Jumping a snowboard is a combination of anticipation and following through. During the approach and launch, your focus is always on the end result, which is landing and riding on. An extreme rider might kick out and grab a rail in midair off a jump. But looking closely, you notice his body is directly above the center of the board at takeoff and landing. Your body position and posture is the key to balance when jumping a snowboard.
Basics
Step 1
Place the snowboard on a flat section and strap your feet onto the board. Look straight ahead instead of down.
Step 2
Extend one arm straight ahead and the other straight back. Keep your body erect as you flex your knees in a half crouch above the center of the board.
Step 3
Jump straight up and flex your knees like shock absorbers as you land. Hold this position.
Step 4
Notice your posture and body position in relation to the center of the snowboard. Your body should be erect and over the center of the board. If necessary, repeat the standing jump several times until you are able to remain erect and over the center of the board each time.
Jumping
Step 1
Find a section that has a smooth downhill run on a modest slope. Take a position on your board at the top of the run.
Step 2
Start downhill with your body erect and your arms comfortably out from your sides for balance. At this point, the board is flat on the snow and you are riding directly down the line of the slope.
Step 3
Extend your arms straight out, with one arm ahead and the other back. Flex your knees into the half crouch with your body erect. Spring straight up as hard as possible and flex your knees as you land. Relax your arms and ride on.
Step 4
Find a modest drop-off that has a slope leading up where you can get up to speed. Your goal is to spring straight up with modest force just before launch, as you remain erect over the center of the board.
Step 5
Start down the slope. Extend your arms and crouch just before the drop-off. Focus ahead on the section below where you will land. Spring up and jump. Flex your knees as you land, relax your arms and ride on.
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