Rail riding is a prominent sub genre of slope style snowboarding. Often referred to as jibbing, rail riding usually takes place within a specialized obstacle course known as a terrain park. However, certain snowboarders take a more adventurous approach by hitting handrails located in metropolitan areas. In snowboarding, there are a wide variety of tricks you can perform on rails.
50/50 Grinds
The 50/50 grind is one of the most basic maneuvers that you can perform on a snowboard rail. ABC-of-Snowboarding recommends learning the 50/50 on a small box that features a takeoff ramp. Approach the obstacle at a comfortable speed to avoid sliding out. Perform a quick jump as you reach the apex of the takeoff. Align the bottom of your snowboard parallel to the top of the rail. Bend your knees as you begin the 50/50 grind. Jump away from the rail as you reach the end. Bend your knees once more to absorb the landing impact.
Board Slide
The board slide is another elementary snowboarding trick you can perform on rails. Choose a small rail in the beginner section of the terrain park to practice the board slide. Approach the rail at a comfortable speed to maintain control. Perform a quick jump as you reach the apex of the summit of the take off ramp. Rotate your snowboard 90 degrees with your back pointing toward the end of the rail. Transworld Snowboarding recommends looking over your shoulder while performing the board slide. Rotate your snowboard 90 degrees as you slide off the end of the rail. Bend your knees to absorb the impact.
Tail Press
Once you have mastered a few basic grinds and slides, you can move on to a more difficult rail trick known as the tail press. The tail press involves balancing on the tail or back end of the snowboard while sliding across the rail. Approach the rail with a moderate speed to avoid losing balance. Extend your legs to jump above the snowboard rail. Keep the underside of your snowboard parallel to the obstacle as you descend onto the rail. Balance on your tail while lifting the nose with your front foot. Jump away from the rail as you reach the end. Bend your knees to ensure a smooth landing.
Nose Press
While the nose press is one of the most stylish rail tricks, it's also one of the most difficult. The nose press is essentially the opposite of the tail press as it involves balancing on the front end of the snowboard. Approach the rail with a slow to medium speed on your first few attempts. Extend your legs quickly to jump above the rail. Lean forward as the underside of your board makes contact with the rail. Balance on your nose while keeping your snowboard parallel with the obstacle. Jump off with your front foot as you reach the end. Bend your knees to absorb the landing impact.
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