly to keep the underside of the board parallel to the top of the rail. Bend your knees as the bottom of your snowboard descends onto the rail.
Step 5
Extend your arms for balance while keeping your shoulders parallel to the rail. Distribute your body weight evenly between the two bindings of the snowboard to avoid losing balance. Lean back slightly as you slide to the end of the rail.
Step 6
Extend your legs while jumping forward to dismount the snowboarding rail. Lower your eyes to the ground to spot your landing. Bend your knees as the underside of your snowboard makes contact with the slope.
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