There are myriad snowboarding disciplines that involve executing aerial jumps. While half pipe riders use the inclined walls of the ramp to perform their jumps, off-piste snowboarders execute flat ground jumps over obstacles in the backcountry. Regardless of the snowboarding style you prefer, the basic movements of the jumping technique are the same. Often referred to as the Ollie, the jumping technique involves using the tail of the snowboard as a springboard. ABC-of-Snowboarding recommends keeping your shoulders parallel with the board while executing a jump.
Step 1
Choose a low-traffic area on your local snowboarding slope to practice the jumping technique. Ride forward until you reach a comfortable speed. Bend your knees to a 45-degree angle to balance your snowboarding stance.
Step 2
Load the tail of the snowboard by transferring your body weight onto your back foot. Raise your front foot quickly to lift the nose of the snowboard off the riding terrain. Extend your back back leg to jump as the tail of the snowboard springs you into the air.
Step 3
Pull your knees towards your chest to maximize the altitude of your snowboarding jump. Lean forward slightly to keep the underside of the board parallel to the snow. Lower your eyes to the ground as you begin to descend towards the snow.
Step 4
Bend your knees to absorb the impact as the snowboard touches down. Shift your body weight onto the heel or toe edge of the snowboard to prevent unnecessary drag. Practice the snowboard jump on flat ground until you get comfortable with the technique.
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