To ollie on a snowboard is to lift the board off the ground while in motion, maintaining control and balance at the same time. It's a foundation for many other snowboard maneuvers, and is a valuable trick to have in any snowboarders repertoire. The ollie may seem challenging at first, but with practice, becomes easier, eventually becoming second nature. The basic fundamentals can be learned simply standing while strapped into your snowboard.
Learning to "pop" off of the tail is the key to the ollie. The tail is used as a spring as the board's natural tendency is to maintain its shape even under stress. This will help you jump much higher than simply trying to jump without using the spring-like properties of the snowboard.
Step 1
Ride at a slow to moderate speed with knees bent and shoulders square to the ground.
Step 2
Rock your weight back onto your rear leg, bending it as you prepare to ollie.
Step 3
Lean your body weight back onto the tail end of the snowboard, causing your front foot and the nose of the snowboard to lift off the ground.
Step 4
Spring your weight off the flexing tail end of the snowboard, as if you were jumping up off of your rear leg.
Step 5
Level out the plane of the snowboard so that the nose and tail are equal heights off the ground and bring the board higher by bending your knees.
Step 6
Keep your knees bent and prepare to land evenly or tail end first, with shoulders square to the ground.
Tips and Warnings
- Rocking back on the tail end of the board is counter-intuitive for many new riders, but with practice and effort it gets easier.
- Snowboarding is an impact sport and requires fitness, agility, and trial and error while progressing with any tricks or maneuvers. The use of a helmet and wrist guards is good practice.
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