Snowboarding terminology is almost a language of its own, with terms covering everything from board specifications to different falls. Learning terminology for maneuvers is especially difficult because of all the variations and combinations of moves. Start out with the basic maneuvers -- spins and airs -- before you move onto more challenging tricks. Catching air means jumping, and spins begin at 180 degrees. Consult a doctor about medical issues before you get started.
Your Board
The nose is the upturned tip of your snowboard and the tail is the back end. Your bindings are what attach your feet to your board. Flex refers to the amount a board can bend. The camber is the upper arch on the base of your board, which distributes your weight. A leash is a strap that attaches to you and your board. Wax is a lubricant put on the board base.
Maneuvers
An edge change occurs when you smoothly shift edges during a turn. Garlands are partial turns performed without switching edges. Skidding is working the edges of your board across the snow to move at a certain speed. An ollie is a leap performed without a ramp. A caballerial is a 360-degree jump, landing in the same position. Regular riding leads with the left foot and goofy riding leads with the right.
Terrain
A half-pipe is a U-shaped ramp in the snow for freestyle maneuvers. A quarter-pipe is a half-pipe with only one wall. The lip is the top edge of a half- or quarter-pipe. Groomed snow is snow maintained with machinery. Backcountry is a snowboarding area away from groomed ski slopes. Corn snow means thawed and refrozen snow. Dry slopes are artificially created slopes. The gradient is the steepness of the slope. Powder is fresh, soft snow.
Falling
A wipeout is a spectacular fall. When you face plant, you land face first in the snow. In a spinal tap, you catch the heel edge of your snowboard and fall hard on your back. Sketch means having your snowboard slide out from under you after a jump or turn. A slam is a heavy-duty fall caused by catching your toe or heel in the snow.
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