http://articles.mountainboardgear.com/rss.xml A blog about mountainboardgear.com daily 365 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://articles.mountainboardgear.com/?a=36520 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>The fans of other similar sports often appreciate freestyle snowboarding too, and that might by why the sport is so popular. It is a sport for people who love the excitement, and the pleasure of speeds and flying through the air.<br /><br />The following is an alphabetized list of some of the key terms that you might hear if you listen to fans talking about snowboarding, or if you watch an event on television:<br /><br />Air refers to the length of time, and the distance off the ground. Most times this is associated with the number of stunts that are performed while off the ground.<br /><br />Bonk refers to when you slide over some object and slap it with your hand. There is usually a little air involved in this. Most likely the name comes from the sound made by the board hitting the bump, or by the slap.<br /><br />Duck stance refers to the position with both feet on the board at once. This is the regular position of just standing up, but it is a little difficult while in the air, or while sliding down a hill.<br /><br />Edges are the strips of metal that run along the edges of the board. Snowboarders use this part of the board to change direction, or to apply brake, or to make a pattern in the snow. The edges are what you use to maneuver the board in the desired direction. This is done by shifting one's weight to the toes or heels.<br /><br />A fall line is a straight line down the mountain. This is the line where the snowboard would travel fastest, since the force of gravity acts directly and the force of friction is lowest. The concept behind this name is that going straight down the mountain this way feels so fast it's like free fall.<br /><br />A garland means that the boarder is going across the slope. They need to build up speed going down, and then shift direction suddenly.<br /><br />A half pipe is used for stunts. They go from one side to the other, in a funnel shaped area that is specially built for doing fancy stunts.<br /><br />A kicker is a little jump that helps snowboarders to get as much air as possible, which allows them to perform many tricks in the air. The lip is the edge of a pipe, or some other area where you can take off into the air to begin a stunt.<br /><br />When a rider turns, he may create a bump called a mogul. When you watch snowboarding events on television, or out in the real world, there are several events. There is the half pipe, where pros compete to see who can do the best stunts while in the air over a pipe. In a jump contest pros speed down the free line of a hill, to gather up as much momentum as possible. <br /><br />They then hurl themselves off a lip at the end of the line, and into the air. The object is to do as many difficult tricks as possible while in the air. In power snow driving you start at the top of a hill and go straight down to the bottom, making as many fancy turns and tricks and small jumps as you can in between. This is a great favorite among freestyle fans.<br /><br />Boarder Cross has several boarders who go down a hill together, navigating a series of jumps, twists, and obstacles in a race to the bottom. This is a great and wonderful sport that is worth the time to learn about, even if you just want to watch.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as snowboard boots and binding at <a href="http://www.mountainboardgear.com/">http://www.mountainboardgear.com</a></p> 2006-11-24T20:01-05:00 http://articles.mountainboardgear.com/?a=36518 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Some people who come into the sport buy their snowboards; others get theirs as gifts after much pleading and patient waiting. That is a start, but now you have to figure out the hardest part, which is learning how to become a real snowboarder. In this article we're going to talk about some of the fundamental strategies of snowboarding, and some of the main things you're going to need to learn, and the equipment you're going to need to get started.<br />As with any sport, the right equipment is vital if you want to perform properly, and you need to know how the equipment works as well. A general guide to the basics of snowboarding should include and outline of this information.<br /><br />You need a board that fits you right. Boards come in all sizes, for adults and children of all ages and sizes so when you get your board, make sure it is a good fit. This way learning how to snowboard is going to be much easier.<br /><br />Snowboarding works in much the same way as skiing, and the board is shaped in much the same way as a ski. For those with experience in skiing the transition should be much easier than for someone who is altogether new to the snow. <br /><br />There are many types of snowboards, including freestyle boards, free ride boards and alpine or race boards. Beginners like them because they are easier to use than the other types of board. The two ends of the freestyle board are the same, so there is no front and back. This type of board is good for learning to snowboard, and for learning new tricks. Use a soft, short shoe for this type of board. <br />The free ride board is very versatile in terms of the kinds of conditions it can handle. Of course, an amateur or beginner wouldn't have much use for this facility. Many different kinds of snow and ground quality are within your reach with this type of board. It is not as short or wide as the freestyle board and it is less flexible. The free ride board goes well with soft, tall shoes that have soft bindings.<br /><br />Race or alpine boards are the kind of boards you will see being used in major competitions, or by professionals. Its thinness increases stability and makes the board pick up speed more easily, and make sharp, fast turns more easily. The shoe that goes with a race or alpine board resembles a ski shoe, for support and control. <br /><br />Be sure to keep your legs and your whole body relaxed. If you tense up it is going to be hard going, and you run the risk of experiencing a dangerous fall. Keep your knees bent a little, but don't lock them. Instead, focus on keeping your legs loose to absorb the pressure of any bumps you encounter. <br /><br />That way, the ride will be smooth and easy and it will not be difficult to keep your balance. Avoid the urge to tense up your legs, or you won't get that smooth ride and you are very likely to end up on the ground, which is not a good place to be. Look at the pros and see the way they do it, and you'll get a feel for the sport. This is a good way to avoid having to learn by trial and error, which can be a very painful process.<br /><br />Strap one foot onto the board and see how you feel going across the hill, just to get a feel for it. When you think you are ready, strap in the other foot and try going down the hill for the first time. <br />You steer with the leg that is in front. Use your front leg to guide the board, and use your hips to maintain balance. Don't forget to keep your knees bent to absorb the shocks of any bumps on the hill. You are now snowboarding. When you want to stop just turn sideways so that the board is heading perpendicular to the hill, and you are facing up. That way the board will stop moving. To start again, point your snowboard down and it will start sliding.<br />You might want to borrow equipment the first few times to get a feel for the sport before getting your own personal shoes and board. You will also have a better idea about what kind is right for you.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as snowboard gear at <a href="http://www.mountainboardgear.com/">http://www.mountainboardgear.com</a></p> 2006-11-24T19:42-05:00