How To

How to Backside Air on a Snowboard Halfpipe

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)

Turning backside is turning your chest down the transition so that your back faces up the slope. Backside airs are awesome to watch and fun to do, and set the foundation for a whole array of aerial variations.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Ski And Snowboard Stone
  • Helmets
  • Snowboard Bag
  • Snowboard Bindings
  • Snowboard Boots
  • Snowboard Clothing
  • Snowboard Goggles
  • Snowboard Hats
  • Snowboard Leash
  • Snowboards
  • Waxes
  • Helmets
  1. Step 1

    Spend some time riding the halfpipe so that you're comfortable doing both frontside and backside curve turns high on the wall of the pipe.

  2. Step 2

    Add a little extra to your hop at the top of your backside turn to release your weight from the board as you turn. Once you're doing this, you're basically already doing backside airs.

  3. Step 3

    Approach the wall on your uphill rail, facing downhill.

  4. Step 4

    Absorb the transition by bending your knees as you ride up it.

  5. Step 5

    Use the bend in your knees to jump up as you reach the peak of your turn.

  6. Step 6

    Turn your chest to face down the transition, and turn your board 180 degrees to face back down the transition as well.

  7. Step 7

    Keep your eyes on the spot where you want to land.

  8. Step 8

    Land on the transition with your knees bent to absorb the impact.

Tips & Warnings
  • Once you're comfortable with your backside air, grab the heel edge of your board with your front hand. This is how the backside air should really be done.
  • Grab the heel edge between your feet with your front hand for a method air.
  • Grab the toe edge between your feet and extend your legs as much as possible for a mute air.
  • Grab the toe edge between your feet with your back hand for an indy air.
  • Try to do your jumps higher and higher as you get more comfortable with your landings.
  • Don't try halfpipe aerials until you're ready. There are a lot of fundamentals to be learned on the slopes before you attempt dangerous tricks on the halfpipe.
  • Snowboarding is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 9/5/2006 1. Approach the halfpipe with a descent amount of speed to execute the frontside 360.
2. When you reach the lip of the halfpipe, rotate your furthest shoulder and rotate your head which directs your body.
3. When you get about halfway with the spin, put your grab in and keep looking where you want to go then let go of the grab and land with your knees taking the pressure.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Dont jump when you're in the pipe or you'll hurt yourself. The key to getting air is speed and a good wall. Just hit the wall with as much speed as you can and let the pipe throw
you out.

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