Despite years of snowboarding practice, I know that I'll never be able to take big jumps like the professionals. While I'm not yet comfortable with larger jumps, my mastery over roller jumps always helps to boost my confidence on the hill. With a bit of practice, you can achieve the same level of mastery and, like me, use rollers to work toward the larger, more impressive jumps on a run.
Roller Jump
To attract riders, managers of hills and parks place a variety of features throughout a run. While these are popular with riders, a typical path also includes a variety of jumps and small cliffs that are a part of the terrain. Roller jumps, which are small bumps with a slight rolling shape similar to that at the top of a ball, are among the more common naturally-occurring features on a run. Due to their size and smooth shape, an unexpecting rider may pass over these jumps without noticing.
Getting Air
While it is possible to glide over rollers without noticing, you can use these jumps to practice getting air. If you are going at a high enough speed and hit a roller at the right angle, you may be able to get airborne without much effort. To ensure that you get air off of a roller at any speed, you should try to master popping, or jumping while on your snowboard. Teach yourself this trick while stationary and on level ground by squatting as low as you can, then springing up quickly to get as high as you can.
Sizing it Up
Although you may be keen to try your popping skills as soon as possible, you should size up the jump before attempting it. Once you find a roller that you like, watch other riders approach and hit the jump to gauge the ideal speed and angle. Rider over the roller a few times to determine when you should pop, then practice popping at low speeds. Do this until you are comfortable with popping and landing before attempting to increase your airtime.
Practicing a Spin
Now that you are comfortable with popping at low speeds, try increasing your speed and the height of your jump to practice a spin. As you approach the roller, get as low as you can, keeping your shoulders parallel to the board and steadying your arms. Pop up as your front foot hits the peak of the roller, pushing with your back foot and shoulder in the direction that you wish to spin. Bring your knees to your chest to increase your airtime, then lower your legs as your board begins to line up with the ground. Watch your landing and try to land flush with the surface of the ground, then wait until you are stable before stopping or turning.
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