Like most extreme sports, snowboarding uses a variety of specialized terms to refer to different techniques, types of riders and terrain features. While jumps on hills and at parks are often made with a combination of snow and artificial features, rollers are types of jumps that occur naturally on the terrain. These small jumps are generally small in size, though they can be used to get significant air if you hit them at the right speed and in the right place on a run.
Definition
Unlike other jumps at parks and hills, rollers do not necessarily result in your board leaving the ground. As a roller is typically a small bump with a natural "rolling" shape, such as that found at the top of a tire, slower-moving or unprepared riders may simply glide over a roller without noticing. If you are looking to practice tricks, jumps or simply get airborne, rollers should be adequate to suit your needs.
Popping
According to the experts at Snow Professor, expectations of becoming airborne simply by hitting a roller are inaccurate. While they acknowledge that you may leave the ground if you hit a roller at the right speed, jumping at the right moment can guarantee and greatly add to your airtime. Known as "popping," jumping on a snowboard can be performed whether you are still or moving. To practice popping, begin by squatting low while standing still, then springing up quickly. To gain air and keep yourself stable while airborne, bring your knees to your chest and hold your arms steady after popping.
Rollers as Practice
Once you have mastered popping while stable and on level ground, rollers can serve as an effective way to practice your jumps and tricks. To avoid the risk of injury, watch other riders and try hitting rollers slowly without popping to determine how fast you need to go to become airborne. If you are comfortable with your speed and airtime, try hitting the roller at a faster speed to increase your air. This allows you to practice reading the terrain, landing properly and attaining the right speed for a jump without much risk of injury.
How to Jump off of a Roller
Unlike larger jumps, which allow you to get air without much effort, jumping off of a roller requires more than speed and forward momentum. Before you approach the jump, it is important to crouch as low as possible, keep your shoulders parallel to your board and hold your arms steady. As your front foot begins to approach the far edge of the roller, pop up and bring your knees to your chest to maintain airtime. While holding yourself stable in the air, try to direct your snowboard so that as much of it touches down as possible once you hit the ground. With your board and body at the same angle as your landing spot, begin to stand and become stable while upright before attempting to stop or turn. Once you have mastered popping off of a roller, try adding spins, grabs and tricks while airborne to practice your techniques for larger jumps.
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