Riding a snowboarding in a halfpipe is one of the more difficult riding disciplines. Freestyle snowboarding contests, including the X Games and the Winter Olympics, showcase halfpipe riding as one of the featured events. As opposed to more compact snowboarding ramps, the halfpipe allows you to soar more than 20 feet in the air above the riding terrain. According to ABC-of-Snowboarding, the expansive design of the halfpipe ramp often measures around 150 to 300 feet in length. Because of the dangerous maneuvers associated with halfpipe riding, a snowboard helmet is highly recommended.
Step 1
Wear a snowboarding helmet that features a durable outer shell made from ABS plastic. Choose a flexible freestyle snowboard that can bend with the curvature of the halfpipe walls. Ride toward the drop-in section of the halfpipe with your nondominant foot in the lead position.
Step 2
Bend your knees slightly to lower your center of gravity. Shift your body weight toward the front of the snowboard as you drop into the halfpipe. Extend your arms for balance while riding across the flat bottom of the halfpipe.
Step 3
Transfer your body weight toward the tail of the snowboard while ascending the halfpipe wall. Extend your legs to perform an aerial jump as you reach the summit of the wall. Lift your knees toward your chest to maximize airtime.
Step 4
Rotate the snowboard 180 degrees as you reach the peak of your aerial jump. Lower your eyes to the ground to spot a safe landing. Lean forward to keep the bottom of your board parallel with the ramp wall.
Step 5
Bend your knees as the snowboard descends onto the halfpipe. Straighten your legs as you reach the bottom of the wall to maintain your velocity. Steer toward the opposing wall of the half pipe to execute another aerial jump.
Things You'll Need
- Snowboard helmet
- Flexible snowboard
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