Three-sixties are impressive snowboard maneuvers, and also provide a unique sensation that is exhilarating and fulfilling. Riders begin by first spinning to their left or right. "Frontside" denotes rotating with your body open into the rotation, while "backside" implies spinning with your back into the direction of the rotation. While many riders believe that speed and lift off the ground will assure their success in executing a 360, proper planning and technique are the best ways to build ability, confidence and competence for this and other tricks on a snowboard.
Step 1
Approach the transition with knees bent and at a comfortable speed.
Step 2
Wrap your leading arm around your body as if you were about to throw a Frisbee from you waist.
Step 3
Drop your leading shoulder down, preparing the body to spring upwards off of bent knees.
Step 4
Unwrap your leading arm, twisting your body into a spinning rotation as you leave the transition of the jump.
Step 5
Look over your shoulder in the direction of the rotation and follow through by leading with your arms.
Step 6
Keep your board level, shoulders square and chin over your shoulder while spinning in the air
Step 7
Sight you landing, preparing to absorb it with knees bent and shoulders square to the ground.
Tips and Warnings
- Increasing speed and size of the transitions will result in greater airtime as well as harder landings. Speed is the most important part of this and any trick. Experiment with how much speed you need to get off the ground for how long it takes to complete a rotation. Many riders prefer to spring "off the toes," meaning that they leave the ground on their toe edge of the snowboard, allowing a more aggressive leap as they propel themselves off the transition of the jump. It's normal to favor frontside or backside, but becoming proficient at spinning in both directions is an accomplishment of any skilled freestyle snowboarder. Try grabbing the nose, tail or center of the board for additional board control and style.
- Riders learning this trick are likely to fall repeatedly, as it requires a great deal of practice, ability and spatial reorientation to become competent. Wearing a helmet and possibly wrist protection is a wise choice. This trick is not for beginning snowboarders.
Things You'll Need
- Helmet
- Snowboard
- Declined hill or approach
- Jump, ramp or knoll
- Safe landing area
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