Welcome to the world of intermediate snowboarding tricks and techniques! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already got a solid foundation in the sport and are ready to take your skills to the next level. Here, we’ll cover some common intermediate tricks and techniques that will help you progress as a snowboarder and have even more fun on the mountain.
One of the first things you’ll want to work on as an intermediate snowboarder is your carving skills. Carving involves making smooth, curved turns on the mountain, rather than simply zigzagging your way down. To carve, you’ll need to shift your weight onto your toes or heels to initiate the turn, and then lean into the turn to maintain your edge. You can also use your upper body to help guide the turn by looking in the direction you want to go. Practice carving on different terrain and snow conditions to improve your control and precision.
Another important intermediate trick to master is the ollie. An ollie is a jump that involves popping off the ground with your back foot and then pulling your front foot up and towards your back foot as you lift off. This move is essential for hitting jumps, riding in the terrain park, and performing other tricks. To practice your ollies, start by standing on flat ground and popping your tail off the ground. Once you get the hang of it, try doing ollies on small hills or jumps.
Another key technique for intermediate snowboarders is the 180. A 180 is a half-turn that involves spinning around on your board while in the air. To do a 180, you’ll need to approach your takeoff with speed and pop off the ground with your back foot. As you lift off, turn your upper body and look in the direction you want to go. As you complete the turn, snap your board back down to the ground and land facing the opposite direction. Practice 180s on small jumps or on flat ground to get the hang of the technique.
In addition to these tricks, there are plenty of other intermediate techniques to work on as you progress as a snowboarder. Some other skills to consider include the switch stance (riding with your non-dominant foot forward), riding switch (riding with your opposite foot forward), and riding fakie (riding backwards). As you work on these and other tricks, be sure to start small and gradually increase the difficulty as you get more comfortable.
One final tip for intermediate snowboarders is to seek out instructional videos and lessons from experienced riders. These resources can be a great way to learn new tricks and techniques, as well as to get feedback on your riding. You can also consider joining a local snowboarding club or team, which can provide valuable opportunities to ride with more experienced riders and get personalized coaching.
In conclusion, there are many intermediate tricks and techniques that can help you take your snowboarding skills to the next level. From carving and ollies to 180s and riding switch, there are plenty of ways to improve and have even more fun on the mountain. Whether you’re just starting to explore intermediate tricks or you’re well on your way to becoming a seasoned rider, there’s always more to learn and enjoy in the world of snowboarding.