While the jumping technique is one of the most exhilarating snowboarding maneuvers, it's also one of the most dangerous. Losing control of your board for a brief moment could send you tumbling across the riding terrain. The secret to the snowboard jump involves mastering the individual steps that make up the technique. Always wear a protective helmet when attempting snowboard tricks.
Choosing a Ramp
Novice snowboarders often make the mistake of choosing a large ramp in the terrain park to learn the jumping technique. Beginners are encouraged to practice the snowboard jump on flat ground before moving on to inclined ramps. After mastering the flat ground jump, you can move to the beginner section of the terrain park. The Snow Professor recommends selecting a compact ramp that features a height of 1 to 2 feet. Be aware of your surroundings to avoid collisions with fellow riders.
The Ollie
In snowboarding, the jumping technique commonly is referred to as the ollie. The ollie allows you to elevate the underside of your snowboard above the ground through a series of simple body movements. To start off, The House Boardshop recommends loading the tail of your snowboard by leaning onto your back foot. Lift your front foot while extending your back leg. Spring off the tail of the board while jumping skyward. Pull your knees close to your chest to maximize your hang time.
Airborne Balance
The airborne stage of the snowboarding jump is one of the most crucial steps. Maintaining your balance and composure throughout the aerial jump will allow you to prepare for a safe landing. At the height of your jump, the underside of your snowboard should be roughly parallel with the ground. If your board begins to lean too far, rotate your arms forward or backward in a circular motion to level out your stance.
Landing
When practicing your jumps, choose a ramp that features a soft landing covered with a thick layer of powdered snow. As you begin to lose altitude, extend your arms parallel to the ground for increased balance. Lower your eyes to the snow to spot a safe landing area. Keep your body weight evenly distributed between the two bindings as your snowboard touches down. To ensure a smooth landing, bend your knees to absorb the impact.
Member Comments